Reel Local: Where to Fish in and Near Woodward

As warmer weather returns to Northwest Oklahoma, the City of Woodward invites residents and visitors to enjoy one of the easiest ways to unplug and spend time together: recreational fishing. Whether it’s kids casting a line after school, parents planning a weekend outing, or adults squeezing in a peaceful hour after work, fishing is a simple way to get outside, make memories, and experience Woodward’s outdoor quality of life.

Woodward offers multiple options from in-town lakes inside city limits to regional waters just a short drive away, making it easy to plan anything from a quick evening trip to a full weekend adventure.

Oklahoma fishing is regulated at the state level, and anglers should be prepared to follow Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) requirements, including having the appropriate fishing license/permit when required and following applicable statewide regulations. In addition, City of Woodward lakes have local rules adopted by ordinance, including specific provisions related to allowed methods, bait, swimming/boating restrictions, hours, and daily limits, so anglers should review and follow posted signage and the applicable city code sections before fishing.

Crystal Beach Lake

Location: 108 Temple Houston Dr, Woodward, OK 73801

Crystal Beach Lake is a spring-fed lake with a beautiful shoreline and convenient access, ideal for a quick evening cast or a family outing.

Amenities: Restrooms, benches, and picnic tables.

Hours:

• Nov. 1 – Mar. 31: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily

• Apr. 1 – Oct. 31: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. daily

Local rules: Fishing at Crystal Beach Lake is subject to City of Woodward ordinance (Woodward City Code § 95.05) in addition to ODWC requirements.

Experiment Lake

Location: One block south of Oklahoma Avenue on 34th Street in Woodward

Located at the western edge of the USDA Southern Plains Research Station, Experiment Lake sits at the end of the Goetzinger Walking Trail and offers a peaceful, scenic spot to unwind. Following a closure period tied to repopulation efforts and habitat management, Experiment Lake is now open again to public fishing.

Amenities: Benches and picnic tables

Hours:

• Nov. 1 – Mar. 31: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily

• Apr. 1 – Oct. 31: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. daily (midnight)

Local rules: Fishing at Experiment Lake is subject to City of Woodward ordinance (Woodward City Code § 95.06) in addition to ODWC requirements.

Shaul Lake at Boiling Springs State Park

Address: 207745 Boiling Springs Rd, Woodward, OK 73801

Boiling Springs State Park offers fishing at Shaul Lake, a 7-acre spring-fed lake well-suited for a laid-back family outing in a classic park setting.

Hours: Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Amenities: Restrooms available

Fishing: Shaul Lake is known for a variety of species, including bass and panfish, with additional opportunities depending on conditions and season.

Fees: State Park entry and/or parking fees may apply.

Fort Supply Lake

Location: 12 miles northwest of Woodward and 1 mile south of Fort Supply

With abundant open water and multiple species, Fort Supply Lake is a go-to option for anglers who want a larger lake experience close to town.

Lake size: Approximately 1,800 acres

Common catches: Crappie, walleye, white bass, hybrid bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish

Recognition: Included in the northwestern loop of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail

Make It a Tradition: Quick Trips Count

You don’t need a full day to make fishing worthwhile. A short outing after school or after work can become a weekly tradition, an easy way to trade screen time for fresh air and the kind of simple conversations and memories that last.

For location guidance, event updates, and seasonal recreation information, contact the City of Woodward at (580) 256-2280 or visit CityofWoodward-ok.gov.