Local Guide · October 2026 · 5 min
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.
Mountain Fork is a rare Oklahoma trout river. Cold, tail-water, stocked year-round. Here's the play.
HOW IT WORKS. Water released from Broken Bow dam is 50°F, which keeps trout alive year-round. Below the dam through Beavers Bend = trout water. Below the state park = warmer, bass water.
STOCKED SPECIES. Rainbow trout (year-round), brown trout (winter stocking). Occasional cutthroats. Fishing license + trout stamp required.
ACCESS. Public access at Beavers Bend, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. Zone 2 is the classic fly-fishing water. Park at the pullouts on the Old Bethel Road.
Skip the fees. Book direct.
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GUIDES. Beavers Bend Fly Shop books guides — $350 half-day, $500 full-day. Worth it if you're new to trout.
GEAR. 4-5 wt rod, floating line, small nymphs (size 16-20). Woolly buggers work when nothing else does.
WATER RELEASES. Check the Broken Bow dam release schedule before you go. High release = dangerous wading. Low release = perfect wading.
FLOAT TRIPS. Kayak the Lower Mountain Fork below the state park. 6-mile float, class I. Rent from Beavers Bend Depot.
BEST TIME. October-March. Summer is warm and crowded.
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Cabins that fit this trip
Property 01
Sound of Sunshine
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