Oklahoma City Lakes

Oklahoma City Lakes - 3 From Which to Choose

Some of the most beautiful places on earth are within the range of water. Lakes, rivers, streams and oceans are amazing places to behold. Such is the case with the three Oklahoma City Lakes that I will mention here.

The lake that we like the most is Stanley Draper Lake. I don't know how many times I have taken my girls out there. When the water is low, there are rocks along the banks (at least in some places) which are terrific for what we affectionately call rock hopping. We just jump from rock to rock along the bank while noticing all the amazing joys of nature as we hop to and fro.

Some of the most lovely flowers are the unexpected native flowers that you find along roadsides, in meadows and - in this case - along lake shores. Not only that, but we found some of the most glorious and unusual rocks we have ever seen - and we LOVE rocks. All of the rocks along Draper Lake are made, in part, of barite. The famous rose stones are created because of the barite in the soil in the area surrounding Draper Lake.

Oklahoma City Lakes: Hours of Operation

Oklahoma City Lakes: LAKE HEFNER

Located in northwest Oklahoma City between Lake Hefner Parkway and MacArthur Blvd., from Wilshire Blvd. to NW 108. Hefner is a 2,500-surface-acre lake with an average depth of 29 feet and a maximum depth of 94 feet. Lake Hefner was completed and filled in 1947. An enclosed, heated fishing dock, two covered fishing piers, boat ramps, tending docks, handicap facilities and fish attractors are available. Wet slips and open dry storage areas for boats are available for rental at the Hefner Lake Patrol Office. Water-skiing, jet-skiing and swimming are prohibited. In addition to fishing, Lake Hefner offers sailing, boating, sail-boarding, picnicking and a covered pavilion at Stars and Stripes Park. For those who enjoy walking, cycling and jogging, the Lake Hefner trails include a 9.2-mile asphalt loop.

Oklahoma City Lakes: LAKE DRAPER

Located in the southeast portion of Oklahoma City between Midwest Blvd. and Post Road, from SE 74 St. to SE 134 St. Lake Draper is a 2,900-surface-acre lake with an average depth of 34 feet and a maximum depth of 98 feet. This lake was completed and filled in 1963. Four covered fishing piers, boat ramps, tending docks, handicap facilities and fish attractors are available. Covered wet slips and open dry storage areas for boats are available for rental at the Draper concession building. Primitive campgrounds are available. Picnicking, fishing, jet-skiing, boating and sailing are permitted at Lake Draper. Mountain biking trails are maintained by the Oklahoma Earth Bike Fellowship. Waterskiing is not allowed in the coves or necks of the lake. Swimming is prohibited.

Oklahoma City Lakes: LAKE OVERHOLSER

Located in northwest Oklahoma City, between Council Road and Morgan Road, from NW 10 St. to NW 39 St. Lake Overholser is a 1,500-surface-acre lake with an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 13 feet. This lake was completed and filled in 1919. One covered fishing pier, boat ramps, tending docks, handicap facilities and fi sh attractors are available. A covered picnic pavilion, at NW 16 St. and East Overholser Drive, can be reserved through the Parks and Recreation Department. Picnicking, fishing, sailing, boating and jet-skiing are permitted at Lake Overholser. A multi-use trail is located on the east side of the lake. Swimming is prohibited.

Oklahoma City Lakes: FISHING PERMITS

A City fishing permit and state fishing license are required to fish City Lakes. The City sells daily permits for $3 and annual permits for $15. Bait and supplies are sold at permit vendors near the lakes. City fishing regulations are available at the Lake Draper concession, lake patrol stations, various permit vendors, the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery and on the web at www.okc.gov. Call 755-4014 for a list of permit vendors.

"CLOSE TO HOME" FISHING WATERS

A City fishing permit and State fishing license are required to fish Oklahoma City’s "Close to Home" fishing waters. "Close to Home" fishing waters are bodies of water designated under a cooperative fisheries management agreement between Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. These waters include Dolese Youth Park Pond, Zoo Lake, Kid’s Lakes, all waters within Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and the North Canadian River, extending downstream from NW 10th Street (including the Oklahoma River and wetland ponds) to NE 10th Street.

BOATING on Oklahoma City Lakes

A City permit and state registration are required for boats. Boating permits are sold at lake concession stores and permit vendors. The fee for a daily permit is $5 and an annual permit is $25. Call 297-2191 for a list of permit vendors. The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department cooperates with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust in the permitting and management of recreational uses and activities at City reservoirs and surrounding lake reservations.

(from the Oklahoma City government web site) www.okc.gov

OKLAHOMA CITY'S THREE RESERVOIRS furnish Oklahoma City's drinking water and provide many water recreation activities. The Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust manages the reservoirs to maximize recreational activities while protecting the water supply. Fishing and boating are available at all three lakes. Water-skiing and jet-skiing are enjoyed at Lake Draper, which is our largest lake. Permits for all lake-related activities are available at conveniently located vendors which also stock fishing and picnicking supplies. The Police Department's Lake Patrol provides security, enforces boating and fishing regulations, permits and lake reservation regulations. Special regulations apply.

Oklahoma City Lakes: You will love this way to play!

If you are finished Oklahoma City Lakes, click on this link to read about another great Oklahoma City attraction, Myriad Botanical Gardens.

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