If fishing is your game, Lake Texoma is the place to be. You’ll find dozens of unique species — including the famous striped bass, or “stripers” — and plenty of places to dock or rent a boat. The boating community in Texoma is big and welcoming, with plenty of fishing and boating clubs, events, and activities.
Plenty of Fish in the Lake
Lake Texoma is home to at least 70 species of fish. Oklahoma and Texas introduced some of these species for anglers, while others are native to the area.
Popular fish among recreational anglers include bass, catfish, and crappies. Each group has several varieties making their homes in Texoma’s waters.
One of those varieties is the famous blue catfish, the largest freshwater sportfish in Texas waters. It’s not uncommon for Texoma anglers to pick up a 50-pounder, and the record exceeds 100 pounds.
Texoma is also a great place to angle for alligator gars, flathead and channel catfish, freshwater drum, and smallmouth buffalo.
If you catch five types of bass in one day — striped, spotted, white, smallmouth, and largemouth bass — you’ve achieved the Lake Texoma Grand Slam. It’s a rare achievement that earns you bragging rights for years.
Striper Fishing: Lake Texoma Is Home to This Rare Catch
Striped bass is easily the most famous fish type in Texoma. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation first introduced stripers to the lake in 1965, and the fish began reproducing naturally nine years later. There’s been world-famous striper fishing on Lake Texoma ever since.
Texoma is the only reservoir in Texas — and one of very few in the U.S. — where natural striper spawns happen. Stripers need flowing water of 55 to 69 degrees between April and mid-June, and they get those conditions in Texoma — where the Red River meets the Washita.
Stripers follow a seasonal pattern all year. In spring, they visit the extreme shallows — the best locations for Texoma striper fishing. When summer comes, the stripers return to the main lake, spending time in deeper water. They move back into the shallows in the fall when it’s feeding frenzy time — when big catches are common.
The more time you spend among local anglers, the more you’ll learn about Texoma striper fishing and how to catch these impressive fish. A fishing guide can help you understand everything you need to know about Lake Texoma fishing if you’re new to the area.
Restrictions on Fishing Lake Texoma
Most anglers need a license to participate in Lake Texoma fishing. Figuring out which license to get can be confusing since the rules differ based on age, state of residence, and where you fish.
If you’re between 16 and 64, you need a Texoma license to fish areas of the lake that aren’t part of your home state. For example, if you live in Oklahoma, you need a Texoma license to fish the Texas side. You may have a state or Texoma license to fish in your home state’s waters.
Around 35% of the lake’s area is in Texas, while the other 65% is in Oklahoma. Once you’re out on the water, it can be difficult to determine whose waters you’re fishing in. Since Texas and Oklahoma charge penalties for fishing without a license, getting a Texoma license offers valuable peace of mind.
A Texoma fishing license costs just $12, regardless of your state of residence. You can buy the license online or at brick-and-mortar stores across the Texoma area.
Finally, remember that even with a license, anglers are subject to catch limits for different types of fish. Know the rules for fishing Lake Texoma before you launch to avoid disappointment later.
Boating on Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is a boater’s haven, offering numerous boat ramps and marinas scattered along the shoreline. Whether you need a full-time slip or just a place to launch, you’ll find multiple options to suit your needs and budget.
Lake Texoma Marinas and Boat Service
Lake Texoma caters to boats of all sizes. Smaller boats can launch at almost any available ramp around the lake, while yachts and other large craft can find slips in the area’s larger marinas.
Some Lake Texoma marinas, including Buncombe Creek Resort in Kingston, OK, offer transient slips for overnight or weekend stays. Other marinas accept boats on an annual lease, providing you and your family the perfect getaway anytime. Most of these resort marinas also offer great food, activities, and lodging rentals for overnight stays.
You’ll also find several public-access boat launches around Lake Texoma. Some are on U.S. Corps of Engineers’ campgrounds, many of which have water and electric hookups, tent sites, or both. Check each campground’s website for specific information about amenities.
Thinking about buying a full-time or vacation home on Lake Texoma? Get acquainted with the community at a clubhouse like the Texoma Sailing Club, which offers low-pressure races, fun sail outings, and onshore social events.
Don’t own a boat yet? Lake Texoma has various boat charters and cruises for couples, families, and large groups.
Watersports for Everyone
Lake Texoma fishing is only one of many ways to spend sun-soaked days in the region. The lake is also a haven for all kinds of watersports, from canoeing and kayaking to high-speed jet skiing and wakeboarding.
Looking to make family memories? Rent a boat and a few water tubes to entertain the kids. Older kids can even try waterskiing, wakeboarding, or kneeboarding — an exciting challenge for adults, too!
Thrill-seekers can take flight with Water Wings Texoma, where you’ll blast into the air with a high-pressure water jet pack. It’s the closest thing to a plane-free flight you’ll ever experience, and all necessary safety equipment is included.
Buying Property in Lake Texoma
If you’re passionate about striper fishing Texoma or outdoor sports, Lake Texoma is a great place to buy or build your next full-time or vacation home. You don’t need your own dock to make this your go-to fishing destination, but you might just find the lakefront property of your dreams.
We can help. At American Dream Realty, we know the Lake Texoma area from a local’s perspective. We’ll work with you to find the best town, neighborhood, and location to fulfill your angler dreams. Get in touch today or book an appointment to meet with us.
