Subscribe today for discounts and deals, travel tips, and exclusive video content. While at least a little whitewater experience would be helpful it is not mandatory on the Upper Mountain Fork except at the two potentially dangerous rapids at 6.5 and 20.0 miles. Ozark National Scenic Riverways is home to some of the largest freshwater springs* in the country. Very turbulent and swift water develops and all recreational activities near and on the water are highly discouraged. It is a popular resort area, with opportunities for adventure and beautiful sights all around. Salmon eggs - power bait are good bait and don't require any special fishing rods. The river provides a thrilling ride for veteran floaters not opposed to navigating unpredictable waters. However, like the White, the North Fork is known for world-class trout fishing. A "trail closed" sign blocks residents from accessing the Spanish Fork River Trail, and the river, on Friday, April 14, 2023. You just have to be careful to not spook the trout. The launch site was so overcrowded that it actually because difficult to kayak through rapids and such because there were some many people. Midges, BWOs, sculpin streamers and winter stoneflies are working good. Enjoy the benefits of rest and relaxation with a healthy dash of humor and whimsy at one of these unique, out-of-the-box Oklahoma lodging properties. Our blood midges, and articulated sculpin are working good. The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department is excited to partner with La Ratatouille Barbecue, barbeque, BBQ or bar-b-q: no matter how you spell it, the end result is nothing short of delicious. 02/09/22 Stream levels are still very low but trout are still being caught. The river features Class I and II rapids, with waterfall drops as high as four feet in some places. Boat ramps are just upstream of and below the re-regulation dam. .goog-te-banner-frame {display:none !important;} The McKenzie River supports the largest remaining wild population of Chinook salmon in the upper Willamette River basin, and the South Fork McKenzie River provides good spawning habitat. body {top:0 !important;} 01/24/22 The stream is recently back down low again due to low discharges. Class I and II rapids are found in the upper part of this section, and paddlers must navigate waterfalls with a 1.2 m (4 ft.) drop. Good hatches of Mahogany duns, BWOs, Blood midges are taking place. 03/22/23 The stream is still far too high to fish. Fishes of Oklahoma. 11/28/21 The stream is a little below normal level and good which is good for wading. If you enjoy nature, you will love the Mountain Fork! Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Area Contacts Fishing: (918) 297-0153 Game Warden (County): (580) 513-4963 (McCurtain) (580) 513-4651 (McCurtain) (580) 513-6866 (McCurtain) LOCATION/DESCRIPTION Recreational Facilities Campgrounds Nearby Bait & Tackle Nearby Management Practices Area Specific Fishing Regulations Additional Resources 02/21/23 The discharges are currently high. Fish as soon as it drops. 10/06/21 Stream levels are up and down but in good shape most of the day. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. And a word of caution, it is extremely cold! clear water, fishing for smallmouth bass and other species, and excellent scenery with pine forests covering the hills and bluffs along the river's course. Generally good to excellent, except during prolonged droughts or other low water conditions. clear water, fishing for smallmouth bass and other species, and excellent scenery with pine forests covering the hills and bluffs along the river's course. We received two good reports this past week. along the riverbank. Brown Trout Daily limit: 1; must be greater than 30 inches. We did received three good reports from customers recently. 08/09/22 Still no reports from anyone fishing. The stream is a little high most of the time but okay. Counts towards the aggregate limit for the entire Lower Mountain Fork Trout Area. Catch a fish here? Via the Little and Red rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River. A popular activity among canoeists and kayakers is to run about 14 km (9 mi.) The water is clear especially where there is good current and on the cold side but I loved that particular it. The weather is going to be very nice all of the coming week. It flows through a canyon with fast pocket water and sections of runs and riffles. .goog-te-menu-value:hover {text-decoration:none !important;} The Lower Mountain Fork River tailwater has a variety of different types of water that ranges from smooth flowing, slower moving sections to fast water rapids. Allowed methods: one rod and reel per person. http://southwestpaddler.com/docs/littleok9.html (accessed September 3, 2020). On the Arkansas side, the Mountain Fork belongs within the Ouachita Mountains natural division, Fourche Mountains subdivision, and just within the Red River system of the state. 03/13/22 We are still getting some very good reports. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. The water remain cool enough there and there are some hatches taking place. Summers are hotter than hell on a record hot day, and winters may be cold and barren, though weather arm enough for paddling can often be found. Good hatches continue to take place. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, all three species (family Leucisidae) are on the list of the Species of Greatest Conservation Need and protected in the state. Must have one life vest per person in your possession. The lake stretches 22 miles (35 km) back into the Ouachita . Major flooding begins as some camps and cabins along the lower Mountain Fork near its confluence with the Little River become cutoff by high water. Below Broken Bow dam the Mountain Fork river flows through park and wild land. "Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Regulations", "USGS Surface Water data for Oklahoma: USGS Surface-Water Annual Statistics", http://southwestpaddler.com/docs/littleok9.html, http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/factsmaps/wma/mccurtain.htm, https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/recordfish/brownshattered.htm, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mountain Fork, Oklahoma Digital Maps: Digital Collections of Oklahoma and Indian Territory, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mountain_Fork&oldid=1136488525, Bodies of water of Le Flore County, Oklahoma, Bodies of water of McCurtain County, Oklahoma, Tributaries of the Red River of the South, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 January 2023, at 15:33. We are getting some good reports from customers. If you've ever visited the southeastern portion of Oklahoma, then you've seen the gorgeous scenery that exists in this area of the state. Submit your photo to the dock! The smaller stream offer a completely different type of water with both brown and rainbow trout. The stream is currently in good shape with okay levels and clear water. Camping is available at Mountain Fork Park. Oklahoma State Parks manages campgrounds with full RV hookups, cabins and hiking trails. 2nd ed. Trout are still being caught in good numbers. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked every other Thursday year-round by the Oklahoma Fish and Game Department. west of Hatfield. 06/28/22 More good reports have come in from customers fishing this past week. To check current release levels, please visit:, www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/hydropower/brok/. Conditions are good. It should be fine now. 02/13/23 Stream levels are a little below normal and the water is mostly clear. It is the only major system in California to do so. The rivers constant flow and cool waters are the ideal place to find brown and rainbow trout year-round, perfect for fly fishing in a region not commonly known as a fly fishing destination. The water levels are depend on the dam releasing water; if kayaking or canoeing I would advise to check if water levels. Emailus at (sales@pfadminre.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. 07/26/21 There are some good catches of trout coming from the tailwater. Beavers Bend White Water Canoe & Kayak Rentals. Rainbow Trout Daily limit: 1; must be greater than 25 inches. . Finnell, J. C., Robert M. Jenkins, and G. E. Hall. 08/30/22 Stream levels are up above normal due to recent rain and the water is lightly stained. We have been getting good reports from customers catching good numbers of trout. of canoeing and kayaking from near Hatfield (Polk County) to Broken Bow Lake. We were on the water for about 5 1/2 hours and we didn't see very many families, it was primarily 20-30 year olds and lots of alcohol. The Lower Mountain Fork River offers year-round trout fishing throughout a 12-mile portion of lower river, as well as its tributaries from the Broken Bow dam downstream to US-70 bridge. Good hatches are coming off. There are two major portions of the river: the upper Mountain Fork and the lower Mountain Fork.On the Arkansas side, the Mountain Fork belongs within the Ouachita Mountains natural division, Fourche Mountains subdivision, and just within the Red River . 07/26/22 Stream levels are still high and the water too warm for good fly fishing opportunity. The views are breathtaking, quiet, calm and relaxing. Robison, Henry W. Status Survey of the Peppered Shiner, Notropis perpallidus Hubbs and Black, in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science 60: 101107. 11/11/21 Stream levels are now back down below normal levels. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. The CALS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Come here to enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, water skiing, river floats, paddle sports, and horseback riding. All Rights Reserved. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout. We were getting great reports prior to the higher levels. For additional information: Floating Mountain Fork is fun for the whole family! It flows 218 miles (351 km) [4] from near the town of Rosman in Transylvania County, North Carolina, into Tennessee, where its confluence with the Holston River at Knoxville forms the beginning of the Tennessee River. The French Broad River is a river in the U.S. states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Always check the most current information on the water release schedule below before launching your float. We have been getting lots of good reports from customers. Shoot us an email or call us for a recommended fly and gear list. But, after the construction of Cougar Dam, one thing that did change for the fish was the water-temperature patterns below the dam at certain times of year. Here at Mountain Fork Park, you can launch your own equipment onto the scenic Mountain Fork River for a fun day filled with adventure. As with the dangerous rapids, take the time to decide the best place to run, then go for it, or portage safely around the hazard. 11/18/21 The stream was high the past day but back down below normal level and clear. Location NWS ID Description Water Temperature Latitude Longitude; Coochs Bridge : CHBD1: Christina River - Newark: 63: 39.6372-75.7283: Dover : DVDD1: St. Jones River at Dover Lower Mountain Fork River FishingReport Archive: 01/21/20 The stream levels have just dropped down to a normal level and the river in good shape. The water runs clean and clear most of the time and the surrounding topography is generally one of pine forests growing down to the gravel bar beaches that line the river. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Good hatches continue to take place. Online at https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol60/iss1/16/ (accessed September 3, 2020). If you are fishing on the lower mountain fork river you not only need an oklahoma fishing license but also a trout stamp regardless if you are trout fishing. Submitted. of the consistently flowing lower Mountain Fork has been described as the best whitewater stream in Oklahoma. 04/24/21 Stream levels have often been high lately but they should be settling down. [3] The cool waters issuing below Broken Bow dam provide year round habitat and fishing for rainbow and brown trout which are stocked regularly throughout the year. Whodathunk that you could find decent whitewater in or near Oklahoma? Trout can be taken on the dry fly during this time. 760 Cold Springs Ln , Irmo, SC 29063 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $622,875. The river then continues due south through the Ouachita National Forest past U.S. Highway 259, where it goes through the narrows just above the lake and ends at the dam (built in 1969) to form Broken Bow Lake in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. A minimum flow of at least 250 cfs will probably get you downriver without any dragging, though it would take a much higher flow (at least 600 cfs) to avoid all the rocks and boulders that issue from the river bed. Eastern Oklahoma State College. 02/25/22 The stream is flowing well below normal level. Places to StayEat & DrinkShopActivitiesParksBlog, Press RoomMedia RequestMCTA Meetings & MinutesAdvertising GalleryPrivacy Policy, LoginCabin Management GroupsDirectory SubmissionDirectory Corrections. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. 05/19/21 The stream levels are high right now, too high to wade. Some areas are fly fish catch and release only. between the power plant and the reregulation dam, where the whitewater section of the lower Mountain Fork begins. They have been high often. High - The river is high and potentially dangerous, especially for the young and / or inexperienced. On average, there are 230 sunny days per year in American Fork. Yippie Kayo Kayaks 5 miles East of Broken Bow on highway 70 you can get them on your phone. The first time you log in to our catalog you will need to create an account. The Mountain Fork River is a 158 km (98 mi.) There are good hatches taking place and you should be above to catch trout. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Give it some time to drop and clear. There is usually enough water to allow for good paddling on the Upper Mountain Fork, though it is best after a recent rain in the drainage basin of the river. 03/14/23 The discharges and stream level is still way too high. Check back with us. Expect to do some walking, however limited it may be, during the hot summer months. WW Trading Post and Canoe (580-584-6856), located at 939 Canoe Road (formerly Mountain Fork Park Road) just east of Broken Bow, offers canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle services and information about trips on the Upper and Lower Mountain Fork River.Ambush Adventures (580-584-2273), located at US Highway 70 and the river about 6.6 miles east of Broken Bow, offers canoe, kayak and tube rentals on the Upper and Lower Mountain Fork River.There are no other outfitters known to currently be offering trips on the Upper Mountain Fork River. There are lots of insects hatching and dry fly fishing is even good. Be sure to check them prior to taking a trip to fish. Water levels in the river are generally adequate for boating year-round. Rainbow trout are native to the cold streams west of the Continental Divide but have been introduced here and elsewhere. Polk County, Arkansas and McCurtain County, Oklahoma, straddling the Oklahoma and Arkansas borders. The stream is within an easy days drive for anglers from Dallas, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Shreveport, Louisiana. 05/24/22 The stream is down well below normal but still very fishable and certainly can be waded safely. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. Can you do that using kayaks? National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. Use an ultralight rod and line and just enough weight to drift small mealworms, maggots or garden worms near the bottom. Keep a close check on them and fish when they drop. You can walk in some tiny portions of the river but it is far too treacherous to actually swim in. or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. 13: Moderate lowland flooding. 09/28/22 Our sculpin streamers, articulated and plain ones are catching good numbers of larger size trout. Clearly people just left all this trash and walked away. 12/23/21 The discharges and stream levels are well below normal again but still providing good opportunity. Extended distances can be attempted, but canoe travel may not be advisable. 12/31/21 The stream level got up to near normal and currently is back down a little but still in good shape. It starts in Ouachita National Forest below Mena, Arkansas, and flows across the Oklahoma border and down to Broken Bow Lake, ending at the confluence of the Little River in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, near Beaver Bend State Park and the town of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. 10/27/21 The stream is a little above normal and falling right but will likely rise some more as it is raining. You should be able to catch plenty of trout.02/26/2020 The stream levels are just a little above normal and the water only slightly stained. I had to stay in the hospital for a few days but doing well now. Such a beautiful serene place. Cold, rapid and icy blue, the Clark Fork is Montana's largest river. We received two good reports recently. Ambush Adventures (580-584-2273), located at US Highway 70 and the river about 6.6 miles east of Broken Bow, offers cabin rentals on the Lower Mountain Fork River. 11/03/21 The stream levels are up a little high due to recent rain but should fall back down soon. Fish the upper sections near the dam. To prevent spreading this undesirable organism, please clean . We offer two basic floats here at Wild Goose. 05/11/21 The stream levels are down to normal levels and we are getting good reports of catches again. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. In order to keep your float trip enjoyable, safe, and in compliance with local regulations, please abide by the following: The Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma is a designated trout stream for about 19 km (12 mi.) The stream is a little high now due to recent rain but should be back to normal very soon. Floatation devices must always be worn while on the water in the park. Where is the best place for kayaking. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. The Upper Mountain Fork River is generally best after the crest following a big rainstorm in its drainage basin. Report submitted by Mark Hannah (Game Warden McCurtain County). [3] On the upper portion of Broken Bow Lake is the McCurtain County Wilderness Area, an Oklahoma State-owned 14,000 acres (5,700ha) tract which contains the largest remaining virgin shortleaf pine/hardwood forest in the nation. we never found any signage, specifying where we went, as lower mountain fork river, but i believe that's where we were. There are swimming places, and lots of places to fish for trout. Some of the remaining rapids between Highway 4 and the take-out at "The Narrows" at 28.6 miles can be tests of skill and decision-making. Good hatches continue to take place. Reviews (10) Photos (8) Activities (2) Completed (31) 5 4 3 2 1 2.6 10 reviews Write review Sort by: Shana Solis August 13, 2020 This is not a trail. It has more rapids spread out over a longer run than on the lower section. Dallas and Oklahoma City are about equidistant, each taking about 4-5 hours to drive, making this the closest whitewater to either city. Sorry for the missed reports. We continue to get good reports from customers. on the parking lot side of the road, it's flat. We have been getting good reports up until the levels shot up from heavy rain. Give it some time to drop and clear. Launch your equipment from the landing at Mountain Fork Park for $5 per person. Normal stream obstacles are sometimes difficult to navigate. I spent an hour just picking up fishing line, fishing line clippings, lures, hooks, and weights along the shoreline of the river. Another public access point exists at Presbyterian Falls. They loved it, water is clean, you would think you were in the Rockies. The larger trout can become very selective when feeding and realistic imitations usually work the best. Bald cypress trees line and, in some places, grow in the river. 08/26/21 The tailwater section is still turning out trout for our customers. Our youngest is 16 and the oldest is 23. Home Parks Parks, Rivers & Lakes Mountain Fork River & Park. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year. Ambush Adventures (580-584-2273), located at US Highway 70 and the river about 6.6 miles east of Broken Bow, offers cabin rentals on the Lower Mountain Fork River. We are getting good reports the past couple of days. 04/06/22 The stream is still flowing just a little below normal and in good shape. 04/30/22 The discharges and stream levels are still very high, too high to wade or fish for that matter. Trout, Rainbow Good on plastic baits, PowerBait, tube jigs, worms around spillway. 01/26/23 Stream levels are down to a normal level and the water is clear. Only one trout over 20 inches can be harvested. You should be able to catch plenty trout. Six new restaurants are coming to Oklahoma State Parks. , www.wildlifedepartment.com/Magazine/2020_2021_Regulations/files/basic-html/page23.html, okoutdoors.com/fishregulations.html#fishregulations. We were getting good reports when the stream levels were okay. We are still getting reperts. The headwaters of the upper course begin in the Ouachita Mountains (Weehunt Mountain) of Polk County, Arkansas, at the town of Mountain Fork on Arkansas Highway 8 where it then flows southward under Highway 246 (at a low water bridge) for about 16 km (9.8 mi.). There are swimming places, and lots of places to fish for trout. 72201. Salmon eggs are another good bait choice. The Mountain Fork River is famed in the region as a fly fishing destination, but its cool rushing waters are also an ideal passage for canoeing, kayaking and floating. Bank access is unlimited within the state park and downstream to the re-regulation dam. there were many fly fisherman there. 08/02/22 The conditions remain about the same as last week not so good. The US average is 205 sunny days. For information, call the park at (580) 494-6300. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Pre-European Exploration, Prehistory through 1540, European Exploration and Settlement, 1541 through 1802, Louisiana Purchase through Early Statehood, 1803 through 1860, Civil War through Reconstruction, 1861 through 1874, Post-Reconstruction through the Gilded Age, 1875 through 1900, Early Twentieth Century, 1901 through 1940, World War II through the Faubus Era, 1941 through 1967, Divergent Prosperity and the Arc of Reform, 19682022, https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/2575/, http://southwestpaddler.com/docs/littleok9.html, https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol60/iss1/16/. (Also see Tailwaters regulations.). Great Colorado alternative. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. There are good hatches taking place. more. That is the reason you can trout fish there. past Presbyterian Falls and under the U.S. Highway 70 bridge just east of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The 5,727 sq. Mountain Fork River actually originates in western Arkansas and flows into southeastern Oklahoma. Home Activities Watersports Canoeing & Kayaking. --> Good winter stonefly hatches are taking place and our sculpin streamers are catching some big fish. Primitive campsites are at the low water bridges on a first come, space available basis. Spring Fishing | Flathead River | Flathead Valley - Mar 3, 2023 NRS Otter Dodger Back In Stock - Feb 22, 2023 Jason Lanier 2016-11-28T23:28:05-07:00 August 14th, 2016 | They make excellent gifts. 05/27/21 The stream levels are down to a normal level and the water is good shape. It has been high, too high to fish and we didnt get any good reports this past week. 09/21/22 Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Fly Fishing On The Lower Mountain Fork River, Oklahoma. There are at least three commercial campgrounds located on or near the Upper Mountain Fork River. Your float will end at the public landing located at the Highway 70 bridge. Summer is very enjoyable in . Call WW Trading Post - they are closest to the put-in place below the dam and are very personable and friendly folks. Interestingly, the type locality for the Ouachita Mountain shiner (Lythrurus snelsoni) is the Mountain Fork River at Arkansas Highway 246 bridge, 4.8 km (2.9 mi.) The darter's stream habitat consists of small rivers to large streams with moderately steep gradients. Carbondale, Co., (January 23, 2018) - Cold Mountain Ranch and the Colorado Water Trust finalized a pilot agreement intended to increase streamflows in the Crystal River in drier years. Creating an account gives you access to all these features.