What comes to mind when you think about fishing? Patience, relaxation, challenge, and memories are a few words often associated with fishing. You will find all that and a sense of stewardship, conservation, and preservation on this page. We want you to have an enjoyable time during your visit, and for those who come after you to fish. Take some time to explore, learn what the park has to offer and learn your responsibilities before casting a line or flicking a fly into the water. Chickasaw National Recreation Area allows fishing as a means of providing for public enjoyment, and customary and traditional use, and regulates fishing to ensure that it is managed in a manner that avoids unacceptable impacts to park resources. For more information on how fishing regulations work in national parks, go to the NPS Fish and Fishing website.
LicensesVisitors fishing within Chickasaw National Recreation Area must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Oklahoma. Fishing RegulationsExcept as otherwise designated, fishing shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of the State of Oklahoma (36CFR7.50). For state fishing regulations go to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website. The fishing regulations apply to all “finfish” found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and addressed by NPS regulations governing “wild life” (36CFR2.2). These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States. The following are prohibited:
The following regulations apply only within Chickasaw National Recreation Area Fishing is prohibited in the following areas:
(This restriction prevents swimmers in this popular area from encountering lost fishing line and hooks while recreating.) Consistent with ODWC, the National Park Service considers all waters at or below 885.3ft above sea level to be lake waters, for the purposes of fishing regulations. Fish Consumption Advisories in National Park WatersThe Environmental Protection Agency, states, territories, and tribes provide advice on fish and shellfish caught in the waters in their jurisdiction to help people make informed decisions about eating fish. Advisories are recommendations to limit your consumption of, or avoid eating entirely, certain species of fish or shellfish from specific bodies of water due to chemical or biological contamination. Chickasaw National Recreation Area Fish Consumption Advisories
Aquatic Invasive SpeciesImagine your favorite fishing spot and the wonderful memories. Things may look fine but underneath the surface there is a serious threat. Everything you remembered is now cemented together in a sharp, smelly mess. Invaders have wiped out the fish species you used to catch. How You Can Help – Stop Aquatic HitchhikersAquatic Invasive Species pose a signifcant threat to recreational and commercial waters throughout the United States. Cooperation between agencies and individuals to prevent further spread of these species is vital.
Visitors who may have discovered new aquatic invasives or new areas of infestation in the state of Oklahoma are encouraged to report to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Early notification can help prevent further spread and help protect our waterways. Fishing Throughout the National Park ServiceWe invite you to visit the Fish and Fishing website for more information about fish and fishing in the National Park Service. You will learn about conservation, different fish species, and parks that offer fishing. Guided FishingAll fishing guides are required to have a commercial use authorization to conduct business inside the park boundaries. The following business have current authorization to operated at Chickasaw National Recreation Area: |
Last updated: December 22, 2023