Lake Texoma Fishing

🎣 Fishing at Lake Texoma: A Complete Guide for Anglers

Nestled on the border between Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma stands as one of the premier fishing destinations in the southern United States. Covering nearly 90,000 acres, this massive reservoir attracts anglers from across the country thanks to its rich diversity of fish species, beautiful scenery, and thriving fishing culture. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor, Lake Texoma offers something special for everyone.

🐟 What Makes Lake Texoma Unique for Fishing?

Lake Texoma isn’t just another lake — it’s famous for being one of the few inland lakes in the U.S. where striped bass reproduce naturally. This unique feature makes it a bucket-list spot for anglers hoping to land trophy-sized stripers. But striped bass are only part of the story. The lake’s vast waters are home to a wide range of game fish, including:

• Striped Bass (Striper)
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• White Bass
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Crappie (Black and White)
• Sunfish and Bluegill

Whether you’re after the hard fight of a striper, the challenge of bass fishing, or the excitement of catching giant catfish, Lake Texoma delivers.

Best Fishing Spots at Lake Texoma

With such a large lake, knowing where to fish can make all the difference. Some of the most productive fishing areas include:

✅ Denison Dam – A hotspot for striped bass, especially when water is released from the dam.

✅ Washita River Arm – Great for catfish and crappie fishing, especially around submerged structures.

✅ Little Mineral Creek – Popular for largemouth bass, with rocky points and coves that attract fish.

✅ Platter Flats and Soldier Creek – Known for white bass and occasional smallmouth bass.

✅ Hagerman Wildlife Refuge – A quiet, scenic spot ideal for bank fishing and family outings.

Pro tip: hire a local fishing guide if it’s your first time! Guides know the seasonal fish patterns and will help you maximize your chances of a memorable catch.

🗓️ Fishing Seasons at Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma offers year-round fishing, but different seasons favor different species:

🌸 Spring – Excellent for crappie and largemouth bass as they move into shallow waters to spawn. Stripers also start schooling near the surface.

☀️ Summer – Early mornings and late evenings are best for topwater striped bass action. Catfish are active in deeper waters during the heat of the day.

🍂 Fall – Great for white bass and stripers feeding aggressively before winter. Bass fishing also picks up around rocky banks and points.

❄️ Winter – Prime time for trophy blue catfish in deep channels and flats. Striper fishing continues, especially on sunny days.

🎣 Techniques and Tackle for Success

Each species at Lake Texoma responds to different techniques:

Striped Bass: Use live shad, jigging spoons, or topwater plugs. Trolling and drifting are popular methods.

Catfish: Try cut bait, shad guts, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom in deep areas.

Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass: Use soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits around cover and structure.

Crappie: Jigs tipped with minnows around brush piles, submerged timber, and docks.

Many anglers swear by live bait at Lake Texoma, especially for stripers and catfish.

🎟️ Do You Need a Special Fishing License?

Yes! If you plan to fish across both Texas and Oklahoma waters, you’ll need a Lake Texoma Fishing License, which allows you to fish the entire lake without needing separate state licenses. It’s affordable and can be purchased online or at local bait shops.

🏆 Why Lake Texoma is a Must-Visit for Anglers

Lake Texoma is more than just a fishing spot—it’s a destination. With abundant fish populations, stunning lake views, easy access, and plenty of campgrounds and marinas, it’s the perfect getaway for solo anglers, families, or groups of friends.

Many visitors return year after year, drawn by the thrill of chasing monster stripers or battling giant blue catfish. Whether you prefer casting from a boat, the bank, or hiring a guide for a trophy hunt, Lake Texoma promises unforgettable fishing adventures.

👉 Ready to cast your line at Lake Texoma? Whether you’re chasing your personal best or introducing your kids to fishing, Lake Texoma offers some of the best angling in the South. Don’t forget your fishing license, sunscreen, and a cooler for the day’s catch!

Have you fished Lake Texoma? Share your biggest catch or favorite fishing memory in the comments below!