Oklahoma's Artificial Lake Haven For Bass Fishing, Boating, And Swimming Is Under Two Hours From Tulsa

Thanks to post-World War II efforts to harness the power of Oklahoma's natural water resources, the southwestern state is now home to more than 200 man-made lakes. While many were created for practical uses, such as flood control and hydroelectric power, they were also built so folks could enjoy a good time on the water. Sooner Lake is a great example of an industrial resource turned playground, as it was originally built as a cooling reservoir for the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG+E). But today, it also provides a wonderful way to spend the day outdoors, welcoming lake enthusiasts to boat, swim, and catch fish.

Sooner Lake is quite large, spanning 42 miles of shoreline and spread across 5,400 acres. Boaters can explore the lake's seemingly endless inlets and coves, while anglers can find a secluded spot and bait their hooks for a variety of bass, including white bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass. "Nice quiet peaceful lake to fish," wrote one angler on Google, while another shared that the lake "has some monsters." A drive from Tulsa to Sooner Lake doesn't take too long, as it's about 80 miles away, and you can get there in under two hours.

A good tip for hooking bass at Sooner Lake is to use live bait, such as grasshoppers, red worms, and minnows. Your bait should be small, no larger than three inches, and that also goes for if you decide to use artificial lures. Fishing enthusiast Onlyfins Bass Fishing OK on YouTube also recommends getting as close to where the OG+E power plant releases water, in the northwest corner of the lake. Water temperatures may be warmer there, which largemouth bass in particular prefer when spawning.

Luckily, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has lifted the minimum size restriction for bass caught at Sooner Lake. Currently, you're allowed to catch and keep up to six largemouth and/or smallmouth bass, though only one of your catches can be larger than 16 inches in length. That might be just as well, as smaller, younger fish are known to taste much better anyhow. You can season them to your liking, fry them up, pan-sear them, or toss them on the grill. Before heading to the lake, load up on supplies at one of several bait and tackle shops in the area, such as Grit & Grace Outdoors in Newkirk or R.C. Bait and Tackle in Perkins.

There are boat docks at Sooner Lake, and you can bring your own boat and launch it from one of two boat ramps. Folks kayak on the lake, while others take their boats out to take a load off. There's a swimming beach at the lake (swimming is allowed, of course), but if you're planning to take a dip, you might want to check the lake's conditions beforehand and avoid swimming in the lake if you see any of these five red flags.

If you really want to take your time enjoying all Sooner Lake has to offer, consider camping nearby. Ponca City, which earned a spot on this list of America's 10 most affordable cities, is a little over half an hour away from the lake and has multiple options for accommodations. The Ponca City RV Park is reviewed well on Google and offers tent-only, full-hookup RV sites, and furnished cottages. Alternatively, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ponca City has comfortable rooms and was described by a previous guest as "clean and well-maintained" on Google. The hotel is also pet-friendly, has a pool, and offers a free breakfast buffet.

Grab a bite to eat at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery while you're in Ponca City. The restaurant features breakfast items such as pumpkin pancakes, and one satisfied customer wrote that the "eggs benedict with roasted peppers and hollandaise sauce is unmatched." Another option is to pass through Dixie Dog Drive-in for tasty items like popcorn chicken, steak fingers, and bacon cheeseburgers. If you're looking for another opportunity to catch bass, visit Mannford, a resort city known as the 'striped bass capital of the world'. It's about an hour's drive from Sooner Lake, and a 35-minute journey from Tulsa International Airport.

If you want to spend time at Sooner Lake, but aren't opposed to venturing out a little further to explore the surrounding area, try camping at Lake Carl Blackwell, about an hour's drive south, or Kaw Lake, about an hour to the north. At Kaw Lake, an artificial lake halfway between Tulsa and Wichita, you'll find camping sites with electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets.