About Grand Lake Fishing
Grand Lake is widely considered to be among the best lakes in Oklahoma for fishing. With over 46,500 surface acres and more than 1,300 miles of shoreline, there is something for everyone when it comes to fishing at Grand Lake.
Monster catfish, championship bass fishing, prehistoric paddlefish, and more crappie than you could ever eat are just part of the Grand Lake fishing legend.
Grand Lake's reputation as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the United States has been solidified with The Bassmaster Classic — often referred to as the Super Bowl of fishing — returning to Grand Lake multiple times, including events hosted at Wolf Creek Park in Grove, widely regarded as the #1 fishing facility and tournament launch site in the country.
But it's not just the bass. Grand Lake also has healthy populations of White Bass (Sandies), Spotted Bass, and Hybrid Stripers which have been stocked in the lake since 1982.
So make sure you've got your license in place and come on to Grand Lake for some of the best fishing for all kinds of fish you will ever find in one place.
What Are You Fishing For?
Grand Lake is home to many different species of fish, each offering a unique fishing experience depending on the time of year and your preferred technique.
Largemouth Bass
Grand Lake is renowned for trophy largemouth bass and regularly hosts professional tournaments. Best seasons are spring (spawn) and fall. Look for them around brush piles, docks, and rocky points.
White Bass & Hybrid Stripers
Excellent numbers of White Bass (also called Sandies or Smallmouth) throughout the lake, especially during spring spawning runs up the rivers. Hybrid Stripers have been stocked since 1982 and are awesome to catch — hard-fighting fish that provide great sport.
Crappie
Crappie fishing has always been a big deal around the shores of Grand Lake. Both black and white crappie are plentiful — many a crappie fish fry has been enjoyed by generations of Grand Lake families. Look for them around brush piles, docks, and standing timber.
Catfish
Grand Lake is home to Channel Catfish, delicious Blue Catfish, and big Flathead Cats. Monster catfish are routinely pulled from the lake year-round. Great eating and great sport.
Paddlefish (Spoonbill)
Oklahoma's Grand Lake has the largest population of these prehistoric fish in the world. The paddlefish snagging season runs primarily in winter and spring, with the best action by boat with a guide or bank fishing near Twin Bridges State Park during the spawning run. This is a bucket-list fishing experience.
2026 Fishing Tournaments
Grand Lake hosts dozens of fishing tournaments throughout the year, from local club events to major professional competitions. Wolf Creek Park in Grove is widely regarded as the #1 tournament launch facility in the country.
The 2026 tournament schedule features events from Major League Fishing, Oklahoma Bass Nation, Nichols Marine Tournament Series, and many more — with some tournaments drawing up to 800 boats.
Download the Full Schedule
View the complete list of all 2026 fishing tournaments at Grand Lake, including dates, times, weigh-in locations, and boat counts.
Grand Lake Fishing Guides
Grand Lake is home to many fishing guides who are experienced in helping you find just what you want in a Grand Lake fishing experience. Make sure you find the guide that works best for what you are looking for.
Most guides provide all the equipment you need, and many will even clean whatever legal fish you keep. You will need a valid Oklahoma fishing license — but that's usually about it.
No Wake Guide Service
Experience the best fishing on Grand Lake year-round in a brand-new 2024 SeaArk ProGuide. Full enclosure for winter trips and bimini for shade in summer. 4-hour charters include top-quality rods, tackle, and gear. They'll clean your catch so you can take home the freshest fillets.
Lance's Fishing Guide Service
Fishing guide service covering Grand Lake and other Northeast Oklahoma lakes including Oologah, Fort Gibson, Keystone, Birch, and Skiatook. Trips include fishing for white bass, hybrid/stripers, catfish, and spoonbill paddlefish.
Chasin' Tail Guide Service
The premier guide on Grand Lake for chasing Spoonbill year-round, as well as your go-to bowfishing guide in the summer. Call Cody to secure your spot and get on some Grand Lake monsters!
Angler-Friendly Lodging
Looking for a place to stay that understands what anglers need? These Grand Lake properties cater specifically to fishermen with amenities like boat parking, fish cleaning stations, and early-morning access.
Angler's Inn
Premier tournament and weekend angler destination just across from Wolf Creek Park. 9 rooms with amenities focused on traveling fishermen: covered trailer/truck parking with outlets, free daily coffee and snacks, kitchenettes, and community spaces. Your base camp for Grand Lake fishing.
Hilltop Inn & Suites
A newly remodeled historic hotel with 32 guest rooms featuring custom furnishings. Fisherman-focused amenities include 26 parking spaces with electric hookups for customers towing boats. Easy access and power for charging your gear.
Long's Resort on Grand Lake
Situated on a deep water cove on the Honey Creek arm. Features 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom cabins plus a King Suite Cabin. Covered boat dock with slips, electricity, and lights for fishing at night.
Helpful Links & Resources
Here are some links that might be helpful as you explore your fishing opportunities at Grand Lake. Don't forget to make sure you are familiar with State of Oklahoma rules and regulations.
Fishing Information
- Grand Fishing Report Facebook Group — Real-time fishing reports from local anglers
- Oklahoma Fishing Licenses and Regulations — ODWC official site
- GRDA Lake Levels and Flow — Current water conditions
- Pensacola Dam Floodgate Operations — Current spillway status