Fishing Shadow Lake in Cleveland County, Oklahoma

• Overview

  Within Cleveland County, Oklahoma, you have Shadow Lake. The water sits 1,263 feet up. Surface area runs to about 6 acres — small enough to read in one session. On size it sits at the modest end of our Cleveland County list. Some 3.9 miles away sits Moore, the nearest settlement. Then Oklahoma City, 7.3 miles, and Del City, 8.1 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Shadow Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Across Cleveland County, recorded fish include green sunfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Shadow Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 83°F; by January the average is down near 37°F. Summer heat is the limit here, not winter cold. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. The season on Shadow Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Oknoname 02702 Reservoir sits 1.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Shadow Lake before loading the car.