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Expert-Guided 6-Hour Fort Gibson Lake Fishing

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Oklahoma
  • $150 - $800 price range
  • Updated Date: September 6, 2025

Summary

Join us for a 6-hour fishing trip on Fort Gibson Lake, one of Oklahoma's prime spots for Sandbass and Spoonbill. We'll head out on either our Sun Tracker Pontoon or Predator Center Console, giving you a comfortable ride while you cast your line. From March to May, we launch from Mazie Landing Marina, with other trips leaving from Whitehorn Cove or Taylors Ferry North. Fort Gibson is known for its excellent catfish and bass fishing, so whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to spend a relaxing day on the water, we've got you covered. Our experienced guides know all the best spots and will help you make the most of your time on the lake. Remember, we can take up to 2 guests per trip, making this perfect for a fishing buddy or a one-on-one experience. Bring your gear and let's see what's biting on Gibson Lake!
Expert-Guided 6-Hour Fort Gibson Lake Fishing

Reeling Them In

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10 fish of different species including hardhead sea catfish, white bass, and wiper caught in OK

Abundant striped bass and catfish catch

9 white bass, wiper, and white bass caught in Sand Springs

Plentiful striped bass catch

Angler catches a fish in the sand at Sand Springs

Nice channel catfish catch

White catfish caught in Sand Springs

Impressive catfish catch

Angler with a big white catfish on the line in OK

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Striped bass caught while fishing in OK

Awesome Striped Bass on display!

Lone angler fishing in OK

Best catch of the day!#Catfish

Scenic view of Sand Springs landscape

Come and join us in Oklahoma's fishing charter!

A channel catfish caught in Sand Springs

Catfish and more! Only in Oklahoma!!

Fishing adventure in Sand Springs

Great day fishing in Oklahoma!

10 fish of different species including hardhead sea catfish, white bass, and wiper caught in OK

Abundant striped bass and catfish catch

9 white bass, wiper, and white bass caught in Sand Springs

Plentiful striped bass catch

Angler catches a fish in the sand at Sand Springs

Nice channel catfish catch

White catfish caught in Sand Springs

Impressive catfish catch

Angler with a big white catfish on the line in OK

null

Striped bass caught while fishing in OK

Awesome Striped Bass on display!

Lone angler fishing in OK

Best catch of the day!#Catfish

Scenic view of Sand Springs landscape

Come and join us in Oklahoma's fishing charter!

A channel catfish caught in Sand Springs

Catfish and more! Only in Oklahoma!!

Fishing adventure in Sand Springs

Great day fishing in Oklahoma!

10 fish of different species including hardhead sea catfish, white bass, and wiper caught in OK

Abundant striped bass and catfish catch

9 white bass, wiper, and white bass caught in Sand Springs

Plentiful striped bass catch

Angler catches a fish in the sand at Sand Springs

Nice channel catfish catch

White catfish caught in Sand Springs

Impressive catfish catch

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Reel in the Big Ones on Fort Gibson Lake

Hey there, anglers! Ready to chase some monster catfish and bass on one of Oklahoma's best-kept fishing secrets? Grab your gear and hop aboard for a 6-hour trip on Fort Gibson Lake. Whether you're after hard-fighting sandbass or the prehistoric-looking paddlefish, we've got the spots and the know-how to put you on fish. Our comfortable boats and prime locations mean you can focus on what matters – landing that next big catch.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising across Fort Gibson's glassy surface at dawn, the anticipation building as we near our first hotspot. You'll have your choice of our Sun Tracker Pontoon Boat (perfect for kicking back between bites) or our Predator Center Console (for those who want to cover more water). We'll hit the lake's sweet spots, using tried-and-true techniques to target catfish, bass, and more. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Fishing Tactics That Land Lunkers

Alright, let's talk strategy. For those big cats, we might be dropping baits near underwater structure or drifting with cutbait. Bass fishing? Get ready to work some topwater lures at first light or jig the deeper holes when the sun's high. We've got all the gear you need, from sensitive rods for detecting those subtle catfish bites to the right tackle for battling feisty stripers. And if we're after paddlefish, hold onto your hat – snagging for these behemoths is an experience you won't forget!

Top Catches This Season

Our regulars have been hauling in some real beauties lately. Just last week, Jim from Tulsa landed a 30-pound blue cat that had him grinning from ear to ear. Sarah and her kids couldn't stop talking about the schools of white bass they found – their arms were sore from reeling in so many! And let's not forget about Mike, who snagged a paddlefish so big we had to get creative just to fit it in the boat for a picture.

Species You'll Want to Hook

White Bass: These scrappy fighters are a blast on light tackle. They school up in big numbers, especially during the spring run. When you find 'em, it's non-stop action. Expect fish in the 1-3 pound range, with some pushing 4 pounds. They're great eating too!

Striped Bass: The big cousins of white bass, stripers will test your arms and your drag. We target these bruisers year-round, but they're especially active in the cooler months. A 10-pounder will give you a run for your money, and 20+ pounders aren't unheard of.

Channel Catfish: The bread and butter of Fort Gibson Lake. These whiskered fish are abundant and make for great table fare. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we occasionally hook into 10+ pound monsters. They're suckers for stinkbait and cut shad.

Blue Catfish: The heavyweight champs of Fort Gibson. Blues can grow to massive sizes – we're talking 50+ pounds. They're more common in the deeper parts of the lake and love to hang around structure. Landing one of these giants is a true accomplishment.

Flathead Catfish: Also known as yellow cats or mud cats, these ambush predators are prized for their firm, tasty flesh. They prefer live bait and can grow huge – 30-40 pounders are caught every year. Night fishing is often the ticket for the big ones.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fort Gibson Lake isn't just about the fish – it's the whole package. You've got stunning scenery, with the lake nestled among rolling hills and forests. The water's clean, the air's fresh, and the fishing pressure is way less than some of the more famous lakes. Plus, with different marinas to launch from depending on the season, we can always put you where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Fort Gibson's got something for everyone.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty white bass, the trophy catfish of a lifetime, or just a relaxing day on the water with family and friends, we've got you covered. Remember, spring is prime time for sandbass and paddlefish, so those March to May trips fill up fast. And hey, that deposit you put down? It's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out here reeling 'em in, you'll be glad you locked in your spot. So what do you say? Ready to make some fishing memories on Fort Gibson Lake? Give us a call, and let's get you on the calendar. The fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

Blues are the giants of Fort Gibson, with fish over 50 pounds possible. These big bruisers hang out in the deepest parts of the lake, often near the dam or in old river channels. They're most active in cooler months, especially fall and winter. Anglers target blues for their massive size and hard-fighting nature. To catch one, use large cut baits like shad or skipjack on heavy tackle. Drift fishing over deep structure is effective. My local secret is to use fresh-caught mooneye as bait - blues can't resist it. When you hook up, be ready for a long, powerful fight. Blues often make several strong runs before coming to the boat. Their meat is excellent for frying or grilling, especially from smaller fish under 10 pounds.

Blue Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are Fort Gibson staples, usually in the 2-5 pound range but capable of topping 20. These whiskered bottom-feeders prefer deeper holes and channel edges. They're most active at night, especially in summer. Catfish enthusiasts love their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To catch channels, use smelly baits like cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stinkbaits. Fish them on the bottom with a slip-sinker rig. My local tip: anchor up in a deep hole just before dusk and chum with soured grain to draw cats in. Be patient - sometimes the biggest fish bite last. When a channel cat takes off, let it run before setting the hook. Their soft mouths tear easily, so use a smooth, steady pressure when reeling them in.

Channel Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flatheads are the apex predators of Fort Gibson, capable of topping 60 pounds. These ambush hunters prefer heavy cover like submerged logs and brush piles in deeper water. They're most active at night, especially in summer. Anglers target flatheads for the challenge and their excellent eating quality. To catch one, use large live baits like sunfish or shad. Fish them near cover with stout tackle - flatheads fight hard and dirty. My local trick is to locate a big logjam, then present a live bluegill right on the edge. Be patient - it might take hours for a big flathead to commit. When one does bite, let it run with the bait before setting the hook. The fight will be a true test of skill and gear, often lasting 20 minutes or more for a big fish.

Flathead Catfish

Striped Bass

Stripers are the bruisers of Fort Gibson, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. These powerful predators roam the lake's open waters, following schools of shad. Look for them along points, humps, and creek channels, especially early and late in the day. Spring and fall are prime times as stripers chase bait in shallower water. Anglers love targeting stripers for their hard-fighting nature and tasty fillets. Live bait like shad or big minnows work well, but artificial lures can be deadly too. Try trolling deep-diving crankbaits or jigging spoons near bait schools. My go-to local trick is to use a large topwater plug at dawn - the explosive strikes are unforgettable. Be ready for a battle when you hook one. Stripers will test your gear and your arms with long, powerful runs.

Striped Bass

White Bass

White bass are a feisty freshwater favorite here on Fort Gibson. These silvery fighters typically run 10-12 inches but can reach up to 18. Look for them in open water, often schooling near the surface. They're most active in spring during their spawning run up tributaries. White bass put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and taste great too. To catch 'em, watch for surface activity and cast small jigs or spinners into the fray. A local trick is to use a 1/8 oz white marabou jig - white bass can't seem to resist it. They're aggressive feeders, so a fast retrieve often triggers strikes. Some of the best action happens at dawn and dusk when they're chasing shad. Pound for pound, white bass give you more fight than most other species in the lake.

White Bass

About the Predator

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 38

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for some laid-back fishing on Fort Gibson Lake? Join us for a 6-hour trip targeting catfish and bass in one of Oklahoma's prime fishing spots. You'll have your pick between our comfy Sun Tracker Pontoon or our Predator Center Console - both great options for a relaxing day on the water. From March to May, we'll meet you at Mazie Landing Marina, but we've also got other convenient launch points at Whitehorn Cove Marina and Taylors Ferry North boat ramp. Fort Gibson Lake is known for its excellent Sandbass and Spoonbill (Paddlefish) fishing, so you're in for a treat. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, our guided trips are perfect for groups of two looking to reel in some fun. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check out our Trips & Rates page for all the details before booking your fishing getaway.
McBride Outside Guide Service

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Fish Oklahoma: Reel in Adventure!

Don't let another fishing season pass you by! Unlock the secrets to catching more fish and dominating the Oklahoma Lake waters with Guide Trent McBride. Book your exclusive fishing experience today and experience firsthand how McBride Outside can elevate your angling game to new heights. Don't wait - spaces are filling up fast!

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