First Trip Help

[okstate18]

Good afternoon,
I am looking to visit for my very first time sometime during the first of the new year. How is the fishing during this time of year? I have a kayak and waders and am unsure of the area. I don't want to make the trip without having everything i could need! Is there also somewhere close to the river that me and a buddy could stay? I have always heard great things about this river and am very excited to finally get there. Any advice will help, thank you and enjoy the New Year!

[flyfishermann1955]

Fishing in the winter, like the weather, can be "hit or miss". It can be sunny and 55 degrees or it can be 32 degrees and windy with a wintery mix. The fly shop that hosts this board has everything you will need, including guides that can introduce you to the hot spots to fish and help you learn the river.

There are numerous places to eat and stay. Do you want a "high end cabin" or just a "basic hotel room"? I have stayed at the Charles Wesley. I wouldn't take my wife there on vacation, but it's fine for a guys fishing trip. It's fairly close (15 minutes) to the park and there is a Mexican restaurant next door that also serves breakfast. Look here:

thecharleswesleymotorlodge.com/

January and February will certainly be less crowded than during summer vacation months! Again, check with the fly shop.

Tight Lines- Ken

[okstate18]

Thanks for the info! Is most of the river easy to access with waders? Trying to decide if I want to cart a kayak all the way down there!

[darrelln09]

There is a lot of wadable water in several different places in the park. If you like to kayak there are places for that too but it certainly wouldn’t be necessary to fish most of the upper part of the river.