Location
Southeastern Oklahoma, 10 miles north of Broken Bow. The river is three and a half hours northeast of Dallas, Texas.

Fishing the big rocks in Section Three

Description
12-mile tailwater loaded with a diversity of holding water, ranging from pools to runs to wide, lake-like flats, a few riffles, and pocket water, with plenty of underwater cover and even some undercut banks.

Directions
The Mountain Fork flows cold out of Broken Bow Reservoir for 12 miles to the I-70 bridge. Much of Mountain Fork River lies within the boundaries of Beavers Bend State Park, located in southeastern Oklahoma six-plus miles north of the town of Broken Bow on Highway 259A.

Species
Stocked rainbow and brown trout with some reproduction. In the park, on Spillway Creek, average sizes run about 9-12 inches. In the lower sections, anglers will catch more browns and larger average-size fish. A 2-pound fish is not uncommon. Trout between 2-6 pounds are no longer statewide news. Recently, a trout approaching 10 pounds was caught by a lucky angler (guided by Rob Woodruff).

Equipment
8- to 9-foot rod for 4- to 6-weight line.

Notes
Be aware of the water levels by keeping a rock or tree level in sight. The rocks in the river are slick and the chances of a wader falling are good. Wear felt-soles, use a wading staff, take your time, fish with a buddy, and be careful.

Lodging and Camping
There are camping spaces throughout Beavers Bend State Park and some cabins. Your best bet is to camp in the park, grab a cabin around the lake, or stay in one of the hotels in town (the Microtel, Broken Bow Inn, Charles Wesley and soon, a Ramada Inn). There are cabins for rent in the park but you usually need to call well in advance.

Suggested Fishing Spots
The area near Campgrounds G and H, the Cold Hole, the Forty-Foot Hole, the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail area, and the Low Water Dam at R.V. Camping Area A, Section Two at the island, at the Rereg dam, anywhere in Section Three.

Accesses
Spillway Creek runs throughout the park and has lots of pullout accesses and a trail which follows the river. Zone Two can be reached by parking in the parking lot south of Area A Campground and following the trail that runs along the river. The Reregulation Dam is reached off of Highway 70—you'll see the sign to turnoff. Presbyterian Falls can be reached in Zone Three from Highway 70 East. There are over 11 stocking points in the park itself, and another four or five outside the park. Fish up and down from the stocking sites because that's where most of the anglers congregate.

Season
Year-round, but the best times are from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

Tackle
8- to 9-foot rod for 4- to 6- weight line.

Flies
The best months to fish dries are January through late April. The rest of the time, dry fly fishing is sporadic and anglers will have much more success with nymphs and streamers. Royal Wulff 12-16, Griffiths Gnat 18-20, Hexagenia 2-8, Stimulator 8-14, Elk Hair Caddis 12-18, Ginger Quill 14-18, Adams 12-22, Blue Winged Olive 18-24, Midge Patterns 18-22, March Brown 12-16, Black Gnat 18-20, Comparadun 16-20, Hopper 6-10, Midge cluster, Midge Larva and Pupa Muddler Minnow 4-8, Scud 14-18, Partridge and Green 14-16, Woolly Bugger 6-10, Sculpin 2-6, Damselfly 8-10, Pheasant Tail 14-22, Hare's Ear 12-20, Prince Nymph 12-18, Sow Bug 14-18, Helgrammite 4-8, Gray rabbit fur beadhead 14-16, Red Squirrel Nymph 14-18, Leech 4-8, Crayfish 4-8, Cased Caddis 14-16, Shad 4-10, Caddis emerger 14-18.

Regulations
In Zone One, anglers have a liberal limit of six fish (including one over 20 inches) and can fish with bait. In Zone Two, below Old Park Dam, anglers are restricted to artificial flies and lures and no trout under 20 inches may be kept. Only one trout over 20 inches may be kept.

In Zone Three, below the Rereg Dam, bait fishing is allowed, but only one trout over 20 inches may be creeled. Be sure to check the regulations for any recent changes.

Species of game fish
Stocked rainbow and brown trout with some likely reproduction. In the park, on Spillway Creek, average sizes run about 9-12 inches. In the lower sections, anglers will catch more browns and larger average-size fish. A 2-pound fish is not uncommon.

Hazards
When the water rises, it rises quickly. If you hear the siren, get out immediately. Be aware of the water levels by keeping a rock or tree level in sight. The rocks in the river are slick and the chances of a wader falling are good. Wear felt-soles, use a wading staff, take your time, fish with a buddy, and be careful. Anglers can wet-wade in warmer months.

Navigable
Kayaks and canoes regularly run the river but anglers would find these craft unsuitable to effective angling.

Other
When the water is high in the main stem, it's time to fish Spillway Creek. There is a constant flow through Spillway Creek. When the water is on its way down or has been down, fish the middle and lower section for some big fish.

Flyshops and Guides

Dallas/Fort Worth area:
Orvis Dallas (214) 265-1600
Westbank Anglers (214) 350-4665
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (972) 274-2018
Jones Creek (903) 526-3474
Main Street Outfitters (817) 332-4144
Rob Woodruff Guide Service (903) 967-2665 (who I think knows more about the river than anyone in the world)
Three Rivers Fly Shop (580) 494-6115 (across from the entrance of Beaver's Bend State Park)
Guide Jesse King (580) 241-5644
Beavers Bend Fly Shop (580) 494-6071

Oklahoma City:
River's Edge Fly Shop (405) 748-3900.

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