Lake Texoma Facts

Fascinating Facts About Lake Texoma You Might Not Know

Located on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma is more than just a giant reservoir—it’s a place filled with history, natural wonders, and unique stories. With over 6 million visitors annually, it’s one of the most popular lakes in the Southwest. But how much do you really know about Lake Texoma?

Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about this incredible destination, here are some of the most interesting and surprising facts about Lake Texoma.

Lake Texoma Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Location	Border of Texas and Oklahoma
Coordinates	33.8181° N, 96.6189° W
Type	Reservoir
Primary Inflow	Red River, Washita River
Primary Outflow	Red River
Surface Area	89,000 acres (36,000 hectares)
Length	Approximately 22 miles (35 km)
Shoreline	580 miles (930 km)
Maximum Depth	100 feet (30 m)
Average Depth	30 feet (9.1 m)
Volume	2,525,568 acre-feet
Elevation	615 feet (187 m) above sea level
Dam	Denison Dam
Dam Height	165 feet (50 m)
Dam Length	15,200 feet (4,600 m)
Construction Completed	1944
Uses	Flood control, hydroelectric power, water supply, recreation
Fishing Species	Striped bass, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass
Wildlife	Bald eagles, pelicans, herons, deer, bobcats
Number of Islands	Over 20 islands
State Parks	Eisenhower State Park (TX), Lake Texoma State Park (OK)
Special Features	Natural reproduction of striped bass, slightly saline water
Annual Visitors	Over 6 million
Recreation	Boating, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, water sports
Hydroelectric Capacity	72 megawatts

1. It’s One of the Largest Reservoirs in the U.S.

Lake Texoma covers nearly 89,000 acres and stretches over 580 miles of shoreline. It’s the 12th largest U.S. Corps of Engineers lake in the country by storage capacity. The sheer size of the lake makes it a favorite for boating, fishing, camping, and water sports.

2. Created by Denison Dam

Lake Texoma was formed in 1944 with the construction of Denison Dam on the Red River. The dam was built primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply. It stands 165 feet tall and stretches 15,200 feet across—an impressive engineering feat of its time!

Fun fact: When it was built, Denison Dam was the largest rolled-earth fill dam in the world.

3. It’s the “Striper Capital of the World”

Lake Texoma holds a special place in the fishing world because it’s one of the few inland lakes where striped bass (stripers) naturally reproduce. This makes it a rare and self-sustaining striped bass fishery.

Some of the biggest stripers weigh over 30 pounds! Anglers from across the U.S. visit Lake Texoma year-round hoping to catch these hard-fighting fish.

4. It Has Over 20 Islands

Lake Texoma is dotted with over 20 islands, many of which are accessible by boat for camping, picnicking, and exploring. Some of the most popular are Wood Island, Treasure Island, and North Island.

During the summer, boaters gather at these islands for parties, swimming, and relaxation.

5. It Sits on the Texas-Oklahoma Border

Lake Texoma’s name is a combination of Texas and Oklahoma because it literally straddles the state line. Boaters and anglers can cross from one state to the other without ever leaving the lake.

👉 Fun note: Different fishing licenses and regulations apply depending on which side you’re on! There’s even a Lake Texoma fishing license that covers both states.

6. A Wildlife Haven

Lake Texoma isn’t just a playground for people—it’s home to a rich variety of wildlife. You can spot:

• Bald eagles (especially in winter)
• American white pelicans
• Great blue herons, egrets, and waterfowl
• Deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and armadillos

The surrounding lands include wildlife management areas and natural habitats that make it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

7. Natural Sandy Beaches

Unlike many reservoirs with rocky shorelines, Lake Texoma has natural sandy beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing. Popular swim beaches include West Burns Run Beach, Eisenhower State Park Beach, and Juniper Point.

The sandy shores give it a beach-like feel—without having to drive to the Gulf Coast.

8. A Town Lies Beneath the Water

Before the lake was filled, the small town of Preston, Texas was submerged under Lake Texoma’s waters. Today, some divers and anglers claim to have seen remnants of old buildings, bridges, and roadbeds underwater.

It adds an air of mystery to the lake’s depths!

9. The Lake Has Both Freshwater and Saltwater Influence

Here’s something unusual: because the Red River has a high salt content (due to natural salt deposits in the river basin), Lake Texoma’s water is slightly brackish (saltier than most freshwater lakes).

This unique water chemistry supports species like striped bass that thrive in saltier environments—another reason why stripers naturally reproduce here!

10. Hydroelectric Power Source

Denison Dam doesn’t just control floods—it also produces hydroelectric power. Its power plant can generate up to 72 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply tens of thousands of homes.

11. A Hub for Events & Lake Culture

Lake Texoma hosts a variety of festivals, regattas, fishing tournaments, and waterfront events throughout the year. Local marinas like Highport Marina and Cedar Mills Marina often feature live music, food festivals, and summer parties.

In summer, the lake buzzes with life—boats, jet skis, kayaks, and swimmers enjoying the water and each other’s company.

12. Great Camping & Hiking

Lake Texoma is surrounded by two state parks (Eisenhower State Park and Lake Texoma State Park), Corps of Engineers campgrounds, RV parks, and hiking trails.

You can hike scenic routes like Cross Timbers Trail or camp right along the lake’s shoreline for a memorable outdoor adventure.

13. A Key Part of the Red River Watershed

Lake Texoma plays a vital role in the Red River watershed, providing flood control, water storage, recreation, and wildlife habitat. It also supplies water for nearby cities and industries.

It’s not just a recreational lake—it’s an important environmental and economic resource for the region.

Why Lake Texoma is So Fascinating

With its enormous size, natural reproduction of striped bass, mysterious underwater town, wildlife diversity, and vibrant culture, Lake Texoma is more than a lake—it’s a destination full of stories, adventures, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re here to fish, boat, camp, hike, or just soak up the views, you’ll quickly discover why so many people fall in love with Lake Texoma.

👉 Have you been to Lake Texoma? What’s your favorite thing about it? Share your stories in the comments below!