Swift Park?

[Evolution]

Haven't seen a report of this section for awhile since they are still running water but after doing a little research, I came upon this park which seems like a make or break fishing spot but there is no real precise location of where this spot is located so I was wondering if someone could guide me to where it is located (an address would be great since I can just GPS it)? Are there any spots accessible by foot since I'll be on my two feet? If all goes well, there should be a report here even if I don't catch anything.

[Bill Butts]

Hi Evolution~

Swift Park is not exactly a park, but yes it is an access for fishing and also a decent boat launch for the Keystone tailwater.

As you go west on 412 out of Tulsa, take Hwy 151 south (not sure of the exit #) which crosses Keystone Dam.

Then, I think it is the first left turn down river that takes you toward Swift Park, but I am not sure.

You can get more specific directions from Woody's Tackle Shop which is near the dam (918-245-8491).

The "park" access is about half to 2/3 mile below the dam.

If you plan to fish it on foot, be sure you have some topwaters like a Zara Spook or Redfin and some soft plastics like Flukes and Sassy Shad.

We use fly tackle to fish that area and the Zink Dam area for Stripers, but I talked with a guy two years ago that claimed that he does well fishing topwater in the Swift Park area even on bright sunny and hot days. It would seem obvious that a boat would be best, but if you can cast good distance with the topwater and plastic baits I would think you would have success. It's not real big water in that area, and the Stripers are known to hang out in that area when there is no or little water flowing thru the dam.

Good luck.

Be patient and learn the water.

You will be rewarded.

Let us know of your successes and frustrations.

You will have both, if you are persistent.

Bill

[Evolution]

Thanks Bill, found the "park" with ease but fishing was a different story. Got there before dawn thinking I might be able to catch the morning bite but no dice. Threw a pencil popper on one rod and everything else in the tackle box on the other. Gave up around 11am and headed to zink to see if anyone was having any luck. Saw two guys wet wadding which was interesting especially with the water flows at 5k. They did pull a few fishes before I left so the fishes must be in there. Might come back to fishing the Ark once more before the summer is over if I hear of a decent report. With more spots to choose from, I'll get them sooner or later.

[OKFlyFisher44]

If they ever decide to quit running water...it might be alright at Zink! Who knows when it'll happen!

You should go check out the lower illinois right now...I hear good things We're going down there sunday morning!

[Bill Butts]

Evo~

Well, now you know the lay of the land and river at that access.

More than one local has told me that some good Stripers hang out in that area when they are not running water.

It makes sense, but I've never fished it from a boat. Yet. That would be the best, even a kayak, canoe or PWC.

It seems to me that fishing it from a boat would be awesome when there is water running (a larger boat of course).

I suggest that you not wait to "hear" good reports but rather fish as often as you can and create your own experiences and successes.

Networking with other fishermen is important, especially when it comes to Stripers, Hybrids and Whites (since they are so unpredictable and fickle), but always try to have multiple options for where to fish like the Lower Illlinois that was mentioned.

Two excellent fisheries that are rarely mentioned on this or any board I know of are the Grand River below Ft. Gibson and the Canadian River below Eufaula. Both are tailwater tributaries of the AR River and get Stripers and everything else that swims in the AR.

Like the other tailwaters, most of the best fishing is when the water is running and partcularly when it is rising and the predator fish are moving in to hunt.

Be persistent, never stop learning, and you will be rewarded.

Let me know any time I can be of assistance.

Good luck,

Bill

[swellcat]

Two excellent fisheries that are rarely mentioned on this or any board I know of are the Grand River below Ft. Gibson and the Canadian River below Eufaula. Both are tailwater tributaries of the AR River and get Stripers and everything else that swims in the AR.

What about sauger in those two fisheries?

Very interesting.