Oklahoma Spearfishing Rules Card

Legal status

Saltwater RestrictedFreshwater Permitted

Oklahoma is a landlocked state with no saltwater, so there is no marine spearfishing. In fresh water, spearfishing is legal but limited to nongame (rough) fish: gigs, spears and spearguns (no more than 3 points with 2 barbs each) may take nongame fish only, and white bass may also be taken by gig.

License

Required: Oklahoma Annual Fishing License (resident or nonresident)

Resident: Resident Annual Fishing $31 (valid 365 days); Lifetime Fishing $375; Senior Citizen Lifetime Fishing $30 (residents turning 65+).

Non-resident: Nonresident Annual Fishing $81 (valid 365 days); Nonresident 1-Day Fishing $26.

Gear rules

• Spearguns: Legal for nongame fish only, and - when used by a SCUBA diver - also for blue and channel catfish.
• Pole spears: A pole spear falls within the generic term 'spears' in OAC 800:10-3-5(c).
• On scuba: Yes. Oklahoma regulation expressly contemplates 'spearguns (used by scuba divers)' and, at Tenkiller Reservoir below Horseshoe Bend, allows.
• Gigs, spears and spearguns may contain no more than 3 points with no more than 2 barbs on each point
• Gigs/spears/spearguns for nongame fish are lawful in rivers and streams ONLY from December 1 through March 31; year-round in lakes.
• Bowfishing arrows must have one point and two barbs and be attached to the bow with a line for retrieving fish; any bow including.
• Grabhooks are prohibited in all state waters

Do not spear

• Game fish generally may NOT be gigged or speared
• Blue catfish and channel catfish are game fish and may NOT be gigged/speared by the general method
• Paddlefish may not be taken by gig, spear or speargun from May 16 through March 14; when otherwise taken they may not be released
• Alligator gar taken by bow/gig/spear/speargun/snag may not be released
• Tiger muskie must be returned to the water unharmed
• Threatened/endangered and Special Concern species are protected

Area restrictions

• Rivers and streams are open to gigs/spears/spearguns only December 1 through March 31 (lakes/reservoirs are year-round)
• Reservoir tailwaters other than Hudson (Markham Ferry) are closed to gigs/spears/spearguns; a statutory 150-foot safety zone applies immediately.
• Illinois River and its tributaries are closed (bowfishing/snagging/noodling), with a narrow Tenkiller-above-Horseshoe-Bend seasonal exception for bow
• All Designated Trout Areas are closed during the open trout season

Before you dive

• Never dive alone: one up, one down.
• Check current seasons and sizes the morning of the dive.
• Confirm with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC): https://www.wildlifedepartment.com