What Monkey Island offers and why it matters
Monkey Island sits in the upper arm of Grand Lake, near the dam, and holds a mix of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish in water that ranges from 20 to 40 feet deep around the island itself. The island is a rocky outcrop with shallow flats on the north side and a sharp drop-off on the south and east sides — the structure alone makes it worth a trip if you're already on the lake. Most anglers either pass it by or hit it only on their way to somewhere else, which means the fishing pressure stays light compared to the main lake body.
The real draw is the smallmouth population. Grand Lake's smallmouth tend to school around hard structure, and Monkey Island's rocks and depth changes create exactly that. Spring and fall are strongest, but the island produces year-round if you match your approach to the season and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Monkey Island's rocky structure and deep water make it a reliable smallmouth spot, especially in spring and fall when fish move shallow to feed.
- The north side has shallow flats suitable for topwater and crankbaits; the south and east sides drop off sharply and hold fish suspended or on bottom in summer and winter.
- Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, and overcast conditions often outfish clear skies on this exposed water.
- A boat is required — there is no shore access, and the island itself is closed to landing.
How to reach Monkey Island and what you need
Monkey Island is accessible only by boat from the main Grand Lake launch points. The nearest public ramp is at Monkey Island Park, which sits on the lake's north shore about 3 miles from the island itself — a 10-minute run in calm water. The ramp has parking, restrooms, and a small store. Other launch options include Grove, Langley, and Bernice, all of which add travel time but may have less crowding on weekends.
You'll need a boat capable of handling open water — the upper lake can chop up quickly when wind pushes down from the north. A 16-foot center console or similar is comfortable; smaller boats work but make the ride rougher. Bring a GPS or mark the island's coordinates (36.4397, -94.4178) in your phone's map app before you leave shore. The island is visible from a distance but easy to miss in fog or glare.
A fishing license is required. Oklahoma fishing licenses are sold at most tackle shops near the lake, online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website, or at the launch ramps themselves. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting from out of state.
Spring and fall: shallow structure and topwater
From March through May and again from September through October, smallmouth move into the shallower water on Monkey Island's north side to feed and spawn. Water temperature between 55 and 70 degrees triggers this movement, and it's when the island fishes best. Focus on the flats in 8 to 15 feet of water, working the edges where rocks meet sand or silt.
Topwater lures — poppers, walking baits, and pencil baits — work well in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Cast toward the rocks and work the lure slowly; smallmouth often follow before striking. If topwater doesn't produce, switch to crankbaits that dive to 10 to 15 feet, or drop a tube jig or soft plastic on a light jig head into the deeper pockets between rocks.
Overcast days often outfish sunny ones on this exposed water. If you're fishing a clear morning and the sun climbs high, don't leave — move to the south side where depth and shade hold fish even in midday.
Summer and winter: deep water and vertical presentations
From June through August, water temperature climbs above 75 degrees and smallmouth suspend or move to the deepest available structure. The south and east sides of Monkey Island drop to 35 to 40 feet, and that's where the fish go. Largemouth and catfish also move deeper in summer, so you may catch a mix.
Use a fish finder to locate suspended fish or bottom structure, then work vertically with a jigging spoon, drop shot, or small swimbaits on a light jig. Lower your bait slowly and watch your sounder for strikes. Early morning and late afternoon still produce better than midday, but the difference is less dramatic than in spring.
Winter (November through February) is similar — fish hold deep and tight to structure. Water temperature drops below 55 degrees, and activity slows. Smaller baits and slower presentations work better. Many anglers avoid the island in winter because the bite is slower and the water is cold, but if you're willing to fish deep and patient, you can still catch fish.
Tackle and technique for Monkey Island
A medium-power spinning rod in the 6.5 to 7-foot range handles most situations. Pair it with a reel that holds at least 150 yards of 8 to 10-pound braided line — braid casts farther and gives you better feel for bottom contact and suspended fish. Add a 2 to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader (6 to 8-pound test) to reduce visibility in clear water.
For topwater and crankbaits, 10 to 12-pound monofilament works fine and floats better than braid. For deep jigging and drop shots, braid is worth the switch because you feel the bottom and strikes more clearly. Bring multiple rod setups if you can — switching between presentations without retying saves time and keeps you fishing longer.
Smallmouth on Monkey Island respond to natural colors — browns, blacks, and greens — more often than bright or chartreuse. Tube jigs in 3 to 4-inch sizes, 4-inch soft plastics on drop shot rigs, and crankbaits that mimic shad are reliable choices. Topwater lures in white, black, or natural patterns work in low light.
Weather, safety, and timing
Grand Lake's upper arm is exposed to wind from the north and west. Check the forecast before you launch, and don't hesitate to stay ashore if wind is forecast above 15 knots — the water can build chop quickly, and the island offers no shelter. Morning conditions are usually calmer than afternoon, which is another reason to fish early.
The island itself is closed to landing. Fish from your boat, anchored or drifting, depending on wind and depth. If you anchor, use a mushroom or fluke anchor rated for rocky bottom — the rocks can snag a traditional anchor. Bring a backup anchor and extra line.
Wear a life jacket, carry a charged phone, and file a float plan with someone ashore. The lake is large and relatively remote in this section, and help takes time to arrive if something goes wrong. Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need.
When to fish and what to expect
| Season | Water Temp | Best Depth | Best Lures | Best Time of Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 55–70°F | 8–15 ft | Topwater, crankbaits, tubes | Sunrise to 10 a.m., 4 p.m. to sunset |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75°F+ | 25–40 ft | Jigging spoons, drop shot, swimbaits | Sunrise to 9 a.m., 5 p.m. to sunset |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 55–70°F | 8–20 ft | Topwater, crankbaits, tubes | Sunrise to 10 a.m., 4 p.m. to sunset |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Below 55°F | 25–40 ft | Drop shot, jigging spoons, small plastics | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (slower overall) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Monkey Island from shore?
No. The island is closed to landing, and there is no shore access nearby. You must fish from a boat anchored or drifting around the island. The nearest shore fishing is at Monkey Island Park, about 3 miles away.
What's the difference between the north and south sides of the island?
The north side is shallower (8 to 20 feet) with flats and scattered rocks — good for topwater and crankbaits in spring and fall. The south and east sides drop sharply to 35 to 40 feet and hold fish suspended or on bottom, especially in summer and winter. Fish the side that matches your target depth and season.
Do I need a fish finder to fish Monkey Island?
A fish finder helps, especially in summer when fish are deep and suspended, but it's not required. You can locate structure by watching the water, looking for rocks breaking the surface, and casting around visible features. A finder speeds up the process and helps you stay on productive depth.
What's the best season to fish Monkey Island?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are strongest because water temperature triggers feeding and fish move to shallower structure where they're easier to catch. Summer and winter are slower but still productive if you fish deep and patient.
Are there catfish on Monkey Island?
Yes. Channel catfish and flatheads move through the area, especially in summer. They're not the main target, but you'll catch them on jigs and soft plastics meant for smallmouth. If you want to target catfish specifically, use cut shad or chicken liver on a simple rig fished on bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water.