Thread: wister lake

Hey Josh,

I use to fish Wister quite a bit during the spawn when I lived over on the East side of the State. It's been about 12 years or so since I've fished it, but I'll try to help.

I always liked to put in on the South side at the river. If I remember correctly, I would take Hwy 270 out of Wister, across the Dam and then right after the Dam, I'd hang a right on a County Road. Sorry, can't remember the road number or name. I'd go down that road for a few miles and then turn back right again. I think this road was named Indpendence road, but don't quote me.

The folks at the State Park should be able to give you up to date info and hopefully a map. Or you might find a bait shop in Wister.

When I knew the wind wouldn't be a problem, I would sometimes put in on the North side at the Victor Area.

I've caught crappie all along that lake, but my favorite spot was on the South side in the Poteau River. Back when I fished it, there was a lot of brush along both banks, especially beaver huts. If you could find a beaver hut half way or more under water, you had a Crappie gold mine on your hands.

Here is a hi-res map I found, not sure how up to date it is

Wister Lake Map

Wish I could help you more, but it's been a long time since I've fished it. I'm sure a lot of things have changed, there may be more, or fewer, boat ramps.

Good luck and sure wish I was going with you. I'm going to get back there one of these days. Caught my biggest Crappie out of there. If you go, please give us a report!!

another question is do they allow dogs? and how big is the lake and is there a lot of stumps and trees? what would be a good lure to use or would minnow work better?

i was there last weeka day or 2 they were on the banks i dont know if they r ther now but if not they will be in 6-10ft of water off the banks this lake is very shallow with lots of stumps i would not run it if u dont know where u r going the road to the poteau river is indapendanceit is a good place to fish there is good camping at the dam

Hey Josh,

I posted another reply last night, not sure why it didn't show up.

As for jigs vs minnows, I use to use a jig and cork with black/chtrs and blk/blu colors. If the water is off colored, I'd try blk/pnk and some BG elec chicken and cajun criket. Maybe even red/chtr.

If the fish aren't on banks, just back off a little, but I'm betting you can find some shallow.

The lake isn't a large lake. I call it a dishpan lake and there are a lot of shallow water with standing timber (or there was the last time I was there). Especially in the Poteau arm and at the upper end, so be careful.

well wister fell threw this weekend so we might be going here in a few of weeks but ill give an update when i do