Contribute to conservation by sharing sighting details of fish, wildlife, and plants. For more information please contact Oklahoma City Lakes at (405) 755-4014. Bear in mind that post-spawn crappie can be found at varying depths ranging from shallow to 25 feet. Lake Hefner (Google Map)is located between NW Grand Blvd and Hefner Road, and Hefner Parkway (S.H. There is 1 lighted fishing pier. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Oklahoma City's oldest reservoir, Lake Overholser was built in 1919 and connects to Hefner Lake by a canal. body {top:0 !important;} In this unconventional but fun method, Carl fishes a pair of jigs that he casts with one of his 14-foot custom rods; the long, narrow slip-cork keeps his jigs positioned at the proper depth. She said they like to spawn around stumps in depths of 2-5 feet. "In past samplings, the average crappie at T-Bird ran between 6 and 7 inches, but now we are consistently seeing crappie over 12 inches," said the senior fisheries biologist. "They will move in and move out (of the shallow water)," said Hollie, who is the biologist on Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma's best crappie lake. They also provide tips on where to find the best trolling spots in a particular area. "Hefner's crappie fishing is better than it ever has been," he asserted. The two regularly take limits of channel catfish there in the 1 1/2- to 3-pound range, and occasionally catch some large blue cats. The good crappie fishing is only beginning, and big numbers of hard-fighting papermouths can be found at a venue near you. But though the average-sized T-Bird crappie tends to run on the small side, serious slabs are occasionally caught there. All rights reserved. Fort Gibson has a 10-inch minimum-length limit on crappie, and a 15-fish daily creel limit. Later, when you savor some of the golden-brown filets, you'll be glad you did! The guides are limiting out every day.". Likes: 0 Thanks: 0 Results 1 to 7 of 7 Thread: Lake Hefner As at Grand and Gibson, Tenkiller anglers are allowed 15 crappie with a minimum length of 10 inches. Largemouth Bass with a Texas Rig, 5 lb. This live-bait setup will catch crappie almost every time. on slabs, spoons, worms around main lake. Some popular types of fishing guides are charter fishing guides, which offer overnight trips to specific fishing spots. Hewould, however, like to see the Wildlife Department put a lengthlimit on crappie at Lake Eufaula to protect the big females during the spawn. White crappie. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. There are many types of fishing guides. Oklahomas state botanist will visit Arbuckle Springs WMA throughout the 2023 growing season to document the areas plant diversity. Catfish, Channel fair on shad, worms around dam, main lake. I've caught crappie virtually everywhere on the big lake. Jones and Wilson, regulars at Hefner, fish the long rocky riprap area around . Submit your photo to the dock! Advertising | Veteran crappie angler and fishing guide Todd Huckabee hefts a pair of slabs -- one black crappie and one white -- from Lake Thunderbird. It has been years since I fished Hefner. fishing, ATV'S or dirt . The best fishing depth ranges between 12 and 30 feet. Swimming is prohibited. Fishing guides are a great way to maximize your fishing experience in Lake Hefner. Sun & Moon Data. Minnows. . Thunderbird -- "T-Bird," the locals call it -- harbors vast numbers of small crappie beneath the surface of its 6,000-acre area. Even with the low water levels the lake is still open for a number of things including, fishing, ATV'S or dirt bikes, R.C. Used heavily during the spring and summer months by sail boaters, Hefner receives very little fishing pressure at that time. Swimming is prohibited. One grub is white, the other yellow. To remedy the problem, the ODWC introduced saugeyes into the lake to eat the smallest crappie, and as a result, the average-sized crappie is now getting bigger -- much bigger! Since the lake lies in both Oklahoma and Texas, purchasing the special Texoma fishing license would be a good idea. Come join the best Family Orientated fishing website on the Internet. One is on a dropper line. "That is the first thing they want to talk about," she said. The lake was created in 1987 by an earthen dam on the Deep Fork River begun in 1980. Advertisement Last but not least: Whether you're fishing with artificials or small minnows, a plateful of the silver-sided fish will taste the same regardless of how you catch 'em. Alive! When you find Texoma's fish, you're certain to catch a limit. Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board. Here's how you can take advantage of that shift at some of Oklahoma's top crappie waters this month. The cost of a fishing outing with a Lake Hefner guide can range from $100 to $500 per person, depending on the size of the group and type of fish being targeted. "The fishing docks are good, but actually there is some great crappie fishing on the open water.". That being said, I could usually drag up a few bass on white Colorado single bladed spinner baits on the east end. These fish can be located in the lake in areas that have fallen tree cover, beaver lodges, or one of the 15 submerged log cribs that were built when the lake was first impounded. */ To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. An open shoreline and the prevailing south wind can make the lake choppy at times. If you are going to fish that close to the rocks, you are going to lose some, said the 56-year-old angler. Finally, there are trolling guides. All Rights Reserved. He uses a handmade 14-foot rod to hurl a Styrofoam slip-cork and a pair of handmade jigs, one weighing 1/16 ounce, the other 1/64. Be sure to wear a life jacket and watch for underwater obstacles that could snag your line. It's one of the city's most popular lakes offering year-round recreation and outdoor activities. Click the images and links above for species details. A fish fry favorite, catfish are abundant across Oklahoma and easy to catch come summertime!