Wister Lake

Boat Ramps: 9
Access Points: 12
Species: 22

Wister Lake is a 6,077-acre reservoir located in southeastern Oklahoma, approximately 2 miles south of the town of Wister in LeFlore County. Formed by the impoundment of the Poteau River and Fourche Maline Creek, this shallow lake (average depth of 7.4 feet with a maximum depth of 39 feet) offers excellent fishing opportunities in a picturesque setting near the Ouachita Mountains. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provides a diverse fishery with multiple species to target throughout the year. Despite its shallow, typically murky waters, Wister Lake has developed a reputation as one of the top fishing destinations in the region, particularly for crappie and catfish enthusiasts.

Oklahoma licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Wister Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Wister Lake. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Wister Lake

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.

Oklahoma licenses and regulations

Oklahoma Boating Regulations

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.

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Oklahoma Fishing License

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.

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Oklahoma Fishing Regulations

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.

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Oklahoma Stream Access Laws

The public has the right to fish from boats in non-navigable streams, adjacent landowners own the streambed to the middle of the streambed.

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Take Wister Lake with you

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.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Wister Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Wister Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.