Lake McMurtry Fishing Guide, Payne County, Oklahoma

• Overview

  The Payne County entry here is Lake McMurtry, in Oklahoma. It lies 968 feet above sea level. At some 1,075 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. With 9.9 miles or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. Size puts it in the front rank of our Payne County list. The closest town, Stillwater, is 8.5 miles away. Perry follows at 9.4 miles, then Perkins at 17 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lake McMurtry

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Reported across Payne County: bluegill, green sunfish and orangespotted sunfish. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. At Lake McMurtry the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 82°F; by January the average is down near 35°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Lake McMurtry runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Launching is at Lake McMurty Park Boat Dock, about half a mile away. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Stillwater Creek Site 41 Reservoir, 1.7 miles away. What applies at Lake McMurtry may have changed since it was mapped.