Oklahoma’s waters are buzzing with a new wave of fly-fishing fever, as anglers discover the state’s untapped potential for hooking warm water species with artificial flies. Far beyond its trout-centric reputation, fly fishing is reeling in enthusiasts chasing temperate bass, black bass, panfish and nongame species, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).
But what, exactly, is fly fishing? Chance Maxville, co-owner of Owasso fishing store Green Country Fly Company, which also offers guided fly fishing expeditions, explains.
“Fly fishing is a fishing technique that uses an artificial fly — made of hair, fur, feathers or other materials — to mimic insects and other prey, casting it onto the water using a specialized rod, weighted line and reel. The weight of the line, not the lure, casts the fly, and anglers use different fly types (dry, nymph, wet or streamer) to imitate the prey fish are feeding on. It is a skillful, often relaxing yet challenging pursuit that connects the angler to the water and the natural world.”
Fly fishing, long celebrated as a trout angler’s art, is gaining traction among Oklahoma’s warm water fishing community, with the state’s diverse fish populations proving just as eager to strike a well-presented fly. The ODWC highlights the growing popularity of this technique, noting that the state’s rivers, lakes and streams offer a gold mine for fly anglers targeting species like bass and panfish. As more anglers trade traditional gear for specialized rods and weighted lines, Oklahoma’s waters are becoming a hotspot for this skillful pursuit.
Getting involved is easy, says Maxville.
“There are tons of resources for aspiring fly fishers to seek out that can give them so much info on how to get started,” he says. “Local fly shops like ours, and then JD Adams & Co. in OKC, are great places to start, where you can seek out local knowledge and expertise for your area, check out all of the gear and take classes.
“Local clubs like Trout Unlimited are also a great resource, as there are chapters everywhere across the country; we have two local chapters in Oklahoma alone. The internet is a great place to research and learn about the sport. It’s literally at your fingertips these days, almost anything that you want to know,” he continues.
The basics to get started include a fly rod, reel, fly line, leader, tippet and a basic assortment of flies for your local area. The possibilities are endless past those items, with waders, vests, packs, fly boxes, tools, clothing and sunglasses to consider. It’s a gear-heavy sport — which can be intimidating to new anglers. However, clubs are available to help guide you.
The two Trout Unlimited chapters based in Tulsa and OKC offer “many members that host meetings, classes and events throughout the year,” says Maxville. “They also have Facebook pages for those clubs that are a great resource.”
Oklahoma’s waters offer prime destinations for both novice and seasoned fly anglers. Maxville highlights spots like the upper and lower Illinois Rivers, Blue River, Lower Mountain Fork, Arkansas River and Spavinaw Creek, alongside local city or farm ponds as excellent starting points. For those willing to venture further, the nearby Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas provide endless possibilities.
