Fishing on Texoma

To say the fishing is great on Lake Texoma would be an understatement. Texoma offers a fishing experience to appeal to just about any sporting spirit. Given the size of the lake and the variety of species and habitats found on Texoma, it’s a safe bet anglers will never be bored.

Black bass, sand bass, small mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and others are abundant, but the king of Texoma fish has to be the “striper.” Striped bass (affectionately called stripers) are native to ocean waters. Since stripers were introduced here in the late 1960s Texoma has become known for some of the best striper fishing in the Southwest. In fact, very few lakes in the United States can match Texoma. Because stripers tend to migrate from one end of the lake to the other, a little advice from the locals can be very helpful to vacationing anglers.

The white bass, often called sand bass, is another popular fish. “Sandies” receive a lot of attention in the spring when massive schools travel to spawn in the creeks and streams that feed into the lake. Another popular time for sand bass is the summer when they school on the surface.

Lake Texoma is invariably mentioned in conversations about catfish—especially conversations about blue catfish. Texoma has produced a number of record fish—one Texoma “cat” weighed in at 118.5 pounds—as well as plenty of fish big enough to inspire more than a few fish tales.

A Lake Texoma fishing license will permit access to any part of the lake. To fish the Red River below Denison Dam, however, requires a state license from the appropriate state. Most marinas as well as bait and tackle shops sell licenses and can help explain the regulations.

The easiest way to ensure a successful catch is to hire a professional fishing guide. The Lake Texoma Association can put a visitor in touch with an experienced guide (580/564-2334). Not only can a guide take a seasoned angler straight to the best spots for the particular time of year, but they’re also great for the novice. They can provide all the best equipment and help with a little instruction on the proper techniques, too.

From bank fishing to boat fishing, from angling in a quiet cove to trolling the open water, the choices are here. It’s no wonder why fishing is one of the most popular activities on Lake Texoma and why Lake Texoma is one of the most popular fishing spots in the Southwest.