The ODWC’s regulations on state records consider the location where the fish was caught. For a fish to qualify as a state record, it must have been caught from a body of water that is legally open to the public, ensuring that the angler had the proper licensing and access rights.
I'm guessing these were somehow considered public waters or maybe the rule changed at some point.
I know the commissioner for ODWC for my region, I'll have to ask him the next time I see him.
If a private pond owner gets their fish from ODWC, then the pond has to be open to the public to fish even if it's on private property.
This is why we avoided getting fish from the ODWC.
That requirement changed at some point, I heard that also and checked into the requirements before getting my fish from ODWC in 2022.
https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/lands-and-minerals/pond-management/stocking-programRequirements
The Department recognizes the needs of owners of new and reclaimed farm ponds. Our present program fulfills these needs at the lowest possible cost to the sportsman of Oklahoma. However, several requirements must be met before fish can be provided.
All ponds must be at LEAST 1/2 surface acre in size. If in doubt measure the length and width of the pond in feet and then multiply: length X width = square feet of pond ÷ 43,560 = surface acre(s).
Fish will not be provided for private ponds which have a charge for fishing.
NO POND CAN BE STOCKED THAT HAS AN EXISTING FISH POPULATION PRESENT.
There is a limit of three ponds or 10 acres total per applicant per year.
The applicant must have a current Oklahoma fishing license, NO EXCEPTIONS. The only income for operation of hatcheries comes from the sale of licenses. It is only fair that landowners receiving fish share in the cost of rearing these fish.
Law enforcement personnel are allowed to check licenses of those fishing in your pond. However, you do NOT have to allow other people to fish in your pond.
