Note: This is the second part of a short series on lakes in the Tri-County area.
When you’re searching for a peaceful, quiet place to wet a hook, ride your horse or pitch a tent, look no further than central Seminole County.
East of the city of Seminole is a lake named for its biggest fan — the sportsman. Found in abundance at Sportsman Lake are the subtleties of nature and fish willing to bite.
“It’s a fishing lake,” said Lee Hart, the lake’s ranger. “People come out here to not hear what they hear in town. They come for the peace and quiet.”
With only 354 surface acres of water, Sportsman Lake cannot be found on just any map. But it doesn’t take a big lake to have big fun.
The lake’s surrounding 1,400-acre park boasts 40 modern campsites and 25 primitive campsites, as well as an equestrian trail, heated bathrooms and a swimming beach. Other perks include pavilions, boat ramps and fishing docks.
Those who choose to fish Sportsman Lake from the bank have ample access, although much of the lake’s 15 miles of shoreline wind through wooded areas. There is no fee to fish from the bank, Hart said, but there is a fee of $5 per day to put a boat on the water.
Boat ramps are located in Cove 2 and Cove 3, and designated fishing areas can be found in Coves 2, 3 and 4. The equestrian part of the lake is in Cove 1, and campsites are divided between Coves 1 and 3.
Fees for various activities at Sportsman Lake are:
• Boating — $5 per day or $25 annually
• Primitive camping — $5 per day
• Modern camping with water and electricity — $12.50 per day, or $9.50 for senior citizens
• Modern camping with water, electricity and sewer hook-ups — $16 per day, or $13 for senior citizens
• Pavilion use — $25 per day
• Coon Hunters Lodge — $50 per day
• Equestrian trail — $2.50 per day or $30 annually
Pay boxes are located in Coves 1, 2 and 3. All details about fees and campsites are available at www.sportsmanlake.com.
Now, on to the fishing. I myself have cast into the lake’s waters numerous times, and have not been disappointed.
Crappie can be found in abundance, especially near submerged structure and docks, and catfish roam the many coves in search of a late-night meal. My personal best was a blue catfish, caught on a live minnow that weighed about four pounds.
On another occasion, I caught a healthy channel catfish — about three pounds — on a hunk of chicken liver.
According to Hart, there are some real brutes beneath the waves.
“We’ve got a lot of blues, and people catch them quite often,” he said.
With his own eyes, Hart saw a 14-pound blue cat pulled from the lake, as well as a crappie that was just shy of four pounds.
The lake is also home to flathead catfish, and three species of black bass — largemouth, smallmouth and spotted. The abundance of sunfish lends to the bulk found in many of the game fish.
“There are some large bass in here, if you can get them to bite,” said Hart, who often hooks three or four decent fish on his outings.
At least eight to 10 bass-fishing tournaments are held annually at the lake, he said. Many fish in the double-digit weight range have found themselves on the business end of a fishing rod.
State fishing regulations apply at Sportsman Lake, Hart said, and all species of black bass must be at least 12 inches in length to be legally kept. Anglers should remember that rod-and-reel fishing is the only method of fishing allowed at the lake, and state law mandates the possession of a fishing license.
The lake is considered to be within the city limits of Seminole, Hart said, and activities that are prohibited include the use of firearms, setting off fireworks and off-road vehicle use. Because it is considered a fishing lake, skiing, knee boarding, tubing and the use of personal watercraft are not allowed.
Hart said there is no set speed limit for boaters, but there are submerged obstructions in some parts of the lake. Boaters are urged to drive carefully.
“Take caution if you’re going into a cove, because there are a lot of stumps,” Hart said.
Hart, a native of the Seminole area, has been the ranger at Sportsman Lake for three years. He resides at the lake, providing security and maintenance while collecting fees and ensuring that park and lake regulations are followed.
Hart opens the gates to Coves 1 and 3 at 6 a.m. each day, and closes them at 10 p.m. Coves 2 and 4 are open 24 hours for those who want to fish at night, he said, and for those using a boat, there is a pay box in Cove 2.
Hart, who has been fishing at the lake since he was a boy, said he loves having a career that makes the lake his home.
“I’m living right on top of the lake. That’s not too bad,” he said with a smile.
According to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Sportsman Lake was built in 1958. Hart said the lake is not used as a municipal water source, and even the water that comes through the taps in the park is piped from three nearby wells.
Wewoka Lake
Sportsman Lake’s neighbor, Wewoka Lake, is the destination for those wanting to ski, tube and ride personal watercraft, Hart said. Fishing and camping opportunities are available as well, and the following fees apply to Wewoka Lake:
• Boating — $28.50 for residents; $12 for senior citizens; $58.50 for nonresidents; and $28.50 for nonresident senior citizens
• Personal watercraft use — $55 for residents and $110 for nonresidents
• Primitive camping — $8 per day, with no charge to senior citizens
• Modern camping — $14 per day, and $10 per day for senior citizens
• Pavilion — $20 per day
• Family campground with small pavilion — $125 per night
Wewoka Lake boasts 10 miles of shoreline and 371 surface acres of water. Camping areas, a boat ramp, a fishing dock and a swimming area are located on the southeast side of the lake near the dam.
Hart said the majority of visitors to Sportsman Lake are fishermen, and most Wewoka Lake visitors are skiers and personal watercraft operators.
“It’s more of an entertainment lake,” Hart said of Sportsman’s neighbor.
Wewoka Lake is located about one and half miles southeast of Sportsman Lake.
How to get there
Sportsman Lake — From SH 99 in Seminole, go four miles east on SH 9. Turn right (south) and go two miles, then turn left (east) and follow that road into the park. The lake’s four coves will be on your left as you proceed, beginning with Cove 1.
Wewoka Lake — Continue past Cove 4 of Sportsman Lake and go south to US 270. Turn left (east) and go one half mile before turning left (north) on E1270 Road. E1270 Road will take you across the dam.
