McCurtain County, OK · Reservoir
Broken Bow Lake
A clear, deep reservoir in southeast Oklahoma's Ouachita foothills — largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish, with a trout tailwater below the dam.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Largemouth Bass — Marginal conditions for Largemouth Bass.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Broken Bow Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Broken Bow Lake
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Largemouth Bass Marginal conditions for Largemouth Bass. In season 53/100
What's helping
- 72°F water — right in largemouth bass's ideal range
- In the current report — largemouth bass is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
6/day, only one over 16"; 14" minimum in rivers and streams.
Source: Oklahoma regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Crappie Marginal conditions for Crappie. In season 41/100
What's helping
- 72°F water — inside crappie's active range
- In the current report — crappie is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 37
37/day statewide; 15/day on Grand, Eufaula, Tenkiller and other named lakes.
Source: Oklahoma regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Channel Catfish Marginal conditions for Channel Catfish. In season 41/100
What's helping
- 72°F water — right in channel catfish's ideal range
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 15
15/day (channel & blue combined), only one blue over 30".
Source: Oklahoma regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#4 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 72°F water — inside smallmouth bass's active range
- In the current report — smallmouth bass is showing up in this week's state fishing report for the area
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- Blown-out flow — river up 67% in 24h — high, muddy water
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
6/day (black bass combined), only one over 16"; 14" minimum in rivers.
Source: Oklahoma regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Oklahoma
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Broken Bow Lake: Oklahoma Wildlife Department fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Broken Bow Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Broken Bow Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Broken Bow Lake?
Broken Bow Lake is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Broken Bow Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Broken Bow Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Broken Bow Lake have?
Broken Bow Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Broken Bow Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Broken Bow Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Broken Bow Lake tidal water?
No. Broken Bow Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.