Chasing Wild Trout at Beavers Bend: Fly Fishing, Photography, and Trip Planning

As spring breathes new life into the forests and rivers, I’m gearing up for a trip that blends fly fishing, photography, and camping into one unforgettable adventure.

Next week, I’m heading north from Houston to the beautiful Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow, Oklahoma — a true gem for coldwater trout fishing in the southern U.S.

This trip isn’t just about the fish — it’s about the full experience: long drives in the Ford Bronco, misty river mornings, evenings by the campfire, and capturing it all through my lenses and drone.

Here’s the full rundown of flies tied, gear packed, and the planning tools I used to map out this journey:

Fly Box: Patterns Prepped for Beavers Bend

For the crystal-clear waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River, I’ve stocked my fly box with a variety of proven patterns tailored for both rainbow and brown trout:

• Small Mayfly Patterns (Size 18–22) — Matching early spring hatches.

• Hopper Patterns (Size 12–14) — For opportunistic trout looking for a big bite.

• Small Leech Patterns (Size 10–12) — Especially effective for brown trout in deeper runs.

• Midges (Size 20–22) — Black, olive, and red variations.

• Soft Hackle Wet Flies (Size 14–16) — Perfect for swinging through riffles.

• Woolly Buggers (Size 8–10) — Olive, black, and brown for streamer action.

Each fly is barbless for easy releases and tied specifically to imitate what’s naturally present in Beavers Bend’s ecosystem this time of year.

Photography and Video Gear Packed

This trip is also about capturing the story — from the early morning mist on the water to the fire-lit nights under the stars.

Here’s the photography and video setup coming with me:

• Canon EOS 90D paired with Canon L Series lenses for high-resolution action and landscape shots.

• DJI Mavic Pro Drone for sweeping aerials over the river valleys and forest canopy.

• GoPro Hero 10 Black (chest mount) for wading shots, underwater releases, and immersive point-of-view fishing clips.

• K&F Concept Tripod and ND Filters for smooth video transitions and silky river shots.

Photography is about more than documenting the trip — it’s about telling the story of a place and a moment in time.

Fishing Gear Checklist

For the river, I’ve got a streamlined but reliable setup:

• Fly Rod: 9’ 5-weight rod, capable of delicate presentations and fighting feisty trout.

• Reel: Sage Spectrum 5/6 weight reel — strong drag for river browns and rainbows.

• Fly Line: Cortland 444 floating line, ideal for precise casts and great line control.

• Leaders and Tippet: 9’ fluorocarbon leaders with 4X–6X tippet.

• Net: Lightweight, rubber bag net for safe catch-and-release.

• Waders and Boots: Breathable waders and wadding boots with studs if needed.

I’m packing all my fishing gear into my Ghosthorn Fly Fishing Backpack — lightweight, waterproof, and easy to carry across the rocky trails and riverbanks of Beavers Bend.

Camping Essentials

Nothing beats setting up camp after a full day on the river:

• Lightweight backpacking tent and insulated sleeping pad.

• Down sleeping bag rated for cool river nights.

• Portable camp stove, kettle, and coffee setup.

• Firewood bundles for nights around the campfire.

• Headlamps, lanterns, and a solar charging station.

There’s nothing quite like brewing a morning coffee at the river’s edge, listening to nature wake up.

Trip Planning Tools: How I Mapped It All Out

Planning a trip like this starts long before the first cast.

Here’s how I mapped the route and fishing spots:

• TroutRoutes App — Invaluable for locating public access points, river sections, and local fly recommendations.

• Google Earth — Used to scout deeper river bends, trailheads, and potential drone shot locations.

• Oklahoma Fishing Regulations — I made sure to double-check daily bag limits, special rules for the Lower Mountain Fork, and barbless hook requirements.

In areas like Beavers Bend, staying aware of regulations is crucial — not just for legal reasons, but to protect the fishery for everyone who comes after.

The Road Ahead

It’s about more than the catch.

It’s about the drive through pine forests in the Ford Bronco, the moment a trout flashes in the current, the sound of a campfire crackling in the dark.

It’s about slowing down, listening to the river, and letting the story write itself.

I’ll be documenting the trip through both photography and short films, so stay tuned for updates from the water, behind-the-scenes captures, and a full video recap once I’m back.

Broken Bow, here we come. Tight lines, clear skies, and wide-open roads.