Elmer Thomas Lake Fishing Guide: Bass, Catfish & Jetties
Elmer Thomas Lake sits west of Medicine Park in the Wichita Mountains area. The 334-acre lake is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and offers boat ramps, fishing jetties and campgrounds. Its clear, rocky setting and steep water call for a little planning: choose a safe access point first, then fish the depth and cover you can reach confidently.
Fishing from jetties and a boat
For bank fishing, use the designated jetties and look for points or rock edges that extend into deeper water. A small jig, worm under a float or compact soft plastic is easy to fish from shore. From a boat, start along points and visible structure rather than running straight to the deepest water. On windy days, fish the protected side of a point and keep casts controlled around other anglers.
Bass, catfish and sunfish
ODWC lists largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and green sunfish among the lake’s species. For bass, try a small swimbait or soft plastic along rocky points, then slow down with a worm if fish follow without striking. For catfish, keep a simple bottom rig near a safe shoreline location and use a legal bait that suits your target fish. For bluegill and redear, a small hook, light line and worm under a float lets beginners detect subtle bites.
ODWC’s area rule limits channel and blue catfish to six combined per day and allows rod-and-reel fishing only. Confirm the current rules before the trip; do not assume general statewide methods override this special lake regulation.
Access and safety near Medicine Park
The lake is three miles west of Medicine Park on State Highway 49. USFWS manages recreation facilities including boat ramps, jetties, campgrounds with RV hookups and a swimming beach. Confirm campground and ramp conditions with the lake office before traveling. Rocky, steep shorelines can be hazardous: wear shoes with traction, keep children back from drop-offs, and avoid fishing near swimmers or restricted areas.
A practical first-trip setup
Bring one medium-light spinning outfit, a few jigheads and soft plastics, small hooks and floats, and a legal catfish setup if that is your target. Start at a jetty and test two depths before changing locations. For more beginner-friendly setups, see our Oklahoma license guide and beginner gear checklist.
Official details: ODWC Elmer Thomas Lake information. Check current recreation updates with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
