The sprawling reservoir that is Lake Eufaula spans nearly 160 square miles (414 square km) and is the largest lake in Oklahoma. The artificial lake was constructed in 1964 to prevent flood and source water and electricity from the Canadian River. The lake also doubles as a popular recreational spot, providing visitors with hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and other recreational opportunities throughout the year. It is nestled between two state parks, the Fountainhead and Arrowhead State Parks, so visitors also can participate in hunting and wildlife-watching activities that will be preserved for years to come.
Lake Eufaula boasts beautiful sandy beaches and a shoreline packed with towering cedars (Juniperus virginiana), water oaks (Quercus nigra), black willow (Salix nigra), and various species of pines (Pinus spp.) along with a diverse array of flowering plants, vines, and shrubs.
Animal species native to the area include American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), various species of fowl, songbirds, and allies, as well as hundreds of other native species that may catch the eye of hunters, bird watchers. A more comprehensive list of wildlife species in the Lake Eufaula area can be found here.
Fishing is prevalent at Lake Eufaula and, as one of Oklahoma’s largest lakes, it is no surprise that Lake Eufaula is home to a handful of giants like channel catfish and largemouth bass. This guide will list and describe a variety of fish species, big or small, that call Lake Eufaula home.
Fish Species in Lake Eufaula
1) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)
The freshwater drum, also known as the sheepshead for its unique teeth, stands out as an extraordinary North American sport fish. In terms of size, this species usually measures around 15 inches (38 cm) in length. Typically inhabiting large rivers and impoundments, it shows a preference for slower flow in these habitats. With its deep, humped back, two dorsal fins, and rounded caudal fin, it can be easily distinguished from carp and members of the Catostomidae family, which possess forked caudal fins.
The freshwater drum is a big fish, capable of reaching an impressive maximum weight of approximately 50 pounds (23 kg). As bottom dwellers, they share a similar prey selection with catfish, often targeting prey of comparable size. Their diet consists of insects, fish, crayfish, and mollusks, which they diligently scavenge from the depths.
Inhabiting deep reservoirs and lakes, freshwater drums prefer areas with slow currents. They find solace in these calm waters, where they can thrive and sustain their demersal feeding habits. During the spawning season, which occurs annually from late spring to early summer, these remarkable fish gather in schools to reproduce. In a single spawning event, thousands of offspring are produced and left to fend for themselves in the vast open water. Their reproductive strategy ensures a higher chance of survival for at least some of the young.
2) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Among the giants at Lake Eufaula is the largemouth bass. This stunning specimen can grow up to 38 inches (97 cm) and routinely passes 18 inches (45.7 cm). Given their large size and excellent table fare as well as their fight when hooked, largemouth bass are a prized sportfish and one of the most frequently stocked sportfish in the United States. As previously mentioned, largemouth bass are giant sunfish, but their common name refers more to the size of their mouths and their capacity to consume large prey items than their size. These massive sunfish also have huge mouths and a substantial capacity to consume large prey items.
This species will hide amongst aquatic plants to ambush unsuspecting prey items. Such prey items might include other fish, amphibians, leeches, insects, small mammals, and birds. Largemouth bass tend to occupy nearshore areas during spawning and feeding. During most other seasons, a boat will be required to find largemouth bass hiding in the deeper waters of Eufaula Lake. Often, they can be caught by targeting areas nearby rocks or submerged vegetation and debris.
Oklahoman anglers may harvest up to six black basses per day. Any largemouth or smallmouth bass must be a minimum of 14 inches (36 cm) in length.
3) Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)
Sunfish in the Lepomis genus are considered “true sunfish,” whereas those in the Micropterus are called “black bass.” The two groups differ in size, morphological, and behavioral characteristics. For example, common sunfish create nesting colonies, whereas black basses are primarily solitary. An average green sunfish is 7.9 inches (20 cm). Although they rarely grow large enough to feed more than one person, they are considered delicious panfish.
Because they are small sunfish, the green sunfish diet includes aquatic insects and invertebrates like crayfish, but they occasionally eat smaller fish. Since their mouths are small compared to their body size, this is a common species to catch when fishing for larger fish.
4) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
Bluegills are another common sunfish and popular panfish with brown bodies and fins tipped with blue and orange. Males are more colorful than females. They used to be extremely popular sportfish like the largemouth and smallmouth bass but are no longer routinely stocked alone. Instead, they are suitable to stock alongside larger species as a food source.
Spawning for bluegills takes place in the warm months between May and July when the water conditions are favorable. During this crucial period, the male bluegill plays a pivotal role by constructing and diligently guarding a nest to protect the precious eggs until they hatch. This dedicated care ensures the survival of the offspring during their vulnerable early stages.
It’s important to note that male bluegills can exhibit defensive behaviors during the breeding season. While they are not inherently dangerous, they may attempt to fend off potential threats, including swimmers, if they approach too close to the nest. It is advisable for swimmers and observers to maintain a respectful distance to avoid any disturbances and allow the male bluegill to carry out its protective duties without undue stress.
5) Crappie (Pomoxis spp.)
Crappies belong to the genus Pomoxis and are small sunfish, and interestingly, they are distantly unrelated to black bass or common sunfish. One can easily distinguish species within this genus from other sunfish due to their distinctive spiny gill covers. In particular, the two species, black crappie and white crappie, can be differentiated by a few key characteristics.
The black crappie and white crappie can be distinguished by counting the spines on their dorsal fins. Additionally, they differ in coloration, which serves as the primary way to tell them apart. The white crappie showcases a beautiful silver coloration with black bars, while the black crappie boasts an abundance of dark spots along its body, creating an overall darker appearance.
They are usually abundant where they naturally occur and, where they don’t, crappies are routinely stocked. Both species are crepuscular predators that eat small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Crappies are easy to catch using a variety of rigs and strategies, like classic bobbers and spider rigging. Once caught, crappies make excellent panfish.
In Oklahoma, the limit for crappies is 37 fish per day.
6) Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)
While Lake Eufaula is well known for its bass fishing, it is also one of the best places in Oklahoma for catfish fishing. Catfish congregate in deep waters around bridges, fallen trees, and other debris. Anglers can target catfish so long as the lake is not frozen over. At night, they are more abundant in the shallows than during the day.
Slightly smaller than the blue catfish, the flathead catfish is a large Ictalurid with, as you can guess, a flattened head. On average, a flathead catfish will be reeled in at 20 – 30 inches long (51 – 76 cm). Its barbels are dusky brown and possess a squared dorsal fin.
Anglers may harvest up to 5 flatheads per day.
7) Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
Channel catfish are the most common catfish species used in aquaculture. Additionally, they are the most popular sport catfish. Their popularity is due to their delicious flesh, characteristic of many southern dishes. This species has a forked tail and a round anal fin instead of a straight one, as seen in the flathead catfish. The average length for this species is 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm). The channel catfish thrives in the waters of clear streams and can tolerate turbid and brackish water.
The channel catfish’s popularity is due to its delicious flesh which is characteristic of many southern dishes. Live bait like shad, tiny sunfish, nightcrawlers, and insects make excellent bait options for a channel catfish. Up to 15 blue and channel catfish per angler may be harvested from Lake Eufaula daily.
8) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
This next species is the largest catfish species in North America and in Oklahoma, and the state record is 98 lbs (44.5 kg). However, the typical blue catfish is more likely to achieve 4 pounds (2 kg). They are similar in appearance to the channel catfish, but the edges of their anal fins can help identify this species. In blue catfish, the anal fin is generally straight. In channel catfish, the anal fin is somewhat rounded. Telling flatheads apart from other catfish is self-explanatory.
They are well known for their flavor, and because they feed mainly from the water column and less from the substrate, they tend to taste better than species that are bottom-feeding specialists. Live bait or processed, meaty foods are the best for targeting blue catfish. Up to 15 blue and channel catfish per angler may be harvested from Lake Eufaula daily.
9) Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Redears are usually stocked alongside larger sportfish like largemouth and smallmouth bass. These unassuming sunfish are green in color with reddish bellies, an appearance that is sometimes characteristic of other common sunfish species. To distinguish a redear from other sunfish, look for a bright red streak behind the eyespot on the opercular flap. Male redears also have deep red bellies and a red tint on their fins.
Although not a widely pursued fishing target, redear sunfish can provide an enjoyable angling experience, especially when paired with other small sunfish species. To entice these fascinating fish, insect baits like waxworms or earthworms prove to be highly effective.
During their spawning season, mature redear sunfish gather in reed beds, offering a convenient location for anglers to engage with them. The intriguing courtship ritual involves adult males producing popping vocalizations to attract nearby females, showcasing their unique behaviors.
10) Shad (Dorosoma spp.)
The larger American gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) and the smaller threadfin shad (D. petenense) are both part of the shad family. The average length for the former species is 13 inches (33 cm), and the latter has an average length of 4 inches (10 cm). Overall length is one way to identify a shad if you have a mature individual, but a more reliable method is checking the jaws. In threadfin shad, the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw, whereas the jaws of the American gizzard shad do not.
Shad are important prey species for larger predatory fish. American gizzard shads are more tolerant to cold water and are distributed throughout eastern North America. In contrast, threadfin shad are native to just the southern United States and do not share this cold-water tolerance. As juveniles, shad diets consist of zooplankton and filtered organic material. Both species are almost exclusively herbivorous.
11) White bass (Morone chrysops)
Introducing Oklahoma’s very own state fish – the white bass! Although it shares the name “bass,” it’s important to note that white bass is not closely related to smallmouth or largemouth basses. Instead, its closer relative is the striped bass, which happens to be notably larger in size.
When compared to the impressive average length of 47 inches (119 cm) for the striped bass, the white bass appears more modest, with an average length of around 12.5 inches (32 cm).
The white bass boasts a shorter and rounder physique, with a subtle hump behind its head, setting it apart from the elongated striped bass. Additionally, the lines on the white bass are not as extensive as those found on the larger striped bass.
White bass love deep, clear water where they hunt for invertebrates and fish, mainly native shad species. There is no limit on white bass in Oklahoma.
12) Sauger (Sander canadensis)
The sauger, a highly predatory fish, shares a striking resemblance and close relation to another perch species, the walleye. What sets the sauger apart is its distinct blotchy pattern and consistent patterning on the caudal fin. On the other hand, walleye possess a clear patch on the bottom edge of their caudal fin and typically lack the body blotches found in saugers.
Thriving in cold, flowing, and turbid water, saugers find their ideal habitat. During the spawning season, adult saugers embark on migrations to reach specific spawning locations. Once there, they scatter their eggs over a rock bed, leaving the young to fend for themselves. As young saugers grow, they primarily rely on invertebrates as prey. As they mature into adults, they become prolific piscivores, skillfully hunting other fish species. Their predatory prowess comes from their impressive adaptations, including a mouth full of sharp teeth, well-adapted eyes that excel in low-light conditions, and a sensitive lateral line that allows them to sense the movement of prey in the water.
Walleye and sauger are managed together. Anglers can harvest up to 6 of these species combined if those fish are at least 14 inches (35 cm) long.
13) Walleye (Sander vitreus)
While not as abundant as the sauger, small walleye can occasionally be spotted in Lake Eufaula, where both species are jointly managed. These fish thrive in large, clear bodies of water with deep pools. Although they exhibit a remarkable tolerance for a wide temperature range, from 32°F to 90°F (0°C to 32°C), they particularly favor waters near 65°F (18°C). During the summer, walleye undertake seasonal migrations to cooler regions of lakes or reservoirs, usually retreating deeper as shallows warm.
One fascinating aspect of walleye is their ability to hybridize with saugers, resulting in the creation of saugeyes. To differentiate between saugers and saugeyes, an examination of the base of the spiny dorsal fin and the tip of the caudal fin is necessary. For walleye, a distinctive black spot towards the rear of their spiny dorsal fin and whitish information on the lower portion of the caudal fin sometimes serve as identifying characteristics.
Fishing for walleyes and their hybrids is like bass fishing, and they can be caught with various fishing tactics. Sources suggest using live bait such as minnows, earthworms, and leeches. Walleye and sauger are managed together. Anglers can harvest up to 6 of these species combined if those fish are at least 14 inches (35 cm) long.
