Fort Gibson Lake Paddlefish (Spoonbill) & White Bass Fishing Guide

Fort Gibson Lake Spoonbill Paddlefish Fishing

Fort Gibson Lake and nearby Choteau Bend are among the best places in Oklahoma for paddlefish. In fact, this area holds one of the largest populations of spoonbill paddlefish in the state. As a result, anglers frequently hook fish weighing 40–60 pounds, and each season a few trophy paddlefish over 60 pounds are caught.

In addition to guiding trips on Fort Gibson Lake, we also offer guided paddlefish fishing trips on several other Oklahoma lakes and rivers, including Oologah Lake, Keystone Lake, Kaw Lake, and Grand Lake of the Cherokees.

How Paddlefish Are Caught

Paddlefish, often called spoonbill, are filter feeders that consume plankton and microscopic organisms. Because of this feeding behavior, they do not chase traditional bait. Therefore, anglers must snag paddlefish using large barbless treble hooks, which is the legal method in Oklahoma.

During the colder months, paddlefish typically move into deeper water. At that time, we troll to locate and hook these giant fish, often using live sonar technology to track them more effectively.

However, as spring approaches, paddlefish begin their annual spawning migration up rivers and streams. During this time, we may use a variety of techniques depending on water conditions and customer preferences. For example, we may troll, cast and jerk snagging rigs, or use forward-facing live sonar to locate fish.

Once the spawning run ends, paddlefish gradually return to the main lakes where they feed heavily on plankton throughout the summer. Because of this predictable movement, summer paddlefish fishing can also be very productive. Using Lowrance live sonar technology, we can locate fish in open water, providing exciting and hard-fighting summer paddlefish action.

Oklahoma Paddlefish Regulations

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, current paddlefish regulations include:

Two paddlefish may be harvested per year
Only one paddlefish per person per day
Only barbless hooks may be used

In addition, anglers must have:

A valid Oklahoma fishing license (resident or non-resident) for anglers 18 years and older
A FREE paddlefish permit for all ages

If you’ve never hooked into one of these freshwater giants, a guided paddlefish trip is truly an unforgettable Oklahoma fishing adventure.

Book your Fort Gibson Lake paddlefish trip today:
📞 Call or Text: 918-607-7357
📧 Email: lancesguideservice@gmail.com

Fort Gibson Lake White Bass (Sand Bass) Fishing

Fort Gibson Lake and the Grand River are also top destinations for white bass fishing in Oklahoma.

Each spring, white bass—commonly called sand bass—make their annual spawning run up the Grand River. As a result, anglers often experience fast-paced fishing with large schools of aggressive fish, making it one of the most exciting seasonal fisheries in the state.

Guided White Bass Fishing Trips

Lance’s Guide Service offers guided white bass fishing trips during the spring run, giving anglers the opportunity to enjoy some of the best sand bass action in Oklahoma.

Depending on angler preference, we can fish using:

Live bait for steady, high-action fishing
Artificial lures for anglers who prefer casting

Because of the constant action, these trips are perfect for families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike.

During the summer months, white bass typically move back into the main lake. At that time, we target them using slabs, jigs, or live bait. Additionally, if we spot fish feeding aggressively on the surface, we can switch to topwater lures for explosive strikes.

Combo Paddlefish & White Bass Fishing Trips

Would you like to experience two incredible Oklahoma species in one day?

Fortunately, we offer combo guided fishing trips that allow anglers to target both paddlefish and white bass during the same outing.

For example, many anglers choose to spend part of the day paddlefish snagging and the remainder chasing white bass. As a result, this option provides a unique Oklahoma fishing adventure while maximizing your time on the water.

For more details, please visit the Rates Page on our website.

Book Your Fort Gibson Lake Fishing Trip

Whether you want to catch a giant paddlefish, experience the exciting spring white bass run, or target both species in one trip, we can customize the perfect guided fishing adventure.

📞 Call or Text: 918-607-7357
📧 Email: lancesguideservice@gmail.com

Fish with an experienced Oklahoma paddlefish and white bass fishing guide and discover the incredible fishing opportunities that Fort Gibson Lake has to offer.

Spoonbill Fort Gibson Oklahoma