Fishing at Tulsa Parks

Fishing at Tulsa Parks

According to the current Tulsa municipal code of ordinances (Title 26, Chapter 1), recreational fishing is allowed at public bodies of water, unless specifically prohibited by Tulsa Parks or another City entity. Currently, fishing is prohibited at the following City park ponds:

• Owen Park, 560 N. Maybelle St.
• Swan Lake Park, 1573 Swan Lake Dr.

State of Oklahoma fishing regulations (regulaciones de pesca en Español) apply at all fishing locations. No permit other than an Oklahoma fishing license is required.

The City has completed quality evaluations for park ponds and water retention areas. See the map below for the location park ponds and water retention areas, categorized into tiers based on quality evaluations.

Close to Home Fishing Program

Oklahoma's state Close to Home Fishing Program is designed to be a partnership between the state Wildlife Conservation Department (ODWC) and municipalities across Oklahoma to provide urban angling opportunities. These small bodies of water are stocked with fish and managed with special regulations, ensuring opportunities exist for anglers who may only have a little time on their hands and nowhere to go. More importantly, they offer urban dwellers an opportunity to share their fishing heritage with others.

The City of Tulsa and Tulsa Parks is excited to announce the start of this partnership beginning in October 2021. The following city park ponds are included in the first phase of the program:

• Braden Park Pond at 5036 E 7th St (in Midtown Tulsa)
• Hunter Park Pond at 5804 E 91st St (in South Tulsa)
• Two unnamed ponds in the southeast corner of Mohawk Park, off Cherokee Drive, and across the street from the park's horse stables.

The ODWC has begun stocking and monitoring the following fish populations at each Close to Home Fishing pond (the three mentioned above):

• Three varieties of Sunfish: Green, Bluegill and Redear
• Channel Catfish
• Largemouth Bass

Tulsa Parks will offer a variety of programs, events, and resources for both youth and adults as part of this program, including:

• Seasonal fishing clinics and tournament events
• Additional fishing resources provided by the ODWD
• Nature and wildlife conservation education programs

Upcoming events will be announced on our Tulsa Parks Facebook page, and currently include:

• Kid/Adult Fishing Derby on Saturday, October 15, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Hunter Park | Facebook Event Page

Past events include:

• Spring Youth Fishing Derby, April 23, 2022 | Facebook Event Page
• Fall Youth Fishing Derby, October 23, 2021 | Facebook Event Page

Please note the following program regulations are in effect at any Close to Home Fishing ponds:

• Rod and reel fishing only. No other fishing methods are allowed.
• Fishing is limited to three (3) rods and reels per person.
• No more than three (3) hooks per line are allowed (treble hooks are considered one hook).
• New for 2021 - Panfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout have an aggregate limit of 3 fish per angler (Panfish = bluegill sunfish, redear sunfish, green sunfish, or any hybrid sunfish)
  • For panfish, please identify
  • Aggregate = 3 of any fish species listed above in any combination.
  • There are no size limits for panfish, channel catfish, and rainbow trout at CTHFP sites.
  • Only one rod and reel allowed at select CTHFP trout ponds when the season is in effect.
  • All other species fall under general statewide regulations. Refer to the current OK Fishing Guide

City of Tulsa Fishing & Pond Wildlife Conservation Working Group

The City has formed a working group made up of City employees from Tulsa Parks and Streets & Stormwater departments, staff from the ODWC and Tulsa resident anglers and volunteers.

This working group's mission/goals are:

• Develop and maintain water quality in ponds that support and sustain a natural fish habitat and healthy pond ecosystem.
• Provide and promote outdoor recreation programs focused on fishing and wildlife conservation for urban families.
• Develop, improve and maintain park and public lands with bodies of water that allow public access for outdoor recreation and programs.
• Educate and engage the public about plant and wildlife conservation best practices and behaviors that support healthy, natural ecosystems within our City parks and green spaces.

If you are interested in joining this public working group, please email tulsaparks@cityoftulsa.org.