Optima Lake Fishing Guide, Texas County, Oklahoma

• Overview

  Optima Lake is listed under Texas County, Oklahoma. The ground round it is rolling hill. With some 50 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Compared with other Oklahoma water on our list, it sits high. 14 miles away sits Hooker, the nearest town. For a city, Amarillo is 107 miles off. Not far off: Stinson Reservoir lies 6.2 miles on, Shultz Lake at 8.5 miles, Sunset Lake lies 20 miles on and Palo Duro Reservoir at 21 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Optima Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Across Texas County, recorded fish include orangespotted sunfish, black bullhead, largemouth bass, common carp and bigscale logperch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Optima Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 80°F and January at 33°F. In milder years the surface never sets. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. That is the shape of the year on Optima Lake. The first warm week of the year changes everything here.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Picnic facilities are recorded some half a mile out. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Stinson Reservoir, 6.2 miles out. For Optima Lake in particular, ask before you travel.