Lake of the Arbuckles is a 2,350-acre reservoir located in south-central Oklahoma within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Created in 1966 by the Bureau of Reclamation, the lake formed at the confluence of Buckhorn, Guy Sandy, and Rock Creeks at the northern end of the Arbuckle Mountains. Known for its crystal-clear blue water with six to eight-foot visibility, the lake boasts 36 miles of shoreline with secluded coves perfect for fishing. With a maximum depth of nearly 80 feet and total capacity of 108,839 acre-feet, it's considered one of Oklahoma's premier fishing destinations and has even been rated as the best bass fishing lake in the state by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Learn what type of fish are at Lake of the Arbuckles and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Lepomis cyanellus
Lepomis megalotis
Lepomis microlophus
Carpiodes carpio
Micropterus punctulatus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Learn how to get on Lake of the Arbuckles. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Lake of the Arbuckles, and when to apply.
Boater pass · Motorboats · Required year-round
Any vessel with a motor on board needs a Chickasaw boat permit to operate on Lake of the Arbuckles, daily from the fee machines or annual online.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Chickasaw National Recreation Area
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
16-year old (and older) residents are required to purchase a valid license. 15-year old (and older) non-resident is required to purchase a valid license.
This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
The public has the right to fish from boats in non-navigable streams, adjacent landowners own the streambed to the middle of the streambed.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Lake of the Arbuckles to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake of the Arbuckles to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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See the best times to fish Lake of the Arbuckles and check the forecast before you go.
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