Lost Creek fishing area sees first trout stocking

            The new Lost Creek fishing area of the Lower Mountain Fork River was recently stocked with trout for the first time, and officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say now is a good time to be fishing the stream.

            Lost Creek is a 1,200 ft. long stream constructed last summer as part of an extensive trout habitat project on the Lower Mountain Fork River. It branches off from the river and flows through a wooded area before emptying into the newly renovated Evening Hole trout fishing area.

            Paul Balkenbush, southeast region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department, said Lost Creek is ready for fishing.

            “Compared to other streams in Oklahoma, Lost Creek is an untouched resource,” Balkenbush said. “Now that it has received its first stocking of trout, we encourage anglers to get out there and fish it.”

            Balkenbush said recent winter weather across the state should have minimal effects on fishing at Lost Creek since the area received mostly rain rather than ice.

            This week’s state fishing report echoes Balkenbush. According to the report, trout fishing on the Lower Mountain Fork River is currently “very good.” Flies that trout are reportedly biting include pheasant tails, red fox squirrel, San Juan worms, egg patterns and wooly buggers. Biologists have also reported fisherman having great success using bead head hare’s ear flies.

            There are 16 sites along the Lower Mountain Fork River, including two on Lost Creek and one at the Evening Hole, where trout are stocked regularly. For a complete stocking schedule, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

            At Lost Creek, as well as the Evening Hole, brown and rainbow trout both have a one-fish-per-day limit, and fish must be 20 inches or longer. Also, anglers in the areas may only use artificial flies and lures and barbless hooks. For complete fishing regulations and license information, consult the “2007 Oklahoma Fishing Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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