Located in both Texas and Oklahoma, the appropriately-named Lake Texoma is a vast and diverse fishery. Home to huge Catfish, hard-fighting Striped Bass, and tasty Crappie among others, there’s more than one reason why it’s often considered to be one of the most fishable lakes around. Not sure where to begin your trip? Pick your target species, locate your nearest departure point, then cast off alongside an experienced Lake Texoma fishing guide on an epic adventure!
Which trip is best for me?
A Hard-Fighting Striped Bass Adventure
Lake Texoma is known first and foremost as being one of the nation’s most productive Striped Bass fisheries. Its combination of freshwater and saltwater from the nearby Red River is the perfect home for these fish.
One of the most productive places is around the Denison Dam. Head to Eisenhower State Park, located a mere 10 minutes from the Texan town of Denison. Here, you’ll find a wealth of local guides and charter operators, running trips that vary from four hours to a full day on the lake.
Visiting from the Oklahoma side? The town of Kingston is home to Lake Texoma State Park, and charters departing from here will have you fishing the waters near the Washita River, another Striper hotspot.
Many charter guides will happily take you Striper fishing, whether you’re a novice or a pro aiming to hook a trophy-sized specimen.
Hook Some Table Fare
If you’re new to fishing and Lake Texoma, or want to introduce your little ones to the excitement of fishing, try going after Panfish. Lake Texoma is chock-full of tasty Crappie, and they’re the perfect species for anglers looking for a laid-back adventure. If you want to relax, take in the sights, and come home with a cooler full of fish to fry up, half a day of Crappie fishing can’t be beat.
If Panfish aren’t your thing, you’ll also find those freshwater favorites, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, swimming throughout the lake. They can be hooked year-round, and prefer the waters close to shore, making them the perfect target for visitors just discovering their sea legs. Choose a charter located near Denison Dam, the Washita River arm, or the Willow Springs area.
...And the Rest!
If you’re not a Striper chaser but want something a bit more challenging than Panfishing, don’t worry – there’s plenty of other fish to be found in Lake Texoma!
The biggest of them is the mighty Alligator Gar. If you want to hook one of these prehistoric monsters, you’ll find charters departing from Preston, TX, and Durant, OK. The most common way to target Alligator Gar here is by bowfishing, meaning that charters usually run specific Gar trips. If you’re looking for a unique day out, it’s a great choice.
Huge Catfish lurk in these waters, too. The most popular spots to target them include where the Washita River runs into the lake, and where the Red River runs into the lake. The best locations to depart from are Durant in OK and Preston in TX.
How to Prepare
Your Lake Texoma fishing guide will provide everything you need for a successful day on the water, including your rods and reels, safety gear, and water to keep you refreshed. Something you will need to bring, however, is a valid fishing license.
Depending on where you’re fishing from, you can purchase either a Texas or Oklahoma fishing license, but the most popular type of license for exploring these waters has to be the Lake Texoma Fishing License. Unlike the separate state licenses, this allows you to fish the entire lake without worrying about state boundaries.
All you need to do is grab one from a local Walmart or marina, choose your target species, and hop aboard a Lake Texoma fishing charter for an incredible adventure. What are you waiting for?
Bass (Largemouth)
Bass (Smallmouth)
Bass (Striped)
Bass (White)
Catfish
Crappie
