Is it legal to hike down to the water at the bottom of the spillway? I have tried searching here and Google, but was unable to find any info if it was private property or Corp property and if I could hike down.

There is access to fish both the Texas and Oklahoma side of the spillway built by the Corp of Engineers. What area are you referring to as the "bottom of the spillway"?

Spillway, not below the dam.

I would be shocked if the spillway itself was private property, though that's a separate question from if USACE wants you down there. That said, there are several photos on google taken from the lower part of the concrete slab and some of the rocks down there, including people fishing, so I would assume you can, unless you see it signed/posted otherwise.

Just got off the phone with the USACE. It is Corps property and they said I can hike all around there and fish. I just can't step foot on the concrete spillway itself.

Well, there�s always the direct approach I suppose.

Curious what�s in there. The lower down areas closer to the river seemed dead when I scoured it once, but that deep pool could be interesting.

I will keep you posted on how we do!!

Wasnt there like a 4000 page thread in this section just about fishing the spillway?

I have never fished it but have a friend who does. Lots of large striper and HUGE blue cat there. Its a popular spot.

No, you are referring to the area below the dam where they release. I am referring to the area in the photo above that the lake spills in to during extreme flooding.

Fished below the spillway many, many years ago.

Caught several black bass and a couple of crappie. I think there were concrete steps or a somewhat worn hiking path on the side closet to the Denison Dam.

Best fishing was on the shoreline opposing the spillway facing. The bottom was a mixture of small golfball sized rock and a hard bottom. The bottom was more like silt in front of the spillway face.

Great place for a 6 ft light action spinning rod. Best lures were Heddon GayBlades. Although a 1/8 ounce RatLTrap may be a good substitute. That lure caught crappie and a couple of the bass. The majority of the bass were caught on a black 4 inch lizard, Texas rigged, with a 1/8 ounce weight.

Hey, trying to revive this thread a bit. I've been scouring the internet trying find any forum of people who have fished this spot and this seems to be the only one.

My family lives about 20 minutes south of Texoma. When I went to visit them this past July, through google maps, I discovered this location, but have been trying to find answers since then if the fishing is any good. Does anyone frequent this spot or have experience catching any monsters out of this spillway in recent years?

I wanna fish this spot with the potential for some good results, but don't wanna waste away a good fishing day with no good catches. Thanks.

Kids and I have hiked this spillway on many occasions. Water is mostly clear and LOTS of fish. Just got to find them. Just know, it is a hike to say the least. You can hike down the side of the spillway, but it is steep and slippery in some areas, then you have to trek across some bigger rock (rip rap type) then you still have to find better bank access. You can park at the bridge and hike back in towards the spillway, but it is probably over a mile. However, it is a bit easier.

On a side note, if you have kids or yourself like to hunt for fossils, my kids and I collect a few from this area and some nice pieces or pyrite (fools gold). One of my boys even found a geode back in there.

Thank you for the insightful response. I think I'll play it safe and park at the bridge and hike over there next time I'm in town. It's really great to hear the fishing is good at this spot. Im excited to hear there are other treasures to look for while fishing, so I'll keep my eyes peeled when I'm out there.

Much appreciated!