Are you familiar with Bedhead Pheasant Tails? How about the notorious Gold Bead Rubber Legged Crystal Bugger? Wide-Eyed Pink Squirrel?
If you guessed fly fishing flies, give yourself a hearty pat on the back! Trout are renowned for being incredibly smart, temperamental and one step short of a raging bull when they sprint to the current after being tricked into biting. From the deep, clear lakes and mountain streams of Yosemite National Park to the local ponds at a public park near you, people all over the world chase these amazing creatures for a chance at that short, direct interaction with nature.
In the last decade, Broken Bow Oklahoma, namely the Lower Mountain Fork River, has become a top destination for catching brute rainbow trout in the south-central United States. With annual stocking of mature rainbow trout, it’s not only an incredibly eye-catching place to wet a hook, but your chances of catching quality trout are through the roof!
Fly fishing in most settings is anything but easy. Not only do you have to know where to find high-percentage spots on a vast river system to get within a cast of a fish, but you must be in sync with their eating habits as well. Do you know what time of day they prefer to gorge themselves? What kinds of bug do they indulge in? Sometimes the answer to those questions change by the day—sometimes by the hour!
If you’re like most folks who come through Hochatown and Beavers Bend a few times a year, the learning curve is long enough that you may spend half your day just trying to narrow down all the variables. We have put together a short list of some excellent resources who will not only give you the keys to the city, but could very well put you on the trout of a lifetime!
Quick PSA. If you end up hiring a guide on this list, please understand that while each guide is full of the knowledge and resources to put you on the fish, the fish don’t always read the same books we do. There are many factors that may contribute to successful fish catches during your outing. While goal is always to catch fish, hiring a guide is about the full experience. They will work hard to help you learn the intricacies of fly fishing so you can go on catching fish for years to come!
And here’s a tip-tip for you. If you can, tip before you get to the river. In my personal guide experience, that guarantees you get to see the best of the best!
And don’t forget, if you’re over 16 years old, you will need to get an Oklahoma fishing license. Get yours HERE.
Here are 3 FANTASTIC fly-fishing guides you NEED to call!
1. Beavers Bend Fly Fishing Guide Service
Phone Number: 580-583-4412
Address: 3840 Old, Highway, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Rating: 5.0 STARS (16 Reviews)
This group is one of the very best in Oklahoma. They have been learning the ins and outs of this system since 2002. Environmentally responsible, and with the utmost respect for the art of fly-fishing, Chris Schatte and the team have what it takes to make your trip extra special.
They can provide everything you need for the trip including the rods/reels, flies, waders and more!
Check out their WEBSITE or follow them on FACEBOOK
2. Mountain Fork Outfitters
Phone Number: 580-306-6966
Address: 545 Beavers Bend Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Rating: 5.0 STARS (71 Reviews)
Do you enjoy eating FRESH trout? This crew specializes in helping you land some table-fare. They know the river like the back of their hand and will get you around the fish. Of course, they follow all size and creel limits, but will help you get your catch prepped for the oven.
You’ll get have access to everything you need including waders, flies and of course the rod/reel and they’ll send you home with bags full of delicious wild-caught trout.
Check out their WEBSITE or follow them on FACEBOOK
3. On The Rivers Fly Fishing Company
Phone Number: 580-969-0472
Address: N US Hwy 259, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Rating: 5.0 STARS (13 Reviews)
Julie Mattson spent her early years learning the craft of fly fishing in Montana and has since found her home in Hochatown, just minutes from the Lower Mountain Fork River. With over twenty-five years of experience, she is a sure-fire bet for a deep-dive, educational experience.
Depending on your level of experience, she will help you increase your skills to elevate your game for future outings. She offers her guide services year round, so plan with confidence, but get in line! Like all the guides on our list, she stays booked up with clients.
their WEBSITE or follow them on FACEBOOK
Still not convinced you should hire a guide?
While you certainly can give it the ole’ college try, we firmly believe in the guides on this list. However, if you head out solo, check the Oklahoma Wildlife Department’s resource for matching the hatch to give you the best odds of catching trout in the Lower Mountain Fork River.
When you hit the river, no matter if you catch one, none or a hundred, take a deep breath and commit the images and beauty of your surroundings to memory. You won’t regret it! And remember, it is important to respect the resource that has been maintained for us. We all want future generations to have access to the experience of fly-fishing in one of the greatest fly-fishing locations the U.S. has to offer!
BONUS: If you want to knock of the rust or try your hand at some fly fishing for pan fish and crappie, book a stay at Willows at Watson RV Park! Our 7+ acre pond is FULL of fish that will get your heart pumping.
