Lake Eufaula Fishin' Tips

According to a top local angler, you need to break the known fishing maxims on Lake Eufaula. Strategies for most waters may not necessarily apply here, as gamefish tend to be unusually shallow and should be approached accordingly.

Crappie

Crappie are plentiful and fairly easy to find in Eufaula. When they spawn in late March, April or early May (depending upon water temperatures), anglers should focus on brushy coves and creek arms. If water levels are high during this period, shoreline areas with flooded buck brush should be targeted. Bank fishermen as well as boaters have access to plenty of action this time of the year. As for bait, minnows fished below small corks are simple and productive. For artificials, either micro tube jigs or jigs tipped with curly tails in hot pink, chartreuse, red and crawdad are excellent. Prime spring locations include the Porum Landing area, Gentry Creek, Emerald Bay and Hospital Cove. Areas of moving water where culverts enter the lake are particularly attractive to spawners.

During every other season, crappie will be found next to and among brush piles. Uses a depthfinder, to locate brush in a depth of about 15 feet that is near water twice that deep. Doodle sock jigs in and around the brush pile. Be prepared to move your boat around the perimeter of the brush a few times to fill a limit.

Black Bass

With the intense heat of summer, bass head for rocky points and if the lake level is high enough, shoreline willow growth for cover. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits appeal to bass at this time of year. Try a 3/8-ounce spinnerbait in white/chartreuse, black/chartreuse, and solid white with a pearl trailer. Willow leaf blades work best. Select similar colors for crankbaits.

Other summer hot spots for bass are the channels between the lake's numerous islands. When the dam gates are open, water flows between the islands and bass are drawn to the current to feed. Look for areas that have a sand bank on one side and a rocky bank on the other.

At times, fishing open water areas produces huge catches of bass. Cast surface baits, like Pop-Rs, Chug Bugs, and buzzbaits, over the tops of mud or sand flats inhabited by schools of minnows. When both forage fish and bass are present, expect some furious action.

During early fall, bass typically hang in shallow water. They can be found in as little as 1 to 2 feet, but always near some type of structure. Shallow-running crankbaits work well in this situation. Later in fall, move to deeper water (8 to 10 feet), and switch to crankbaits that run at the appropriate depth. Try sloping banks and drops that absorb the morning's first sun. If crankbaits fail to produce any action, try a spinnerbait with a No. 7 or 8 Colorado blade (copper).

In winter, spinnerbaits still work, but use models with much smaller blades. Texas-rigged grubs and Git Zits can be hot, expecially around the dam area. Also toss Baby N crankbaits in areas up to 10 feet deep, working as close as possible to any available cover. Dull covers work best in clear water, while green backs and smoke bodies are preferred in water that is stained. Jig n' pigs in crawdad color patterns as well as the Hart 5-inch bluegill grub rigged Texas style (3/16-ounce slip sinker) take bass in winter, too.

Pre-spawn bass will hit lizards, Salt Craws, and spinnerbaits. Since the water is normally stained this time of year, use brightly colored lures. Fish sandbars adjacent to spawning areas as well as the previous season's weed growth. Prime spots for pre-spawn activity include Broken Cove and Duchess, Mud and Carr creeks.

To avoid disturbing spawning beds, conscientious anglers target bass that are either preparing to spawn or those that have already spawned. In both cases, fish deeper water off spawning nests where bass stage awaiting the next seasonal change.

Since Eufaula has little natural cover, look for brush piles off banks in 4 to 8 feet of water. Bass relate to these areas closely and can be enticed with a slow-rolled spinnerbait, jig n' pig, or crankbait fished with a stop-and-go retrieve.

Most spotted and smallmouth bass are caught incidentally by anglers seeking largemouth. If targeting spotted or smallmouth, fish deeper water than largemouth normally inhabit and use smaller lures than largemouth prefer. Smallies and spotted bass seek rock shelves rather than mud bottoms that their larger cousins occupy.

Sand Bass

The annual sand bass run takes place in spring, as sandies move up flowing creek and river channels to spawn. In the process, they feed greedily on shad and are readily caught by anglers. Jigs are the hottest bait for spawners. White, red and yellow are prime color choices.

After spawning, sand bass return to the main lake and can be found along primary points and riprap shores. Fishermen line these areas and cast in-line spinners or jigs. Rooster Tails and No. 2 Mepps Aglias are the top choices of local anglers.

In midsummer, sand bass chase shad along flats in the main lake. Long line trollers use long-billed Rebels and Bombers to run depths of 15 to 20 feet where sand bass feed.

In late summer, flocks of sea gulls feeding on the water's surface signal sand bass are dining on schools of shad at or near the surface. Cast shad-imitating lues in the areas where gulls dive and you will catch bass.

The cooler weather of fall puts sand bass down where only heavy slabs and spoons will catch them. Try slabs of 5/8-ounce or more. White with black back or white with black spots are top-producing colors.

Long Nose Gar

During the hottest days of the year, fish mid-day and your chances of catching a truly large fish, the longnose gar, is possible. Head back into protected bays and look for gar porpoising the surface. Flat calm days are best.

Gar are caught on live bait rigs or with an in-line spinner called the Gar Killer. If you prefer live bait, use a fairly large shad and be sure to employ a long steel leader as gar are extremely toothy and will easily cut regular fishing line.

The Gar Killer, an inexpensive, hookless bait made in nearby Cherokee and available in local tackle shops, is cast toward schooling gar and retrieved fast enough to keep the spinner revolving. Once snagged and played-out, use a billy club prior to boating the fish. Gar meat is extremely tasty.

Catfish

Blue catfish anglers drift over flats and drag bait rigs tipped with 3- to 4-inch fresh shad. Rod and reel anglers fish deeper than 25 feet for good-sized channel catfish. Fish caught in water shallower than 25 feet tend to be rather small in comparison. In May, when channel cats spawn, fish points and riprap banks. Nightcrawlers are the best bait for spring cats.

Winter is an excellent time to fish catfish. Work the standing timber in the lake's upper end, concentrating of drop-offs at the timber edges. In particular, look for drops into creek or river channel bends.

Anything that smells bad is good catfish bait. Catfish Charlie, a commercial bait, works well as does a myriad of homemade concoctions including bloodbait, chicken liver and cut bait.

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Arrowhead Marina
Canadian. 3 miles east of Canadian on Lower Lake Road.
Open year round 7 days a week, 7am-7pm.
20 full hookups, 65 electric/water hookups, 122 primitive sites, 7 restrooms/showers, 2 sanitary dump stations, outdoor grills, picnic areas, boat ramps/docks, fuel, motor repair nearby, boat rental, grocery and restaurant nearby.
918/339-6511

Arrowhead Resort & Gaming Center
Canadian. 5 miles west of city.
Open year round 24 hours a day.
800/422-2711

Arrowhead State Park
Canadian. 4 miles east of city off US-69 on State Park Rd. Open year round. 20 full hookups, 65 electric/water hookups, 129 primitive sites, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump stations, group camp, picnic areas, group shelters, boat ramp, marina, equestrian facilities, trails, airstrip, 18 hole golf course.
918/339-2204

Belle Starr Marina
Eufaula. 5 miles north of Eufaula on Highway 69 to Texanna Road, 2 1/2 miles east to Belle Starr Road, 2 1/2 miles south.
Open February 1-November 30, 8am-8pm, Tuesday-Sunday (open Monday if a holiday weekend).
Boat ramps/docks, fuel, motor repair, boat rental, grocery, restaurant.
918/689-2132

Belle Starr Park
Eufaula. 6 miles north on US 69, 2 miles east on SH 150, 3 miles south on access road.
Open year round.
110 electric/water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump, swimming, wheelchair accessible.
918/484-5135

Bridgeport RV Park
Eufaula. 5 miles north of Eufaula to junction of US 69 and Highway 150/Texanna Road, west on Highway 150 to Frontage Road, south one block, 1/2 mile southeast.
Open year round, dawn to 10pm.
53 full hookups, restrooms/showers, 37 pull-throughs, picnic areas, full kitchen, climate controlled rallyroom, storm shelter, laundry facilities, sandy beach, indoor/outdoor fishing dock nearby, restaurant and 18 hole golf course nearby.
918/689-5177

Broken Cove
Eufaula. 15 miles east on SH 9, 3 miles north on SH 71.
Open April 1-October 31.
74 electric/water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, swimming, boating, fishing, wheelchair accessible.
918/484-5135

Castaway Cove
Eufaula. East of Eufaula on Highway 9, 2 miles south on Highway 9A.
Open year round 24 hours a day.
1,600 primitive sites, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, grocery and restaurant nearby, outdoor grills, picnic areas, boat ramps/docks.
918/339-6301

Crowder Point East
Eufaula. 16 miles south on US 69.
Open March 1-October 31.
26 water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump, swimming.
918/484-5135

Dam Site East
Eufaula. 15 miles east on SH 9, 6 miles north on SH 71.
Open April 1-October 31.
10 electric/water hookups, fishing.
918/484-5135

Dam Site South
Eufaula. 15 miles east on SH 9, 5 miles north on SH 71.
Open April 1-October 31.
75 electric/water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, swimming, boating, fishing, wheelchair accessible.
918/484-5135

Duchess Creek Marina
Porum Landing. I-40 east to exit 270, south 10 miles, east 3 miles to Porum Landing.
Open March-December, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and 7am-dusk Saturday and Sunday.
20 electric/water hookups, restroom/shower, 20 pull-throughs, grocery, outdoor grills, picnic areas, boat ramps/docks, fuel, motor repair, restaurant nearby.
918/484-5210

Elm Point
McAlester. 12 miles northeast on SH 31.
Open April 1-October 31
17 electric/water hookups, swimming.
918/484-5135

Eufaula Cove Marina Complex
Eufaula. East edge of city.
Open year round 10am-8pm.
Boat ramps/docks, fuel, motor repair, grocery, restaurant.
918/689-7723

Evergreen Marina, Inc.
Eufaula. 2 miles south of city dam on Highway 71.
Open year round, 7am-8pm.
21 full hookups, 3 primitive sites, restrooms/showers, 2 pull-throughs, grocery, picnic areas, 93 covered boat docks, fuel, motor repair.
918/799-5404

Fountainhead State Park
Checotah. 14 miles southwest of city off I-40 and SH-150.
Open year round.
34 full hookups, 50 electric/water hookups, 150 primitive sites, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, group camp, picnic areas, boat ramps, marina, swimming beach, equestrian facilities, trails, nature center, airstrip, 18 hole golf course. 918/689-5311

Gentry Creek Cove
Checotah. 9 miles northwest on US 266
Open April 1-October 31.
40 electric/water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, boating, fishing.
918/484-5135

Hickory Point
McAlester. 4 miles east on SH 31, 6 miles east on county road.
Open April 1-October 31
14 water hookups, boating, fishing.
918/484-5135

Highway 9 Landing
Eufaula. 8 miles east on SH 9.
Open April 1-October 31.
79 electric/water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, swimming, boating, fishing, wheelchair accessible.
918/484-5135

Holiday Cove
Checotah. 1/2 mile south on US 69B, 6 miles west on I-40, 2 miles south on SH 150.
Open April 1-October 31.
15 water hookups, boating, fishing.
918/484-5135

Indian Springs RV Park
Eufaula. 5 miles north on Highway 69 to Texanna Road, 1 mile east to Thunderbird Road, 1/2 mile south to park.
Open March to December, 24 hours a day.
60 electric/water hookups, 10 primitive sites, restrooms/showers, 30 pull-throughs, sanitary dump station, portable dump, outdoor grills, covered picnic shelter, boat ramps/docks, security fence.
918/689-5022

Juniper Point
McAlester. 5 miles north on US 69, 1 mile east on SH 113, 3 miles northeast on access road.
Open April 1-October 31.
18 water hookups, restrooms/showers, boating, fishing.
918/484-5135

No. 9 Marina
Eufaula. 7 miles east of city on Highway 9.
Open 7 days a week, 8am-5pm.
175 boat docks, fuel, motor repair, restaurant (Friday-Sunday only).
918/452-3261

Oak Ridge
Eufaula. 6 miles south on US 69, 1 mile east on SH 9A.
Open April 1-October 31
13 electric/water hookups, boating, fishing.
918/484-5135

Porum Landing
Porum. 6 miles west on SH 150.
Open February 1-November 31.
53 electric/water hookups, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, swimming, boating, fishing, wheelchair accessible.
918/484-5135

Rock Creek RV Park
Crowder. 2 miles south of city of Highway 69.
Open year round 24 hours a day.
36 full hookups, 24 pull-throughs, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, picnic areas.
918/334-6106

Terra Starr Park RV Campground
Eufaula. 5 miles north of city. At Hwy 69 & Texanne Road, turn east for 3 miles, turn south on SN420, go 1/2 mile to park sign.
Open year round, 8am-5pm.
300 electric/water hookups, 15 primitive sites, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, clubhouse restaurant, outdoor grills, picnic areas, propane fuel. This is a private campground open to Park members and Coast to Coast members only.
918/689-2164

Welch's Camping
Checotah. 4 miles south of city, 1/4 mile west.
Open year round 24 hours a day.
27 full hookups, 4 primitive sites, 21 pull-throughs, restrooms/showers, sanitary dump station, picnic areas, propane fuel.
918/473-5294

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Lake Eufaula Fishin' Tips

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