Lower Mountain Fork

Should I go fishing?

Go with caution.

Best option: Wading. Wading is in play only where your chosen access has clear footing, legal entry, and no forced crossings.

Rating updatedRiver local time: Nov 11, 2026, 6:45 PM CST

Why this recommendation?

USGS shows 140 cfs. The flow has been stable over about 6 hours. USGS marks this reading provisional and may revise it. USGS records for this date (1970-2026, 57 readings) show a median near 315 cfs and the lower quartile near 172 cfs; today's flow is below normal for the date. This is below normal, so edge depth, temperature, and pressure matter.

Available live dataHighHow much of the live flow, weather, and alert data came back.

Confidence in this recommendationHighCurrent flow, weather, alerts, and trip-critical signals support this decision.

Usually checks again about every 45 minutes

If you go

Check first: Check SWPA generation schedules, the USGS gauge, and ODWC trout-area rules before stepping in.
Try: Read the generation schedule before choosing the reach.
Leave when: Skip wading when generation timing is unclear, water is rising, storms are building, trout handling is poor in heat, or the area-specific ODWC rule is not understood.

Flow and weather

Showing server-checked river conditions while current readings refresh.

Flow: 140 cfs; Stable over about 6 hoursU.S. Geological Survey may revise this readingWater 67.8°F · 24h high 69.1°F · USGS provisional
Air forecast: 71°F
Next 24h high: 71.0°F
NWS air forecast near Nov 11, 2026, 6:00 PM CST
Rain chance: 0%

7-day U.S. Geological Survey chart

Recent flow

Discharge

275 cfs140 cfs

Nov 4Nov 11

Latest reading: 140 cfs. Stable over about 6 hours. Chart covers Nov 4 through Nov 11; readings are provisional and may be revised.

Latest stored weather check

Mostly Clear

Wind: 5 mph
Weather checked: Nov 11, 2026, 6:00 PM CST

More forecast and source details

Mostly Clear

National Weather Service

Lower Mountain Fork near Beavers Bend

The National Weather Service forecast is temporarily unavailable.

Live data

Where these readings come from

Current U.S. Geological Survey gauge: Mountain Fork near Eagletown

Stable over about 6 hoursU.S. Geological Survey may revise this readingObserved Nov 11, 2026, 6:30 PM CST

Water 67.8°F · provisional · 24h high 69.1°F provisionalWater observed Nov 11, 2026, 6:30 PM CST · high observed Nov 11, 2026, 3:00 PM CST

Official U.S. Geological Survey station Opens in a new tab.Official NWS forecast Opens in a new tab.

These values are from the latest server-checked river data. JavaScript can refresh them with newer readings. Use the official links below for the newest readings before you fish.

Flies for this time of year

Seasonal starting points, not a live hatch report. Match what you see on the water.

See flies for every season

SeasonWhat to look forFlies to try

Winter

What to look forMidges, small caddis, BWO windows, and stocked trout holding in soft seams

Flies to try

Zebra MidgeGriffith's GnatBWO emergerBlue-Winged Olive Patterns pheasant tailPheasant Tail Nymph small eggEgg Fly Patterns

Spring

What to look forCaddis, mayflies, March Brown-style nymphs, and generation-edge streamer windows

Flies to try

Elk Hair Caddiscaddis pupaCaddis Pupa Patterns hare's earGold-Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph pheasant tailPheasant Tail Nymph olive buggerWoolly Bugger

Summer

What to look forMidges, caddis, ants, beetles, and deep shade when trout are stressed by heat

Flies to try

Midge pupaMidge Patterns by Stage caddisCaddis Patterns by Stage antAnt Patterns beetleBeetle Patterns small jig streamerTrout Streamer Patterns

FallThis season

What to look forCaddis, BWOs, midges, and better streamer windows after cool nights

Flies to try

BWO emergerBlue-Winged Olive Patterns caddis pupaCaddis Pupa Patterns Zebra MidgesculpinSculpin Patterns black leechLeech Patterns

Each fly name opens its matching Fly Box guide.

More fishing tips

Methods, fish species and trip notes

How to fish Lower Mountain Fork today.

Fish the Lower Mountain Fork when generation leaves safe wade windows, weather is stable, and ODWC rules match your planned reach. If water is rising or release timing is unclear, stay out.

No or low generation

Best wading window. Fish small nymphs, dry-dropper rigs, and soft seams.

Generation starting

Leave the river or move to safe bank water before levels rise.

Clear and pressured

Use small flies, light tippet, and careful presentations.

Hot weather

Fish early, watch trout stress, and avoid overhandling fish.

Wading, bank fishing or floating?

Best access methodWading

These scores compare the risks of wading, bank fishing, and floating.

Wading · Best fit52/100

Wading is in play only where your chosen access has clear footing, legal entry, and no forced crossings.

Bank fishingNot recommended

This report does not recommend bank fishing on this reach.

FloatingNot recommended

This report does not recommend floating this reach.

Full river report

Is Lower Mountain Fork worth the trip today? Check flow, weather, hatches, access, and rules for Oklahoma before you go.

The Lower Mountain Fork is a southern cold tailwater below Broken Bow Dam. It is a year-round trout fishery, but safe wading depends on generation and release timing more than a normal freestone flow number.

Fishing words used on this page

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gauge: A USGS gauge is an official river station that measures flow or water height.
Cubic feet per second (cfs): Cubic feet per second, or cfs, shows how much water passes the gauge each second.
Nymph: A nymph is a young water insect. Anglers also use the word for a fly that copies it.
Presentation: Presentation means how you cast and move the fly so it looks natural to a fish.
Seam: A seam is the line where fast and slow water meet.
Blue-winged olive (BWO): Blue-winged olives, or BWOs, are small mayflies that often hatch in cool or cloudy weather.
Caddis: Caddis are small water insects. The adults look a little like tiny moths.
Dry-dropper: A dry-dropper rig has a floating fly with an underwater fly tied below it.
Emerger: An emerger copies an insect as it rises from below the water toward the surface.
Midge: Midges are tiny flies and a common trout food, especially in cold water.

Why this call

Why this score

FlowUse caution

Water temperatureUse caution

USGS water temperature is about 67.8F. USGS marks the temperature data provisional and may revise it. Fish early and stop if handling stress is likely.

Best mode nowUse caution

Wade: Wading is in play only where your chosen access has clear footing, legal entry, and no forced crossings.

SeasonHelps

Fall: Cooler weather improves trout comfort and streamer windows.

Public alertsHelps

No active NWS alert was returned for this forecast point.

Trip notes

Check these before you choose a reach.

Best flows

Use SWPA generation schedules as the first safety check and USGS 07339000 as broad downstream context. Do not treat the Eagletown gauge as the only dam-release signal.

When to leave

Skip wading when generation timing is unclear, water is rising, storms are building, trout handling is poor in heat, or the area-specific ODWC rule is not understood.

Local plan

Check SWPA generation, ODWC trout-area rules, the USGS broad trend, and weather first. Pick a low-generation reach, carry small trout flies, and clean gear after fishing.

Backup water

If generation blocks safe wading, compare the White River, Little Red River, or Norfork Tailwater before forcing a rising tailwater.

Lower Mountain Fork access and rules.

Use these places as starting points. Open the access link below and check posted signs before you park or enter.

Before you go

ODWC trout-area rules include method, harvest, and area-specific details. Confirm the current trout rules before fishing.

Where to access the river

Beavers Bend State Park

Primary trip base and public recreation anchor.

Spillway and Zone 1 context

Generation-aware trout water near the dam.

Presbyterian Falls and lower trout area

A common planning reference downstream in the managed area.

ODWC describes the trout area as a state-managed fishery below Broken Bow Reservoir.
Oklahoma State Parks manages nearby facilities, camping, and recreation infrastructure.
Water can rise with generation. Do not cross channels you cannot retreat from quickly.

If this water does not fit the day, check another report before you start the drive.

ArkansasWhite River fishing reportA larger Ozark tailwater with generation-driven planning.

ArkansasLittle Red River fishing reportAnother southern trout tailwater where release checks matter.

See all Oklahoma fly fishing reports

Sources and report details

Official agencies and primary river operators come first. Secondary tools are labeled so you know what carries the most weight.

Rules and closures

Check what is allowed, where the rule applies, and whether the river is open.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyODWC Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Areawildlifedepartment.com (opens in a new tab)

Flow and weather

Check the latest river reading and forecast before you leave.

SafetyOfficial agencyNational Weather Service point forecastforecast.weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Access and land

Check public entry points, land rules, and seasonal access changes.

Public accessOfficial agencyODWC Lower Mountain Fork trout access informationwildlifedepartment.com (opens in a new tab)

Rules and closures

Check what is allowed, where the rule applies, and whether the river is open.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyODWC Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Areawildlifedepartment.com (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the current rules and check the river section, season, and special limits.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyODWC trout area informationwildlifedepartment.com (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the current rules and check the river section, season, and special limits.

Fishing rulesOfficial agencyODWC trout regulationswildlifedepartment.com (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the current rules and check the river section, season, and special limits.

Flow and weather

Check the latest river reading and forecast before you leave.

SafetyOfficial agencyNational Weather Service point forecastforecast.weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open this page and check the latest safety advice before your trip.

River readingOfficial agencySWPA generation schedulesenergy.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open this river reading to check the latest level, flow, and update time.

River readingOfficial agencyUSGS Mountain Fork near Eagletown 07339000waterdata.usgs.gov (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open this river reading to check the latest level, flow, and update time.

Access and land

Check public entry points, land rules, and seasonal access changes.

Public accessOfficial agencyODWC Lower Mountain Fork trout access informationwildlifedepartment.com (opens in a new tab)

What this source covers

Open the land or access page, then check signs before you park or enter.

Quick questions

What should I check first before fishing the Lower Mountain Fork?

Check SWPA generation, the USGS gauge, ODWC trout rules, and weather before wading.

Where should a first-time visitor start on the Lower Mountain Fork?

Start with Beavers Bend State Park and ODWC trout-area information, then match your reach to generation.

Can I wade the Lower Mountain Fork?

Yes during safe low-generation windows. Do not wade when release timing is uncertain or water is rising.

What flies should I bring for the Lower Mountain Fork?

Bring the seasonal fly box, a few backup nymphs or streamers, and enough tippet to change tactics when flow, clarity, temperature, or crowds change.

Lower Mountain Fork

Go with caution.

If you go