Lower Illinois River(Gore, OK)

The Lower Illinois River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Oklahoma.  Originating from Lake Tenkiller dam, it is a small river that is 30 to 100 feet across with clear, blue water.  It is very shallow in some places and up to 25 feet deep in others.  Stripers move into this river to escape the warmer waters of the Arkansas River in the summer months and to spawn.  The Lower Illinois River can be difficult to navigate.  This is another good reason to hire a guide who knows the river.  Trout are stocked regularly, and because of the cold water temperature, are present year round.   Trout are best caught when the water is not running from Lake Tenkiller.  Stripers, on the other hand, are best caught when the water is running.

Arkansas River (Kerr Reservoir)

The Arkansas River is a large, navigational channel reservoir with frequent tug boat and barge traffic.  The Arkansas River has excellent fishing, especially catfish and black bass.

Daily Limits:

• Striped Bass – 5 per day, no minimum length
• Rainbow Trout – 6 per day, no minimum length, (except in restricted area)
• Brown Trout – 1 per day, minimum 20 inches
• Sand Bass – no limits