The Blue River in southeastern Oklahoma remains a hotspot for winter trout, with weekly stockings of rainbow trout from November through March (as of November 9, 2025). These patterns excel on stocked fish that favor eggs and worms early on, transitioning to nymphs and streamers as they hold. I've incorporated detailed descriptions into the Notes & Tips column for each pattern for ease of reference. Additionally, focus on 4-6X tippet, strike indicators for subsurface presentation, and check Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for fresh stockings.
Type
Pattern
Size
Notes & Tips
Egg
Eggstacy (Flo Peach)
14-16
Rounded synthetic roe fly in fluorescent peach/orange. Top for stocked trout; drift in riffles or under indicators.
Egg
Generic Egg Pattern
12-16
Simple round bead-head fly with bright yarn/synthetic body (pink/orange/yellow). Deadly post-stocking in clear water.
Worm
Squirmy Worm / Mega Worm
10-14
Flexible rubbery worm in red/pink, optional bead head. Jig/swing in slow water for aggressive takes.
Worm
San Juan Worm
12-16
Classic red/pink chenille worm on curved hook with tails. Suspend under indicator.
Jig
Weiss' Jig Streamer
14-16
Jig-hook olive/black sculpin imitation with weighted head & marabou tail. Bounce on bottom.
Jig
Black DM Jig
14
Simple black jig-head midge/nymph. Effective in murky water via silhouette.
Nymph
Hare's Ear (Natural)
16-18
Classic spiky brown/tan hare's ear nymph with beadhead. Dead-drift in seams for spring hatches.
Nymph
Pheasant Tail (Flashback, Gold)
18
Slim pheasant tail nymph with gold rib & flashback. For picky fish.
Nymph
Copper John
16
Weighted copper wire nymph (green/black, beadhead). For deeper runs.
Nymph
Mop Fly
10-12
Absorbent chenille mop body (white/chartreuse/tan). Junk fly for bottom feeders in stocked waters.
Dry
Blue-Winged Olive (BWOs)
16-18
Small grayish-olive mayfly dry fly. For spring hatches, evenings.
Dry
Elk Hair Caddis
14-18
Buoyant elk hair wing dry fly (tan/olive body). For caddis hatches; dead-drift or skate.
Dry
Griffith's Gnat
16-20
Peacock herl & grizzly hackle midge cluster. For low-light surface feeding on small insects.
Streamer
Woolly Bugger
6-10
Versatile marabou tail & hackle streamer (olive/black). Strip aggressively in pools for big rainbows.
Streamer
Muddler Minnow
4
Bulky deer hair head (tan/olive) imitating sculpin/baitfish. For rocky areas.
Streamer
Double Bunny
2-4
Tandem rabbit zonker streamer (olive/white). Erratic retrieves for trophy fish.
Pro Tips: Pair eggs/worms with nymph droppers for limits on fresh stockers. In fall/winter 2025, hit deeper runs with jigs/streamers during low light. Local ties at Scottie's One Stop in Tishomingo match these exactly. Tight lines—your recent double-limit weekend vibes all over this!
Hey fellow anglers! If you've ever felt the of a line that's got more drag than a stubborn mule, you know the struggle. But let me tell you—once you nail that perfect drag-free presentation, it's like the river gods smile down on you.
Last weekend, I headed out for what was supposed to be a casual centrepin session, and it turned into one of those fun days where the trout were practically begging to strike. I still need to set hook and land them but they were will to strike my fishing flies.
No epic battles or personal bests here, just pure, relaxed bliss with fish hitting my line left and right. Grab your coffee (or a cold one), and let's dive into how drag-free drifts made this outing a total win.
Why Centerpin Fishing? A Quick Refresher for the Newbies.
If you're new to the scene, centrepin fishing is that smooth-as-silk method born from steelhead waters but perfect for trout too. Picture this: a long, lightweight rod paired with a low-profile reel that lets your bait (or fly) float naturally down the current—like it's just another leaf in the stream. No fancy electronics, no heavy gear. It's all about finesse and flow.
The secret sauce? Drag-free drifts. This means your presentation mimics the real deal: no unnatural tugs or pulls that spook the fish. In faster water, it's a game-changer for trout, who are picky eaters with eyes like hawks. I learned this the hard way years ago, fighting currents that turned my casts into amateur hour. But with a little tweak to my setup, everything clicked.
My Setup: Simple, Effective, and Ready for the River
I kept it straightforward—no overthinking, just reliable tools that let the river do the work:
Rod: A 11'6" medium-light centerpin rod. Long enough for those mending casts but light for all-day comfort.
Reel: Basic centerpin spool with a good brake system. Nothing flashy; it just spins free.
Line: 10-12 lb mono mainline, tapered leader down to 4-6 lb tippet. Pro tip: Add a bit of weight upstream with split shot to control the drift without dragging.
Bait/Fly: On this trip, I went with a simple nymph pattern under an indicator. But beads or worms work wonders too for that natural look.
The key adjustment? I focused on high-stick mending—keeping the rod tip high and actively managing slack to let the bait glide drag-free for 20-30 feet. In shallower runs, it was like autopilot: cast, mend, watch the take.
The Magic Moment: Trout on the Line, One After Another
I hit the water around dawn, mist still rising off the riffles. The river was flowing steady—not raging, but enough current to make drifts count. First cast: a textbook drag-free float right through the seam. Bam—trout No. 1, a feisty 12-incher that sipped the nymph like it was free samples at a buffet.
From there, it snowballed. Fish after fish, no finicky moods or missed hooksets. One beauty even danced on the surface, flipping water like it was auditioning for a fishing reel (pun intended). The strikes were so eager—quick, confident takes that made landing them feel like a high-five from nature. I tallied about a dozen keepers by lunch, all released to fight another day. It wasn't about quantity or size; it was the ease. That Zen state where you're in sync with the water, and every drift feels like a win.
What made it extra fun? The no-pressure vibe. No chasing trophies, just laughing with my buddy over botched casts and celebrating the simple joy of a hooked fish. In a world that's always rushing, this is fishing therapy at its finest.
3 Quick Tips to Nail Your Own Drag-Free Success
Want to replicate this without the trial-and-error? Here's what worked for me:
Read the Water Like a Book: Look for seams where fast and slow currents meet—that's trout highway. Aim your drifts to start upstream and let'em glide naturally.
Mend Early and Often: As soon as your line hits, lift and flick to eliminate drag. Practice on calm water first; it'll become second nature.
Gear Check Basics: Ensure your leader is long (9-12 ft) and your weight is just enough to get down without pulling. Test drifts before the "real" cast—waste not, want not.
These aren't rocket science, but they turned my "meh" days into keepers. Trust me, once you feel that first drag-free strike, you'll be hooked (sorry, had to).
Wrapping It Up: Get Out There and Drift Free
This trip reminded me why we chase these moments—not for the scale, but for the flow. Centerpin with drag-free drifts isn't just a technique; it's a mindset. Slow down, let the river lead, and watch the trout come calling.
What's your go-to for easy river days? Drop a comment below with your best drag-free story or a tip I missed—I read'em all! If you're loving these outdoor tales, subscribe for more fishing hacks, gear reviews, and adventure recaps straight to your inbox. And hey, check out my latest YouTube Short for a quick clip of those strikes:
Tight lines, friends. Until next time—Good Luck and Good Fishing!
Back for more at Denison Dam, tailrace to Lake Texoma. This time it is Kayak Fly Fishing and taking advantage of my OPST Commando Head to shoot out line while in a sit inside kayak. Fun time, even limited out on Striped Bass!
Impromptu live session on this weekend's trout fishing on the Blue River Oklahoma and to callout the fishing fly that worked for me. Do check back, still editing clips. Will post a rebroadcast livestream later this week! #fishing #flyfishing #trout
Hilarious fishing showdown: Guy's pumped but misses EVERY bite—his wife's jumping with pure joy just being out there! Cut to the pro landing a monster... but his wife's scrolling TikTok, totally checked out. Team excited sidekick or team trophy hunter? Which one's YOUR dream fishing buddy? Comment below: "Team Bounce" or "Team Bore"! Tag your partner for the ultimate test—laughs guaranteed till the end! #FishingPartner #CoupleComedy #ViralShorts
Hey anglers! In this quick update, we're gearing up for the winter trout bite on the stunning Blue River in southern Oklahoma. With stocking season just around the corner (check ODWC for exact dates), I'll walk you through my must-have preps to hook into those feisty rainbows and browns. From lightweight setups that won't spook 'em to scent-packed baits that seal the deal—let's get you ready to reel!
Quick Prep Breakdown:
Gear Essentials:** Grab a 5-6 wt fly rod with floating line and 4x leader for nymphing mop flies 3-4 ft deep, or stick to a simple spinning rod/reel with 4-6 lb test for powerbait rigs. Don't forget small hooks (#10-12) and a wading staff for those rocky bottoms!
Bait & Lures:** Garlic-scented PowerBait or corn for beginners—irresistible! For fly folks, mop flies or woolly buggers in murky water. Pro tip: Match the hatch with small streamers when it's clear.
Regulations & Etiquette:** One rod per person during trout season (Nov-Mar typically). Pack out trash, respect the "battle fishing" crowds, and watch water levels—wading's tricky in high flow.
Pro Hacks:** Hit the upper stretches for less pressure, bundle up (it gets chilly!), and join local FB groups like Blue River OK All Trout Fishing for real-time reports.
Whether you're a fly fishing newbie or a seasoned Okie, these tips will boost your odds. Drop a comment: What's your go-to Blue River bait? Hit like if you're hyped for trout season, subscribe for more quick updates, and turn on notifications—we're dropping full trip vids soon!
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