Fishing on the Wichitas

There are 13 Public Use Lakes and many small ponds on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge which provide ample fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. Largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish are likely to be caught in Refuge lakes.

While the primary purpose of the lakes is to provide a perennial water source for Refuge wildlife and serve as the beginnings of the watershed for many surrounding creeks, the Refuge lakes are also intended to provide a quality family fishing experience within serene surroundings. To accomplish these goals, regulations have been set for the lakes to ensure an enjoyable fishing adventure, maintain water quality, and minimize adverse impacts on wildlife species.

Only an Oklahoma State fishing license is required to fish on the Refuge. Fish may be taken with poles and lines or rods and reels. Since wading is permitted when fishing, fishermen may use tube type floaters, life jackets or buoyant vests.

Obtaining any type of bait from Refuge lands or waters is prohibited, as is taking of frogs and turtles.

Hand-powered boats are permitted only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, Elmer Thomas, and French Lakes. Electric trolling motors are permitted on boats 14' or less in length on Jed Johnson, Rush, Elmer Thomas, and Quanah Parker Lakes.

Lake Elmer Thomas is located on the boundary between Fort Sill Military Reservation and the Refuge, and therefore enjoys cooperative management. The lake was drained for dam replacement in 1988, with the new dam completed in 1993. The lake was reopened to fishing in 1995 and all regulations apply to the entire surface area of the lake. Boats of any size are permitted on Lake Elmer Thomas, but a "no wake" speed limit is enforced lake-wide. Personal water craft, such as Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, Wave-Runners etc are prohibited.

Lake Elmer Thomas has been stocked with both Florida and Northern largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass and a variety of other fish species. The Refuge portion of Lake Elmer Thomas features two fishing piers, a double-lane boat ramp with floating boat dock, and multiple artificial fish structures.

Information on Fort Sill's recreational facility, Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA), can be obtained by contacting Fort Sill at (580) 442-5541, or by mail at: 7453 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Lawton, OK 73503

Trout Fishing In Medicine Creek

Load up your family and your fishing gear and catch the Big One in Medicine Park!

Don't miss this opportunity to catch trophy trout from your lawn chair each fall and winter in Medicine Park. Along approximately 1/2 mile of handicapped accessible sidewalk, fish to your heart's content. (Medicine Creek also offers fine bass and catfish all year round).

During the regular trout season (November 1 through April 31 annually) there is a limit of 3 trout per day per person. Oklahoma State and Town of Medicine Park fishing permits are required. You may acquire a Town fishing permit from the Town Hall in Medicine Park and other locations throughout the town.

If you are not required to have a state license, a town fishing license is not required. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a licensed adult. The town fishing permit is $5.00 per day. A 7-day permit costs $15.00 and the annual town permit is $25.00 and is good for one year from the date of issue.

While you're in Medicine Park, there are various lodging, dining, shopping, hiking and entertainment opportunities. The beautiful Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers longhorn cattle, buffalo, prairie dog sightings and hiking opportunities as well.

For more information call Town Hall at (580) 529-2825 or (580) 574-1101.

Applications for Medicine Park Fishing Permits are available on line at medicinepark.com as downloadable Word files. You may open the files on a printable page and turn them in or mail them to Town Hall. Permits may be obtained by mail or in person at the Medicine Park Town Hall during regular business hours. All permit fees are used for stocking Medicine Park Fishing areas.

Fishing Rules and Regulations

* One pole per person.

* Fishing permitted 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

* Catch/release or keep (your choice)

* All license and permits required

* Creek will be patrolled

* Age 10 and younger fish free when accompanied by a permitted adult

* Fishing from sidewalks only

* Fly fishing, bait or artificial lures using regular poles only

For more information log onto www.medicinepark.com or call Town Hall during regular business hours at (580) 529-2825.

Spring/Summer 2010

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