Your Guide to Water Sports and Other Activities

If you’re planning a trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, we probably don’t have to tell you that Broken Bow Lake is one of the town’s most appealing attractions for visitors and locals alike. People flock to the lake year-round for some of the state’s best fishing, and summer-time visitors can take part in all sorts of activities! 

Did you know there are tons of other water-related activities to do in Broken Bow, too? No matter if you’re young or old, there are plenty of new and exciting aquatic experiences guaranteed to make your trip more memorable. In this blog, we’ll dive into all of the fun things waiting for you to discover in the beautiful waters of Broken Bow– read on to learn more!

Fishing

If you’ve been to Broken Bow before, you’re probably well aware of the town’s vibrant and active fishing community. Between Broken Bow Lake and Mountain Fork River, the town draws plenty of avid fishermen to the area, rain or shine. 

Even if you’ve never visited the town or have never been fishing before, you can still enjoy fishing in Broken Bow’s waters! Fishing is a very beginner-friendly sport, and there are plenty of resources in the town to ensure you have everything you need. Read on for a basic rundown on fishing in Broken Bow!

Things You Need

For a day of successful fishing, you’ll need to make sure you have all of the right equipment. This equipment includes: 

• Fishing license: To fish anywhere in the state of Oklahoma, you’ll need a fishing license! You can get a fishing license online, or you can visit Broken Bow’s Walmart to get yours in-person. These licenses vary in price depending on a few different factors, such as your age, whether or not you’re an Oklahoma resident, and how long you want to fish for.
• Rod, bait, line, and reel: These are the basic supplies you’ll need for a standard fishing trip. You can buy each of these parts separately if you have a specific fishing strategy in mind, or you can buy kits that come with most or all of these components!
• Proper clothes: Depending on the time of year, your clothing needs will change. In warmer weather, we recommend wearing breathable, lightweight clothing, as well as a hat, sunglasses, and a neck gaiter to help protect you from the sun. In colder months, we suggest layering up and throwing a fishing gator over everything. No matter when you visit, make sure you wear closed-toe shoes that will keep your feet dry and plenty of sunscreen!

Where to Fish

When you visit Broken Bow, you won’t have to look hard for somewhere to cast your line. There are plenty of various fishing opportunities in Broken Bow! Some of our favorites include: 

• • Beavers Bend Marina: This full-service marina offers access to Broken Bow Lake, where you can catch large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, trout, walleye and crappie. Rent a boat, stock up on snacks for the day at the ship store, and hit the water!

• Beavers Bend State Park: This state park provides access to the roaring Mountain Lake River, as well as the shores of Broken Bow Lake. While you’re in the park, take the opportunity to hike the park’s trails or settle down for a nice picnic!

For a more intensive guide on fishing in Broken Bow, check out our blog post written specifically for beginners! This guide will tell you everything you need to know for a fun and successful day of fishing in Broken Bow. 

Canoeing and Kayaking

One fun way to experience Broken Bow’s stunning natural landscape is by cruising down the Mountain Fork River, either by canoe or kayak. This can be a high-speed journey or a simple, peaceful meander down the river, depending on what boat you choose. 

What’s the Difference? 

Before you plan your outing or rent your vessel, you have to decide which suits your needs best- a canoe or a kayak? While similar, the two boats have some differences in design and purpose that affect the type of experience you’ll have on the water. 

Canoes are wide, open-deck boats that use a single-blade paddle to move you through the water. Boaters will often sit or kneel when operating a canoe. In contrast, kayaks are narrow, closed-deck boats. The boater sits inside the boat through an opening with their legs stretched out in front of them, and they navigate using double-blade paddles. 

Due to their differences, they typically result in different experiences. Generally, if you’re looking for a more relaxed ride, you want to choose a canoe. While canoes are slightly harder to steer, they also move more slowly through the water, offering a more scenic ride. For beginners, canoeing usually provides a more laid-back experience. For more of a thrill, kayaking might be the right choice for you. Kayaks are easier to steer, but they move much faster through the water due to their smaller, narrower shape. 

Both canoeing and kayaking can be a fun outing for you and your family. Whichever option you choose, we guarantee that this is a worthwhile experience for anyone who wants to experience the great outdoors in a new way!

Canoe and Kayak Rentals

The lively scene of nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers in Broken Bow means that there are plenty of places to go if you want to rent canoes or kayaks for your group. Some of our favorites include:

• Ambush Adventures
• Beavers Bend River Floats (in Beavers Bend State Park)
• Tippa Canoe
• Wild Goose Canoe & Kayak Rental

Whether you’re looking forward to a leisurely cruise down the river or a thrilling race through the rapids, canoeing or kayaking allow for a fun opportunity for adventure!

Lake Sports

If the lake is more your speed, you’re in luck! Surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains, this 22-mile lake draws in visitors year-round for all sorts of exciting activities. When the sun starts shining and the weather gets warm, though, that’s when the real fun begins! 

Whether you’re a lifelong boater or you’ve never been on the lake before, you can still have a great time at Broken Bow Lake! Beavers Bend Marina is a Class A marina that offers boat rentals, jet ski rentals, and more! Additionally, you can fill your boat up at their fuel dock and stock up on snacks, drinks, and more at their store.

Boating

To truly get the most out of your experience on Broken Bow Lake, getting out and experiencing the water from a boat is an absolute must! Bring your own boat out to the marina and launch out on the water, or rent one for you and your crew!

Cruising around the lake can be a fun, relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Even without any other activities planned, it’s definitely worth your while to drive around for a while. Bring a book, some snacks, and work on your tan while the wind tosses your hair and the spray of the lake sprinkles your face.

Other than just riding around, your crew can enjoy a day of:

Tubing

Water tubing is a perfect lake activity for families because it is easy, kid-friendly, and thrilling! This water sport involves pulling a tube from a rope attached to the boat as the rider holds on to handles on the tube. The wonderful thing about tubing is that the speed of the tube can easily be controlled by the driver of the boat, allowing young children to enjoy a smooth ride and daredevil adults to weather sharp turns and bumps in the water. 

Wakeboarding

For the more athletic members of your group, try your hand at wakeboarding! The wakeboarder will position their feet on a board in the water while holding a rope attached to the boat. As the boat accelerates, the rider pulls themselves up on their feet and “surfs” the boat’s wake. Although this can be challenging for first timers, getting the hang of it and successfully riding the waves gives a sense of accomplishment!

Jet Skis

Not only does Beavers Bend Marina offer boat rentals, but you can also rent jet skis! Zoom around the open water for an up-close-and-personal encounter with the waves of Broken Bow Lake. Additionally, coasting the lake allows you to take in the surrounding trees and mountains. The views from Broken Bow Lake are extraordinary, and the open air provides a wonderful opportunity to take it all in!

Adventure Awaits!

A trip to Broken Bow promises an opportunity to connect with nature and truly immerse yourself in some of the finest scenery in the United States. Whether you just wanna kick back and relax or embark on a thrill-seeking adventure, the waters of Broken Bow have something for you! 

Spend an idyllic day lounging out on the boat, cast your line into Broken Bow Lake, or speed down the Mountain Fork River on a kayak or canoe. Book your trip today, and discover what’s waiting for you in the waters just outside of Hochatown!