Lower Mountain Fork River
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
The Lower Mountain Fork River is only a six hour drive away from the greater Austin area, but when you arrive on its banks, you are greeted by the beautiful tree covered hills, crystal clear water and great numbers of trout that are just waiting for a well-presented fly! From fast, whitewater chutes to placid dry fly water, the Lower Mountain Fork River has it all! This beautiful river is one of the South’s premiere tailwaters and boasts a year-round population of both brown and rainbow trout. The Lower Mountain Fork has approximately 12 miles of designated trout water, and being that the water temperatures stay suitable for trout year-round, there is natural trout reproduction throughout the river. The Mountain Fork is surrounded by Ouachita National Forest and it flows through Beavers Bend State Park, making it a picturesque river to fish as well. While capable of producing fantastic numbers of trout, the Mountain Fork is also capable of producing fish of outstanding size. The current Oklahoma state record brown trout, weighing an astonishing 17.4 lbs, was caught from the Lower Mountain Fork. Brown and Rainbow trout measuring 20+ inches are caught regularly. The river has several special trout regulation areas denoted as “Red” and “Blue” zones. In the “Red” zones, use of bait and barbed hooks is prohibited, while in “Blue” zones the opposite is true. We fish a variety of water on each trip and can tailor trips to fit your needs. If you are needing a trout fishing refresher before your big trip to Colorado or Montana, or if you simply want to visit this wonderful fishery and catch as many browns and ‘bows as you can, then Living Waters Fly Fishing has you covered! Come enjoy Southeastern Oklahoma’s Lower Mountain Fork River with Living Waters Fly Fishing and make trout fishing memories that will last a lifetime!
Lower Mountain Fork River Info
Target Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
River Zones
The Lower Mountain Fork is divided up into three main sections: Zone 1, 2, and 3. Though not official denotations of water, more trout fisherman refer to certain sections of the river as Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. See the info below for a general description of each “Zone.”
Zone 1 – Begins at the Spillway of Broken Bow Lake and ends at the State Park Dam. Zone 1 includes Lost Creek, Spillway Creek, Evening Hole, and the power plant discharge area. There are both Blue and Red zones in Zone 1.
Zone 2 – Begins at the bottom of the State Park Dam and ends at the Re-regulation Dam. Zone 2 is primarily a Red Zone but the Blue Zone regulation water begins just after the confluence of Rough Branch Creek and continues through Zone 3 (check boundries.)
Zone 3 – Begins at the bottom of the Re-regulation dam and ends at the Hwy 70 bridge. Zone 3 is entirely a Blue Zone.
Guide Trip Lodging Info:
We use Hidden Hills Cabin Rentals for all of our Guided Trips. Hidden Hills has some of the most beautiful rental cabins in the Beavers Bend/Hochatown area. If you decide to book your own trip with Hidden Hills, tell them Living Waters Fly Fishing sent you! For more information on their cabins, please visit their website: www.hiddenhillscabinsok.com
Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation
To see more information on conservation projects, habitat improvement, and much more, please visit the LMFRF website. You will find valuable information about the fishery and, if you wish, you can even join the LMFRF to join personally to support their cause! http://lmfrfoundation.org
Oklahoma Trout Stocking Schedule
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/trout_stock_schedule.htm
ANS ALERT!
The Lower Mountain Fork River does contain Didymo Algae (also called Rock Snot) which is known Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS.) Didymo is an invasive species and spreads very rapidly when introduced to water bodies. All waders/boots must be washed and thoroughly dried to prevent the spread of Didymo! The use of rubber soled wading boots is highly recommended.