On the Water · April 2026 · 5 min
Last verified: July 2026
The Mountain Fork River: float, fish, and where to access it
The Mountain Fork is the underrated half of Broken Bow — here's how to fish it, float it, and find the best stretches.
Everyone talks about Broken Bow Lake. The river below the dam is the other half of the area, and most first-time visitors never touch it. Here's the breakdown.
THE RIVER The Mountain Fork River flows out of Broken Bow Lake's dam, runs about 12 miles through Beavers Bend State Park, and continues south toward the Red River. The state-park stretch is what visitors use.
WATER Cold (50–55°F year-round, even in summer) and clear. The cold water comes from the bottom of the lake through the dam.
FLOAT TRIPS The standard float is the 5-mile run from the dam to Eagle Creek take-out. Class I water, occasional Class II during dam releases. Beginner-friendly, suitable for kids 8+.
Book Sound of Sunshine direct.
Check live availability for Sound of Sunshine and save up to 18% vs Airbnb. Sleeps 18 Guests. Use code PINES10 for 10% off your first direct stay.
Rent from Beaver Bend Marina, Broken Bow Water Adventures, or ROAR Rentals. Shuttle is included with most rentals.
Best months: April–October. Spring is highest water; summer is warmest and busiest; September/October are the prettiest and least crowded.
FISHING This is one of the only trout streams in Oklahoma. Stocked weekly October–March with rainbow trout, occasional brown trout. Some are stocked year-round but summer water is too warm for them to thrive.
License + trout stamp required. Buy at gooutdoorsoklahoma.com.
Best stretches: 1. First half-mile below the dam — easiest access, most stocked. 2. Re-Reg Pond and the run just below it — easy walk-in. 3. Lower river past the Re-Reg — fewer people, more wading.
Gear: light spinning rod with PowerBait or small spinners. Fly anglers: #16 prince nymph, #18 zebra midge, or a small streamer in spring.
DAM RELEASES The Corps releases water from the dam on a schedule (hydropower and downstream needs). When they're releasing, the river is high and fast — great for kayaking, harder for fishing or wading.
Check the daily release schedule posted at Beavers Bend State Park headquarters or the trout-fishing area. The Corps' Tulsa District lake-data page lists it too.
ACCESS Main access is through Beavers Bend State Park ($10 vehicle fee). Park near the dam or the Re-Reg Pond. There are walk-in pull-offs along the river road.
Stay with us
Cabins that fit this trip
Property 01
Sound of Sunshine
Game room, hot tub, arcade & fire pit — sleeps 18.
18 Guests · 6 Bedrooms · From $300 / night
Property 02
As Good As It Gets
Private heated pool, hot tub & creekside game-room cabin.
20 Guests · 5 Bedrooms · From $300 / night
Keep planning
More long-tail reads for this trip
On the Water
Fishing Broken Bow Lake: bass, trout, and crappie by season
Where to fish, what to use, and when to go — the local-tested fishing breakdown for Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
On the Water
Kayaking Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River: where to go and what to rent
The honest kayaking guide for Broken Bow — best put-ins, where to skip, and the river trip every visitor should do once.
On the Water
Every boat ramp on Broken Bow Lake, ranked by when to use it
A practical breakdown of the boat ramps on Broken Bow Lake — which to use for a quick launch, which to skip on busy weekends, and which work at low water.
Local Guide
Mountain Fork River: fly fishing, floating, and what to know before you go
The trout river below Broken Bow dam — from access points to guides to gear.
Activities
Fishing Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork: complete guide
Species, licenses, best baits, and where to actually catch fish.
On the Water
Broken Bow Lake water level: how to check it and what it means for your trip
A plain-English guide to Broken Bow Lake levels — where to check, what's normal, and how it changes what you can do on the water.