Seasonal Guides What to expect at Kaw Lake throughout the year — conditions, fishing, wildlife, and what to pack.
Winter at Kaw Lake December – February
Kaw Lake hosts one of Oklahoma's largest concentrations of wintering bald eagles. Hundreds of birds gather along the shoreline from November through February.
Read the Winter Guide Spring at Kaw Lake March – May
Spring brings the white bass run — one of the most exciting fishing events of the year. Schools of fish push up into coves and creek channels.
Read the Spring Guide Summer at Kaw Lake June – August
Summer is peak season at Kaw Lake. Families pack the campgrounds, boat traffic peaks, and the catfish are running hard.
Read the Summer Guide Fall at Kaw Lake September – November
Fall is the best-kept secret at Kaw Lake. Crowds thin, temperatures drop, and the crappie start feeding aggressively before winter.
Read the Fall Guide Kaw Lake Quick Facts
Location 8 mi east of Ponca City, OK
Surface area 17,040 acres
Shoreline 168 miles
Max depth ~60 ft near dam
Primary fish Catfish, Crappie, Bass, Walleye
Eagles Hundreds winter here annually
Hiking Eagle View Trail: 12 miles
Equestrian Five Fingers Trail: 18 miles
Campgrounds 7 USACE areas, 300+ sites 