Department of Wildlife for stocking trout that are not used for striper bait, like they do in Texas. Trout Unlimited does a great job stocking trout in Texas, but the state's stockings are a joke, in my opinion.

The Fort Worth Fly Fishers went to the Blue River for our most recent outing. But first, we went to check out the craziness of the Blue River Trout Derby, and it was a zoo!!! So, we were off to the catch and release area, and it was awesome. Many really nice trout were landed, some pushing 22 inches!!! I caught one bow that was full of eggs, and heavy, maybe 3 pounds!! The river is in great shape, clear and running well. Great day on the water!!

Oh dang, I am jealous. When they stock here, there are very few decent sized trout. Most are not much longer than your hand size. You are correct that many they release here are nothing but something nice for the bass to chase, and beef up on. That is a sad sight, and I have seen it...couldn't catch trout in a certain spot. I couldn't figure why until I saw a trout race past me with a bass close on his tail...closing the gap for the final kill. That just made me sick to tell ya the truth. It is rare to see a stocker over 10 inches where I am from. But it sure is fun anyway, and a good way to spend a winter day. I look forward to the next trout releasing in Texas.

Is it me ore is that one trout with the bearded fellow missing its nose?

sweet catch guys. good job!

what fly works up there

i was using wooly buggers, big ones, with a trailer. my trailer fly was a small flymph that i tie, similar to a partridge and orange.

Some trout fight harder than others.

Thanks for the pictures, Troutbum. I hope to get to stop and play at the Blue one of these days when I'm wandering around in Okie country.

Where do you go in OK to fish the Blue? I generally go to Broken Bow, but one of my buddies was talking about going to the Blue for a change. How does it compare to BB?

The Blue is a sweet little river... It's near tishomingo, OK.

You'll find lots of waterfalls, islands, deep pools, side channels and some fairly tricky wading (not so much slick, but big and sudden drop offs). It's a really pretty river...

It's a seasonal trout fishery, so you wont find any naturally reproduced fish, but there aren't a ton on the LMFR either so not too big a difference there. It's mostly put/take, but they recently added a delayed harvest/C&R section that is really pretty cool. It's a bit of a hike to get back there (some go with a mt bike to get back there), but once you are there, it's definitely worth it. You'll lose the crowds and you'll also get into some prettier/bigger fish.

You don't have to worry about any power generation/rising water, but it does seem to muddy up and rise very quickly with rain. Moving around from spot to spot, whether in the C&R or in the "park" can be a bit tricky with the thorns (EVERYWHERE), so bring a wader repair kit. having a wader leg fill up with water can definitely slow you down.

Ward buddy, good to see you sticking around here and posting.

Thanks Cole

Forgot to include this in the original response, but you should definitely check out http://prairieoceanflyfisher.blogspot.com for more info on the Blue. Don't know if there's anyone who knows the river better or works harder to improve the fishery.

welcome aboard okie