Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area

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Tishomingo, OK
Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the state agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
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The Wildlife Department receives no general state tax appropriations and is funded primarily by sportsmen through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. This program operates free from discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinion or affiliation, race, creed, color, gender, age, ancestry, marital status or disability. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated agai

nst or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152, or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. In conformance with the American With Disabilities Act, ODWC makes every effort to provide equally effective services for persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities needing auxiliary aids or services for effective communication in ODWC programs should call the program in charge or TDD (800) 522-8506.

07/12/2025

We have had a phone turned in, so if you have lost yours recently please message us with a description and we will get it back to you.

07/05/2025

Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) isn’t just a beautiful native bloom—it’s a powerhouse for wildlife! Its seeds are a favorite of quail and other game birds, while its nectar supports pollinators. It’s an important browse for whitetail deer, especially in summer and autumn seasons. Making this plant a vital part of a healthy habitat.

We have the most beautiful fields full of partridge peas here at Blue River PFHA!

06/24/2025

The catfish have arrived!!

We just finished the first channel catfish stocking of the year. Fish were stocked from north of Highway 7 down to Hughes Crossing. These were some beauties too! With conditions looking great, and the river getting back to normal water levels. Now's the time to hit the water and enjoy some quality fishing.

06/19/2025

You asked and we delivered!

Trifold maps of the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area are now available at the kiosk near the main gate. So stay informed about Blue River PFHA boundaries and areas and grab one on your way in. Our kiosk also has current Oklahoma hunting and fishing regulations stocked as well.

06/06/2025

Have you seen these stunning purple blooms along the Blue River lately?

The American basketflower (Plectocephalus americanus) is a native annual that puts on a spectacular show each spring and early summer. Named for the intricate basket-weave pattern at the base of its flower head, this wildflower is not only beautiful but also ecologically important.

🌸Habitat: Open fields, prairies, and roadsides

🌻Pollinators: A favorite of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

🪻Fun fact: Despite its thistle-like appearance, it’s soft to the touch and lacks spines

Keep an eye out for this floral gem next time you’re exploring the area!

05/27/2025

Seen at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area, this buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia) pauses to nectar on a blooming Barbara’s button (Marshallia caespitosa), showcasing a beautiful moment in our native pollinator network.

The buckeye butterfly is a striking native pollinator recognized by its bold eyespots and warm brown and orange tones. Common across open fields and prairies, buckeyes are active from spring to fall, feeding on nectar from a variety of native flowers. While they aren't specialist pollinators, their generalist feeding habits make them important for cross-pollinating multiple native species.

The Barbara’s button is a lesser-known but ecologically valuable wildflower, native to the South-Central U.S. It thrives in well-drained soils near rivers and prairies, producing button-like pink to pale purple blooms that attract a wide range of insects. Despite its delicate appearance, it's a tough native perennial, adapted to seasonal drought and fire—a true prairie survivor.

Together, these species highlight the value of native ecosystems. Protecting places like Blue River PFHA helps conserve these vital interactions—ensuring that native plants continue to feed native pollinators, and pollinators keep our wildlands blooming.

04/25/2025

This bright orange mushroom can be found here at Blue River PFHA and is called Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)—named for its meaty texture and chicken-like taste when cooked. It typically grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially oaks, and can be found in late spring through early fall. While it’s a popular wild edible, harvesting is currently not allowed on state land, so look and don’t touch. If found on private property (with landowner permission), it can make a delicious and unique addition to your meal. Always harvest responsibly and make sure of your ID! Get out and enjoy all the amazing diversity that our Blue River PFHA has to offer!

04/15/2025

If you’re out exploring Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area, keep an eye out for a hidden gem among the rocks—the lace hedgehog cactus! These compact, spiny plants may be small, but come spring, they put on an incredible show with bright pink to magenta blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and plenty of admirers.

You’ll often find them nestled in rocky outcrops or along sunny slopes. Their unique spines form intricate, lace-like patterns—giving them their charming name. Though native to the southern plains, they’re right at home here at Blue River!

04/11/2025

Gobble gobble – it's time to gear up! Youth Turkey Season kicks off Saturday & Sunday, April 12–13!

Hunters 17 and under can head to the woods for a weekend of excitement – but don’t forget, they must be accompanied by an adult. (Sorry grown-ups, you’re just along for the ride – no hunting or weapons allowed for adults!)

Each youth hunter is allowed to harvest one tom turkey – so make it count!

For a complete list of regulations, flip to page 42 in this year’s Oklahoma Fishing & Hunting Regulations.

Let’s make some memories – and maybe bring home a big ol’ bird! Feel free to post a pic of any Blue River PFHA birds harvested in the comments, our staff love to see your successful hunts!

03/28/2025

We are incredibly honored to receive the award for Best Attraction and Best Family-Friendly Attraction in Chickasaw Country! A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Blue River PFHA staff, the hardworking hatchery team, and our amazing constituents for making this achievement possible. We're proud to be part of Chickasaw Country and look forward to continuing to serve our community.

03/20/2025

We have completed trout stocking at Blue River PFHA for this year. The final trout stocking in the river took place today. So come out and fish while the water temps are still cool and the weather is nice. We appreciate the opportunity to have served our anglers this year and look forward to the next trout season.

03/13/2025

It's stocking day, and we've just released some chunky trout into the river! We stocked the area below the catch-and-release section all the way up to Hughes Crossing. Come take advantage of the last few weeks of trout season and enjoy the beautiful weather at the Blue River this spring break.

Address

Tishomingo, OK

Telephone

+15804435728

Website

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/

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