ODWC Photo
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
As temperatures begin to drop, the fall fishing season heats up. In October, both threadfin and gizzard shad start migrating toward shallow water, and their predators are never far behind.
For anglers, this means prime opportunities to target species such as striped bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye and more. The key is to follow the forage fish. Wherever the shad go, the larger game fish will be close behind.
Look for schools of shad in coves, along shorelines and near structure that provides cover and protection. Casting into these areas can increase your chances of hooking into some of Oklahoma’s most exciting sport fish this fall.
October is when crappie transition from deep summer swims into shallower brush piles, docks and standing timber. Many anglers overlook them because they’re focused on bass, but this is prime time for slabs.
Did you know that Oklahoma has two types of crappie? Black crappie require clear reservoirs and are less prevalent than white crappie in turbid reservoirs. There is also a difference in the number of bony (hard) spines in the dorsal fin. White crappie will have five to six, whereas, black crappie will have seven or eight bony spines.
Now is the time to grab your gear, get on the water and take advantage of one of the best fishing windows of the year. Buy your fishing license HERE!
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