The Sapulpa Times went out to Sahoma and Pretty Water lakes Friday afternoon to check out fishing conditions. Each lake only had a handful of anglers who brave the winds and choppy water. The consensus among the fishermen interviewed was that nothing was biting except for small panfish. Several anglers were leaving when we arrived due to poor fishing conditions.
The good news is that drier, calmer, warmer weather is forecast for the next week which should result in better catches.
Catfish season will begin this month at Pretty Water. The first catfish stocking date will be on April 12.
The Season Opener Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, April 17, at Pretty Water Lake.
Park Staff will be there to give out prizes to the biggest fish caught each hour by an adult and child at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, and noon.
Sahoma boasts three outdoor fishing docks, one indoor dock, a boat ramp, a shelter house with picnic tables and grill, and camping, as well as upgraded RV facilities, which are now open. Pretty Water features a fishing dock and a pedestrian bridge over the lake.
The bait/concession shop is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 7 a.m to 5 p.m., Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A state fishing license, as well as a city fishing permit, is required for fishing at Sahoma and Pretty Water lakes. An annual individual permit is $35 plus tax, however, there is a $15 discount for children aged 9-16, adults 65 and older, those with disabilities, or those receiving SSI benefits. An individual daily permit for anglers aged 9 and up is $5 plus tax, children 8 and under fish free. An annual family permit, which includes two adults 17 or older and two children 9-16, is $60 plus tax.
Fishing permits may be purchased at City Hall or at the Sapulpa or Sand Springs Walmart stores. A family permit may be purchased at the Sahoma Lake bait/concession shop.
Boaters are encouraged to have the following items on board: a life jacket, a throwable floatation device, a sound device, a fire extinguisher (for gasoline-powered boats), a first aid kit, two ropes, and optimally, a VHF radio since cell phone coverage can be spotty on the water.
