Broken Bow Lake Fishing near Broken Bow, Oklahoma

• Overview

  Set in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, this is Broken Bow Lake. It lies 620 feet above sea level. At roughly 21.0 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. Long inlets mean the far ends can be calm while the main body is rough. It is the biggest water on our McCurtain County list. The closest town, Broken Bow, is 13 miles distant. De Queen is 23 miles and Idabel 23 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Broken Bow Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Records collected within a few miles name green sunfish, orangebelly darter and Rio Grande longear sunfish. Check the state or provincial list before planning around one species. Read Broken Bow Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 80°F and January about 40°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Broken Bow Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Broken Bow Lake, 11 miles away. None of that is settled for Broken Bow Lake in what we hold.