Oklahoma, considered one of the Southern territories, is a state that takes pride in the production of natural gas, oil, agricultural products, and other commodities. There are beautiful natural surroundings and breathtaking landscapes everywhere you look, making it a picturesque place to visit at any time of year.
Nature enthusiasts will undoubtedly consider this state as a fantastic year-round vacation destination, with everything from prairies to mesas, forests, and lakes to admire around every corner.
When it comes to fishing opportunities, Oklahoma has a plethora of options in the form of lakes and rivers that are home to a diverse range of fish species.
License and permits
When planning a fishing trip to Oklahoma for the upcoming year, keep in mind that the annual fishing fee for residents is only 25 dollars, while non-residents will have to pay 55 dollars for the entire year.
Non-residents will be required to pay 35 dollars for a one-week fishing trip, while a one-day fishing permit will cost them 15 dollars.
It is important to remember that fishing permits are required for some lakes, which should be noted in advance. For example, if you want to go fishing in the Lake Texoma, you will have to pay an additional fee of $12.50.
Price reductions and fees are available to people with disabilities who have lived in Oklahoma for at least six months, as well as seniors born after January 1, 1923, who qualify for the program.
Daily capture
When it comes to the “catch of the day,” or the maximum basket of fish you are allowed to catch in a single day, Oklahoma follows the same rules and regulations as the rest of the country, including the federal government. When fishing in areas where there are no specific regulations, it is permissible to catch up to 5 largemouth bass per day, 15 blue catfish, 37 black or white crappies, and 5 striped bass per day.
Fortunately, you no longer need to purchase a separate trout license because it is now included in the price of your regular resident or non-resident fishing license.
Special regulations for trout fishing, on the other hand, continue to be in effect today. During the trout season, for example, it is prohibited to take trout from state-designated areas.
Non-residents are also prohibited from having in their possession more than 12 brown trout or 12 rainbow trout in a single day, and non-residents are prohibited from leaving Oklahoma state with a prey counting for more than two consecutive days of trout fishing, or a maximum of 24 trout fish.
Other rules and regulations you need to pay attention at
It is illegal to fish if you do not have a valid fishing license.
Catching fish from state waters that have died as a result of angling and failing to bury or burn those fish is a violation of the law in the state.
The sale, bartering, or trading of fish, turtles, and frogs is prohibited unless the seller possesses a specific commercial license for doing so in the state.
It is unlawful to possess fish or parts of fish taken from another person without the express written consent of that person and the provision of complete identification.
It is against the law to stock fish in Oklahoma’s public waters without first obtaining the permission of the state’s Wildlife Department director.
Free fishing days
Oklahoma, like every other state in the United States, offers some free fishing days throughout the year, which are open to both residents and nonresidents. As a result, if you happen to be in the vicinity of Oklahoma between June 3rd and June 4th, 2017, you will not be required to obtain a fishing license in order to catch your prey.
However, because these dates are subject to change year after year, you will need to keep an eye on the Oklahoma Official Fishing Regulation Guide to find out when the next free fishing days will be available for the upcoming years to participate. The free fishing days will be held between June 2nd and June 3rd this year, according to the schedule. Keep in mind that you will still need to obtain the free paddlefish permit, even though you will not be required to obtain an additional fishing permit from the state of Oklahoma.