Oklahoma's Premier Multi-Species River Fishing

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Oklahoma
$200 - $350 price range

Summary

Want to catch three of Oklahoma's most popular game fish in one morning? This 4-hour trip with B & C Fishing Adventures has you covered. You'll be targeting blue catfish, paddlefish, and white bass on the state's rivers and lakes. It's a great way for beginners to learn or for experienced anglers to mix things up. Your guide, Bob Scoggins, provides all the gear and knows where the fish are biting. He'll show you the ropes and help you land some nice catches. Just remember to grab your paddlefish permit beforehand if you want to go after those. The charter's perfect if you're looking to gain some new fishing skills or just want a fun morning on the water. With a 2-person max, you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction. It's a solid bet for anyone wanting to experience some of the best fishing Oklahoma has to offer.

Oklahoma's Premier Multi-Species River Fishing

Oklahoma's Triple Threat

Deep Sea Trolling pays off with a Flathead Catfish at Whitehorn Cove Road!

Tackling the deep sea with heavy and light gear - a perfect day for the best fishing!

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Spoonbill power in Oklahoma

Cast for Catfish, Paddlefish, and Bass in OK

Ready to reel in some of Oklahoma's most sought-after fish? Hop aboard with Bob Scoggins of B & C Fishing Adventures LLC for a morning of non-stop action on the Sooner State's productive waters. This 4-hour trip is your ticket to hooking into blue catfish, paddlefish, and white bass – a trifecta of OK fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Bob's got the know-how to put you on fish and show you the ropes. Let's break down what makes this trip a can't-miss for anyone looking to experience the best of Oklahoma fishing.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're out on the water as the sun's coming up, rod in hand, with the promise of a cooler full of fish by lunchtime. That's exactly what you're in for on this half-day charter. Bob's been fishing these waters for years, and he knows just where to find the honey holes where catfish, paddlefish, and white bass are biting. You'll be using top-notch gear (all provided, so no need to lug your own), and Bob's there to show you the tricks of the trade. It's hands-on learning at its finest – you'll be casting, reeling, and hopefully landing fish like a pro in no time. Just remember to snag that paddlefish permit before you come, and you're all set for a morning of Oklahoma fishing at its best.

What to Expect on the Water

When you climb aboard Bob's boat, you're in for a mix of fishing techniques tailored to each species. For blue catfish, you might be bottom fishing with cut bait or stink bait – don't worry, you'll get used to the smell! Paddlefish require a whole different approach. You'll be snagging, which is a unique technique where you cast out a heavy weight with a big treble hook and retrieve it through the water column. It's a blast when you connect with one of these prehistoric-looking fish. As for white bass, get ready for some fast action. When they're schooling, you can catch 'em on just about anything – jigs, spinners, or live bait. Bob will show you how to read the water, spot structure, and present your bait just right to entice those bites.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blue Catfish: These whiskered giants are the prize of Oklahoma's waters. They can grow to massive sizes, with some topping 100 pounds. Blue cats love deep holes and flowing water, and they'll eat just about anything. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but they bite year-round. When you hook into a big blue, hold on tight – these fish can pull like a freight train, and the fight is half the fun!

Paddlefish: Also known as spoonbills, these prehistoric-looking fish are a true Oklahoma oddity. They can grow over 100 pounds and are filter feeders, so you won't catch them on traditional bait. Snagging for paddlefish is a unique experience – it's all about timing and feel. The best time to target them is during their spring spawning run, usually from March to May. Landing a paddlefish is like reeling in a piece of living history, and they make for some incredible photos.

White Bass: Don't let their size fool you – what white bass lack in heft, they make up for in numbers and fight. These scrappy fish often school in huge numbers, especially during their spring spawning runs up rivers and creeks. When you find a school, it's non-stop action. They hit hard and fight above their weight class, making for a fun, fast-paced fishing experience. Plus, they're excellent eating, so be sure to keep a few for the frying pan.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Bob tend to become repeat customers, and it's easy to see why. First off, the variety can't be beat. Where else can you target three completely different species in one morning? It keeps things interesting and gives you a real taste of what Oklahoma fishing is all about. Then there's Bob's expertise – he's not just taking you fishing, he's teaching you how to fish. You'll walk away with new skills and insider knowledge that'll serve you well on future trips. And let's not forget the convenience factor. All the gear's provided, the spots are pre-scouted, and you're fishing with a pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand. It's a hassle-free way to get on fish and have a great time doing it.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Oklahoma's waters and tangle with some catfish, paddlefish, and white bass, now's the time to lock in your trip. Bob's morning charters are popular, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long. Remember, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a morning of learning, laughs, and hopefully some impressive catches. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, snap some trophy photos, or just enjoy a relaxing morning on the water, this trip delivers. So grab a buddy (the boat can take two guests), give Bob a call to check availability, and get ready for some of the best fishing Oklahoma has to offer. Trust me, once you've experienced the thrill of battling a big blue cat or the unique challenge of snagging a paddlefish, you'll be hooked for life. Don't miss out on this chance to create some lasting fishing memories – book your spot with B & C Fishing Adventures LLC today!

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish (Ictalurus Furcatus) Fish Description

Blue Catfish are known for their slate-blue bodies. However, they are often mistaken for the Channel Catfish because of their appearance. To identify them, people usually count the rays on their fins. Blue Catfish only have 30-36 rays on their fins. Another is to look closely at the anal fin. Blue Catfish’s anal fin has a squared-off edge whereas Channel Catfish have a rounded anal fin. They also have a dorsal hump which the Channel Catfishes don’t really have.

Known also as Blue Cat, Blue Catfish have similar traits to that of their catfish cousins. They have a deeply forked tail which is where they got their scientific name. Blue Catfish also have a bit of an underbite, which makes them more prone to surface feeding. Blue Catfish, like all other catfish, have whisker-looking barbels that place them in the Catfish group.

Blue Catfish Diet and Size

Blue Catfish are terrifying hunters and are often described as opportunistic. Like their other catfish cousins, they eat virtually anything. Though, they have a preference for crawfish, some freshwater mussels, frogs, and other aquatic substances that are readily available. Larger Blue Catfish are also known to become predators of the Asian Carp.

Anglers usually notice the Blue Catfish feasting on some baitfish under a school of feeding Striped Bass. In a way, Blue Catfish act like scavengers when it comes to hunting for food.

Blue Catfishes are the largest among all the North American catfish species. Blue Catfish range between 25-46 inches and weigh at an average of 81.5 lbs.

Interesting Facts about the Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish are considered pests in some states like Virginia.
- When anglers catch Blue Catfish, they’re usually told to kill them to cull their numbers.
- Blue Catfish love feeding on Blue Crabs which is detrimental to Virginia’s fisheries.
Blue Catfish are so sturdy for their ability to handle brackish water.
- It has a low mortality rate due to its intimidating size and its success rate as a hunter.
Because the population of Blue Catfish exploded, some people have even resorted to electrofishing.
- Electrofishing is a technique that scientists often use to stun or impair the fish.
  - Doing this allows them to research more into the fish.
- However, some states have opted to use Electrofishing as a means of culling Blue Catfish. Some have caught around 700 Blue Catfish per hour!

Blue Catfish – Fishing Techniques: How to Fish for a Blue Catfish

Like any catfish, they prefer freshly-cut up bait. Having cut fresh bait has the blood of the bait drip into the water which will seduce the catfish via its taste receptors on its body. Once the Blue Catfish detects it, they’ll start heading to your bait. Some people have noted that herring, sardine, and even chicken liver will be a good bait for catching a Blue Catfish.

As for leaving your bait, let it sink all the way to the ground. Blue Catfish are opportunistic so they’re not going to attack a bait that’s constantly moving. Let it fall to the ground until you feel a nibble. Wait for a good 1-2 nibbles (though it depends on how much bait you put) before reeling it in.

Others use Electrofishing which uses a cathode and anode to attract them to you. Once they come to you, they’ll suffer a slight “stun” or shock but that doesn’t affect their meat quality. It will make it easier for you to catch though and you just might find yourself hauling out a lot.

Make sure you also bring leather gloves or gloves that have a lot of friction. They’re slimy and they will put up a fight so you’ll need gloves to have a good grip on these slippery creatures.

Blue Catfish Habitat and Distribution

The best place to start fishing for Blue Catfish is a place where they are considered pests. So, Virginia might be a good place to start.

Once there, start looking in lakes and rivers. Blue Catfish stay in those kinds of places but they do have a specific requirement: it has to be near some sort of tidal creek. Since Blue Catfishes follow the tides, they usually end up the creek and stay there especially if they found a channel or hole to their liking. The holes need to deep and have to be muddy at the bottom. Once, there you can give it a shot.

White Bass

White Bass (Morone chrysops) Fish Description

Also known as Sand Bass or Silver Bass, the White Bass is a member of the Moronidae or Bass Family.

As its name suggests, the White Bass is primarily colored silvery-white to pale green. Its back is darker, but its belly and sides are white. The White Bass has narrow and dark stripes along the sides of its belly. It has rough scales that are distinctively big; it possesses two dorsal fins. Its body is compressed laterally.

To identify White Bass, look for a lateral line with around 51 to 60 scales. This species also has dorsal fins numbering 12 to 14; anal fin rays, 11 to 14; pectoral fin ray, 15 to 17; and 20 to 25 gill rakers. Another characteristic of the White Bass is its prominent tooth patch near the tip of its tongue.

Diet and Size

As a carnivorous feeder, the White Bass has at least four favorite major diet options: the leptodora, daphnia, cyclopoid copepods, and calanoid copepods. White Bass are visual feeders who will readily bite any live bait especially minnows and worms.

The White Bass can measure up to 10 to 12 inches in length; some are even recorded to have reached 18 inches. Generally, they weigh up to 7 pounds.

Interesting Facts About the White Bass

The White Bass is Oklahoma’s state fish.
The White Bass has gained acclaim as a significant sport fish in Manitoba since it was introduced there in the 1960s.
The White Bass has a “fake” spinous ray. It also has a homocercal tail.
Female White Bass lay around 240,000 to 930,000 eggs; they spawn from mid-March to late May.
One unusual mating ritual among the White Bass is how males bump against the female’s abdomen. After that, the female goes near the surface to begin spinning and releasing eggs.

White Bass — Fishing Techniques

The White Bass is very popular among recreational anglers; in fact, this is the fifth most favored species among licensed fishers from Texas.

Once you sight a school of White Bass, make sure to use spinners or spoons along the water surface to entice them. One other common method of luring them is by using bottom fishing at night; you can also utilize live bait.

You can use small jigs as artificial lures; a 1/8 ounce marabou jig should do the trick. For best results, use jigs that are black or white. If you go for soft plastic lures, try the tube bait, or a small jig head with a curly tail grub. One other lure you can utilize is a small jig packed with soft plastic swimbaits; you can have either the 1/8 or ¼ ounce jigs.

Be careful because White Bass are known to be aggressive fighters. However, this struggle may be worth it because of its exceptional taste.

Note that every state may have some regulations as to the size, length, and other factors related to capturing this fish.

White Bass Habitat and Distribution

The White Bass are fairly distributed in the US, especially in the Midwest. They are plenty around Lake Erie and Pennsylvania. Most of the White Bass population are native to Lake Poinsett, Detroit River, Arkansas River, the Great Lakes, and the Red River drainage. They also inhabit the lakes in Winnebago, Wisconsin and the rivers in Mississippi.

This species generally inhabits big rivers and shallow rivers, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. They are often found upstream where there are high densities.

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