2025 Season
Fishing Regulations
Fishing
OK Red River Blue Catfish Minimum Raised; Flathead Possession Limit Cut
Effective March 1, 2025
Oklahoma increased the blue catfish minimum size limit on the Red River from 13 inches to 16 inches for 2025, protecting a larger portion of the population from harvest in this interstate fishery. The statewide flathead catfish possession limit was also reduced from 10 fish to 5 fish to address harvest pressure across Oklahoma's river and lake systems. These changes were developed in coordination with Texas Parks and Wildlife for the shared Red River fishery.
Key Changes:
• Red River blue catfish minimum size: 16 inches (increased from 13 inches)
• Change coordinated with Texas for consistent regulation on shared Red River waters
• Flathead catfish possession limit: 5 fish statewide (reduced from 10)
• Flathead limit applies to all Oklahoma public waters including lakes and rivers
• Channel catfish regulations unchanged for 2025
• Anglers harvesting catfish across state lines should verify Texas regulations separately
Source: Official Oklahoma Agency ↗
Hunting Regulations
Hunting
OK Antler Point Restriction Pilot in 8 Cross Timbers Counties for 2025
Effective September 1, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation launched a new antler point restriction pilot program in 8 counties in the Cross Timbers region for the 2025–26 deer season, requiring 3 or fewer points on one side. Antlerless quota tags were increased by 8,000 statewide. A new early teal season (September 1–16) was also established, the first such season in Oklahoma history, along with a restructured Canada goose season.
Key Changes:
• APR pilot: 8 Cross Timbers region counties, max 3 points on one side for legal buck
• Statewide antlerless quota tags increased by 8,000
• New early teal season: Sept 1–16, 2025 (first ever early teal season in Oklahoma)
• Canada goose season split: Oct 3 – Nov 30 and Dec 20 – Jan 25
• Blue catfish minimum size on Red River: increased from 13 to 16 inches
• Flathead catfish possession limit statewide: reduced from 10 to 5
Source: Official Oklahoma Agency ↗