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Turner Falls Trout
Trout of the Order of Turner Falls
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by Barry Shrader
Although Oklahoma is not known as a trout haven, it seems more and more avenues to trout fishing opportunities are coming about. One prime example is Turner Falls Park near Davis, Oklahoma.
Turner Falls is the number one outdoor tourism destination in Oklahoma and has been described as one of three geological windows to the past. The other two being the Grand Canyon and Black Hills of South Dakota....not bad company to be in.
Each cold weather season from November through April, Turner Falls is stocked with rainbow trout and on a rainy January Saturday I decided to see what these bows had on their minds. It didn't take long to find out...they wanted to skirmish.
I'm not for sure if I have ever encoutered more acrobatic and energetic trout as these of the Order of Turner Falls. My goodness, if you are look for leaping, head shaking, twist and shout trout....then come to Turner Falls.
On more occassions than I would like to admit I was sure a good hook set was mine to be, but the tricky trout of Turner Falls proved me wrong on several occassions. It was the kind of experience that causes one to scratch the head and wonder what in the world is up. |
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However, during my outing I became acquainted with a good host of bows saying "Howdy-do" and shortly thereafter saying "Nice meeting you and so long." In other words in a rather short order a lot of trout were brought to hand and released. Most of the engagements came on down and across casts with a drift and then strip or swing. Many of the strikes were subtle but others were quite firm. Most of the bows were in the deeper, darker colored, slack water areas. I did see some rises from time to time but was doing so well sub-surface the pursuit of dries was never taken.
The highlight of my outing had to be on an across and down sidearm cast with a forward cast climbing hook. Almost as soon as my fly hit the water I saw a rather large flash and with a side-sweep hook-set the flash and I connected. The ensuing battle would last a good five minutes and when I got to see my opponent I could see he was a battle worn and tested Golden. He was a seventeen inch battle worn and tested Golden!
I took my gladiator friend out of the water long enough to snap a picture but he was completely revived and I watched him swim away to battle one day more.
It was a wonderful experience. |
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Although it didn't take long to get my fill of battling bows in my first selection of water, the trout didn't seem to want to quit. However, I decided to go look for other waters that held the Order of Turner Falls Trout.
The first stretch of water I fished was just above the low water crossing and it couldn't be more than one hundred yards long. But, it was laden with rainbows. This water is downstream from the famous seventy-seven foot water falls that has brought Turner Falls fame.
I decide to go up on the hill to the water above the falls and here I find mouth watering challenging waters.
Upon arriving at this area an angler will see a pool and I can guarantee one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is "midge pool" and you will be exactly right.
The water above the falls is crystal clear and you can see the fish and they can see you. If you are looking for a fly fishing challenge this is the water of Turner Falls you will want to fish.
I used three flies on my outing. The most productive was a conehead olive mini leech pattern followed by a black Badlands Bugger with fluro green backing with conehead and a Griffiths Gnat.
Turner Falls Park is located about three miles south of Davis, Oklahoma. You have to have a valid fishing license and Turner Falls is a pay to play trout park, however for a little change an angler can have a wonderful day. To find out more visit turnerfallspark.com or call 580-369-2988.
One note of interest is that I fished Turner Falls on a Saturday and I had the water all to myself. The weather was a factor however with it raining all morning and sprinkling on me while I was fishing.
At about the time I decided my last cast would be my last cast the sun popped out from behind the clouds. The sky seemed to smile....so I smiled and spooled up. A better day I could not ask for.
Good fishing everyone.
Barry
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