Wister Lake
Buoy line at gatehouse at Wister Dam
Geese crossing the road at Wister Lake

Wister Lake Recreation

Fishing and Hunting

Wister Lake offers the angler excellent opportunities for some of the finest fishing in Oklahoma. An abundance of northern bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sandbass, small and largemouth bass, crappie and other species draw fishermen from miles around. A large variety of perch species add to the ample supply of sport fish.

Approximately 33,428 acres of project lands are licensed to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for wildlife management purposes. Two thousand acres of this land has been set aside as a state waterfowl refuge. The remaining lands are managed for upland game and white-tailed deer, and are open for public hunting. Some game species present are deer, mourning dove, various waterfowl, bobwhite quail, turkey, cottontail rabbit and squirrel. 

Other species present  are raccoon, opossum, fox, mink, beaver and river otter. Public hunting maps showing project lands open for public hunting are available from the Project Office and on this website. Both hunting and fishing at the project are governed by State and Federal laws, and the same licenses are required as in other parts of the State of Oklahoma.

Camping and Picnicking

Easy access to the water has made Wister Lake a paradise for families who enjoy all types of watersports and outdoor recreation. The Corps operates the day use site below the dam.  Four state operated and maintained parks are located around the 115-mile shoreline and offer camping facilities including cabins, tent sites, and both modern and semi-modern RV sites.

Boating

Boating on the lake is in accordance with Oklahoma boating laws and Corps of Engineers regulations. Rules and regulations governing operational requirements of boats may be obtained from the Wister Lake Office located near the dam. Operate your boat in a controlled, safe manner at all times. Boat operators should be especially aware of the shallow water in Wister Lake and underwater hazards.

Swimming

There are no designated swimming areas with lifeguards on duty. 

Trails

Lake Wister State Park Trail System offers a variety of mult-purpose trails that can be enjoyed by everyone.  Contact the Oklahoma State Parks and Tourism for information on the trails.