What You'll Find at Porum Landing

Porum Landing is a public boat ramp on the Illinois River in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, roughly 15 miles southeast of Muskogee. The landing gives you access to a stretch of river known for catfish and smallmouth bass, with occasional walleye and crappie. The ramp itself is a single-lane concrete launch in decent repair, suitable for jon boats, bass boats, and modest recreational craft. There is no fuel dock, no tackle shop, and no overnight camping — this is a day-use facility.

The Illinois River through this section runs relatively clear compared to other Oklahoma river systems, and the current is moderate except after heavy rain. The bottom is a mix of rock, gravel, and sand, which smallmouth prefer. Catfish fishing is strongest at night and during low-light hours, particularly in deeper holes and around structure like fallen trees and rock ledges.

Key Takeaways

  • Porum Landing is a free public ramp with no amenities, best suited for anglers with their own boat and basic supplies.
  • Catfish bite year-round but are most active from May through September, especially at night using live bait or stink bait.
  • Smallmouth bass fishing peaks in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) in water 8 to 20 feet deep.
  • Oklahoma fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older; check current regulations for species-specific rules before you fish.
  • The ramp can get muddy after rain and has limited parking; arrive early on weekends.

Seasons and What Bites When

Catfish are the most reliable target year-round. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) bring the best daytime action, though summer nights (June–August) often produce the largest fish. Use live bluegill, shad, or skipjack herring on a three-way rig or simple slip sinker setup. Stink bait and dip baits work well too, especially for channel catfish. Fish the deeper holes and outside bends where current slows.

Smallmouth bass peak in spring and fall when water temperatures sit between 55 and 70 degrees. March through May is prime, as fish move shallow to spawn. Fall fishing (late September through November) is nearly as good. Summer smallmouth are present but deeper and less aggressive. Use 2- to 4-inch crankbaits, soft plastics, and live crawfish. Jigs tipped with crawfish work well around rock structure.

Walleye are less common but present; fish for them at dawn and dusk with live shiners or small crankbaits in 10 to 20 feet of water. Crappie show up in spring and fall in shallower areas near brush and fallen timber.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Porum Landing is located on State Road 27, south of Porum, Oklahoma. The ramp is free and open to the public during daylight hours. Parking is a gravel lot with space for roughly 8 to 12 vehicles; it fills quickly on weekends. There is no restroom, no water, no shade structure, and no overnight camping. Bring everything you need — fuel, food, water, and a cooler.

The ramp itself is a single concrete lane, wide enough for one boat at a time. After heavy rain, the approach can become muddy and slippery. In dry conditions, it is passable for most trailers. There is no launch fee and no permit required. Arrive early on Saturdays and Sundays if you want a parking spot.

Regulations and Licensing

All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid Oklahoma fishing license. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website or at most sporting goods stores. Licenses are also sold at some convenience stores near the landing.

Catfish have no daily limit in Oklahoma. Smallmouth bass are limited to five fish per day with a 12-inch minimum length. Walleye are limited to five fish per day with a 15-inch minimum. Crappie are limited to 25 fish per day with a 9-inch minimum. Regulations change, so check the current Oklahoma fishing guide before you go. Trotlines and jug lines are legal for catfish in this section, but check local rules and get permission if you plan to leave unattended gear.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack a full cooler with ice, drinking water, and food — there are no vendors nearby. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you plan to fish at night for catfish. Bring your own tackle, extra line, and a net. A depth finder is helpful for locating structure and deeper holes, though not required.

The Illinois River can rise quickly after rain upstream. Check the water level and current before launching, especially if heavy rain is in the forecast. Life jackets are required by law for anyone in a boat under 16; they are strongly recommended for all anglers. The ramp has no attendant, so if you get stuck or have trouble, cell service can be spotty — tell someone on shore where you are going and when you expect to return.

Nearby Services and Alternatives

Muskogee is 15 miles north and has gas stations, restaurants, and tackle shops. The closest full-service marina is at Tenkiller Ferry Lake, about 30 miles south. If Porum Landing is crowded or the river is too high, consider Webbers Falls Lock and Dam, about 20 miles downstream, which also has a public ramp and similar fishing.

For a different experience, Fort Gibson Lake (northwest of Muskogee) offers largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish with better facilities, including a marina and camping. The trade-off is that it is more crowded and requires a day-use fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from the bank at Porum Landing?

There is no designated bank fishing area at the landing itself. The ramp and parking lot are the only public access points. Some anglers fish from the road shoulder nearby, but this is not an official facility. A boat is the best way to reach productive water.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

For catfish, night and early morning (two hours before sunrise to two hours after) are most productive. For smallmouth bass, dawn and dusk are best, though they bite throughout the day in spring and fall. Midday summer fishing is slow for both species.

Do I need a boat to fish Porum Landing?

Yes. The landing is designed for boat access only. If you do not own a boat, you may be able to rent one from a marina in Muskogee or at Tenkiller Ferry Lake, though availability varies.

Is the ramp passable in winter?

Yes, but winter fishing is slower. Catfish are still active in deep holes, and some anglers have success with live bait. Smallmouth bite sporadically. The ramp itself is usually passable unless ice forms, which is rare in this part of Oklahoma.

What should I do if the water is too high or muddy?

High water after rain can make the ramp slippery and the river dangerous. If you are unsure, do not launch. Check the USGS water level gauge for the Illinois River at Tahlequah upstream to gauge conditions. Muddy water does not stop catfish fishing — they hunt by smell — but smallmouth fishing slows significantly.