What You'll Find at Arrowhead State Park

Arrowhead State Park sits on the shore of Lake Oolagah in northeastern Oklahoma, about 40 miles northeast of Tulsa near the town of Catoosa. The park is built around a 2,300-acre lake that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The water is relatively clear compared to many Oklahoma reservoirs, and the park's location in the transition zone between prairie and forest means you'll see both open water and tree-lined banks depending on where you fish.

The park itself covers 1,100 acres and includes a full-service marina, boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping. Unlike some state parks that are primarily day-use, Arrowhead is set up for anglers who want to stay overnight. The marina rents fishing boats and pontoons if you don't have your own, and the park has a tackle shop stocked with local lures and live bait. This makes it a practical choice if you're driving from Tulsa and want to fish without launching your own boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Oolagah holds largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • The park has two public boat ramps, a full-service marina with rentals, and a tackle shop, so you can fish whether or not you own a boat.
  • Catfish bite well at night from May through September, particularly around the dam and deeper channels.
  • Oklahoma fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older; a one-day license costs less than a full-year permit if you're visiting once.
  • The park charges a day-use fee separate from any camping or boat rental costs, and fees vary slightly by season.

Bass Fishing Seasons and Tactics

Largemouth bass are the primary draw at Arrowhead, and they bite year-round, though spring and fall produce the most reliable catches. From March through May, bass move into shallow water to spawn, and you'll find them around submerged timber, dock pilings, and the rocky shoreline near the marina. Early morning and late afternoon are best; throw crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in 4 to 8 feet of water.

Summer fishing (June through August) requires a shift to deeper water and lower-light periods. Bass retreat to the main lake channel and deeper holes during the heat of the day. Fish dawn and dusk, or plan an evening trip when the water cools. Smallmouth bass become more active in summer than spring, particularly along the rocky points on the north shore. Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water temperatures drop and bass feed aggressively before winter. This is often the best time to catch larger fish.

Winter fishing is slower but possible. Bass move to the deepest holes near the dam and along the main channel. Jigging with live shiners or small soft plastics fished slowly near the bottom will produce fish, though you'll catch fewer than in other seasons. Many anglers switch to catfish during winter months instead.

Catfish and Crappie Opportunities

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are abundant in Lake Oolagah and bite best from May through September. Night fishing is the standard approach—most anglers fish from dusk until midnight or later. Set up near the dam or in the deeper channels with chicken liver, cut shad, or live bluegill. You can fish from the bank in designated areas or from a boat anchored in deeper water. The park allows night fishing, and the marina stays open late during summer to accommodate catfish anglers.

White crappie and black crappie are present but less consistent than bass or catfish. Spring (March and April) is the best time, when crappie move into shallow water to spawn. Fish around dock pilings, fallen trees, and brush piles with small jigs or live minnows. Most crappie caught at Arrowhead run 8 to 10 inches, with occasional fish pushing 12 inches. Fall can also produce crappie, though the bite is less predictable than spring.

Access, Boat Ramps, and Marina Services

Arrowhead State Park has two public boat ramps on the north and south sides of the lake. Both are maintained and can handle most trailer boats, though the north ramp near the marina is wider and better suited to larger trailers. Parking is available at both ramps, though spaces fill quickly on weekends during spring and fall. There is no charge to launch your own boat beyond the day-use fee for the park.

The full-service marina rents 16-foot fishing boats with 40-horsepower motors, pontoon boats, and jet skis. Boat rental rates vary by season and boat type; call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability. The marina also stocks live shiners, shad, and crawfish, plus a selection of lures, line, and tackle. A small restaurant at the marina serves breakfast and lunch. If you don't have a boat and don't want to rent, the park has a fishing pier and designated bank-fishing areas, though these are less productive than boat access.

Regulations and Licensing

Oklahoma requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a one-day license, a three-day license, or a full-year license through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. One-day licenses are available at the marina tackle shop, or you can buy online before you arrive. Residents and non-residents pay the same rate for daily licenses.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit with a five-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no minimum size and no daily bag limit. Crappie have a 10-inch minimum length limit with a 25-fish daily bag limit. These regulations are current but can change; check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website before your trip to confirm. The park has a catch-and-release area near the marina where you can practice without counting toward your bag limit.

Camping and Lodging Options

Arrowhead State Park has 50 campsites with water and electric hookups, plus 20 additional sites without hookups. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Campsites are first-come, first-served during the off-season (November through February) and by reservation during peak season (March through October). Reservations open 90 days in advance through the Oklahoma Parks and Recreation system. Nightly rates vary by season and hookup type, ranging from roughly $20 to $35 per night.

The park also has a few rental cabins with air conditioning, heat, and basic furnishings. These book up quickly during spring and fall and must be reserved well in advance. If you prefer not to camp, the town of Catoosa (about 10 miles away) has motels and hotels. Tulsa is 40 miles south and has more lodging options if you want to fish Arrowhead as a day trip from the city.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most popular season at Arrowhead. Water temperatures are rising, bass are spawning and feeding, and the weather is mild. Expect crowds on weekends, particularly in April and May. Fall (September through November) is nearly as good for fishing and slightly less crowded. Summer (June through August) is hot and requires early-morning or evening fishing, but the park is less busy on weekdays. Winter (December through February) is quiet, with fewer anglers and slower fishing, but it's a good time to visit if you want solitude and don't mind cooler weather.

Lake Oolagah can get windy, particularly in spring. Check the forecast before you launch, especially if you're renting a small boat. The water level fluctuates seasonally and can drop significantly in late summer and fall, which may affect where fish are holding. Ask the marina staff about current conditions when you arrive—they know the lake well and can point you toward active areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish Arrowhead?

No. The park has a fishing pier, bank-fishing areas, and a marina that rents boats. Bank fishing is less productive than boat fishing, but it's a free option if you don't want to rent. Most anglers rent boats or bring their own for the best results.

What's the best time of year to catch bass at Arrowhead?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most reliable. Spring offers spawning bass in shallow water; fall brings aggressive feeding as water cools. Summer is slower and requires fishing early morning or evening.

Can I fish at night?

Yes. Night fishing is allowed and is the standard approach for catfish. The marina stays open late during summer to support night anglers. Bring a headlamp and tell someone where you're fishing.

How far is Arrowhead from Tulsa?

The park is about 40 miles northeast of Tulsa, roughly a 45-minute drive. It's close enough for a day trip or a weekend getaway with camping or a cabin rental.

What if the lake level is low?

Lake Oolagah's water level drops in late summer and fall due to irrigation demands. This concentrates fish in deeper areas but can make some shallow-water spots unfishable. Ask the marina staff about current conditions when you arrive.