Get to Know Lake Texoma the Striper Capital of the World
Get to Know Lake Texoma the Striper Capital of the World

Get to Know Lake Texoma the Striper Capital of the World

Experience an Unforgettable Guided Striper Fishing trip on Lake Texoma

Get to Know Lake Texoma the Striper Capital of the World

Experience an Unforgettable Guided Striper Fishing trip on Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is known to be one of the best Striped Bass fisheries in the world, so much so that it is considered the “Striper Capital of the World”. Here at Texoma Mike’s we strive to be the best guide service on the lake, even if that means changing tactics throughout the year. When fishing on Lake Texoma we are docked on the West end of the lake at Cedar Mills Marina in Gordonville, just 14.5 mi. N of Whitesboro on US-377.

How we fish Lake Texoma

Spring and Summer months are generally live bait season with lure fishing days mixed in. This is a great time to bring the entire family out. Weather is generally mild and the bite is aggressive, perfect for anglers of all experience levels. Once Lake Texoma water temperatures start to cool toward the end of the year we will switch to artificial lure fishing and begin targeting trophy quality fish. As always, your fish will be fileted, red-meated and bagged at the end of each trip. Since portions of the lake are located in Texas and Oklahoma, a “Lake Texoma” specific license is required for any individual 17 years of age or older. Whether you are an avid fisherman or have never caught a fish before, Lake Texoma provides great opportunities for all.

Texoma Mike's Guided Striper Fishing - How we fish Lake Texoma
Texoma Mike's Guided Striper Fishing - How we fish Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma & Fishing At a Glance

Lake Texoma is a man-made reservoir. It was created by the construction of the Denison Dam on the Red River, completed in 1944 [2]. The primary purposes of the lake are flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, and recreation. It is located on the Texas-Oklahoma state line, near Denison, Texas [1][2].

Popular Lake Texoma Fish Species

Based on the information available, here’s a ranking of the species by their popularity among fishermen on Lake Texoma:
Striped Bass (Stripers): Lake Texoma is renowned for its striped bass fishing, often referred to as the “Striper Capital of the World.” Striped bass are highly popular among anglers, especially during their prolific spawning runs [13][14].

  • Striped Bass (Stripers): Lake Texoma is renowned for its striped bass fishing, often referred to as the “Striper Capital of the World.” Striped bass are highly popular among anglers, especially during their prolific spawning runs [13][14].
  • Largemouth Bass: This species is highly sought after, particularly during the spring and fall. Largemouth bass fishing is popular for both recreational and tournament anglers16.
  • White Bass: Known for their strong fighting ability, white bass fishing peaks during the spring spawning runs and remains productive throughout the year[17][18].
  • Catfish: Blue, channel, and flathead catfish are popular targets, especially during the summer. Lake Texoma is known for its large catfish population and trophy-sized catches[19][22].
  • Crappie: Crappie fishing is strong in the spring, particularly during the spawning season. Both black and white crappie are popular among anglers[20][21].

Lake Texoma Fishing Bag Limits

  • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: 5 fish in any combination, minimum length limit of 14 inches.
  • White Bass: 25 fish, no minimum length limit.
  • Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass: 10 fish, no minimum length limit; only 2 fish 20 inches or greater may be retained each day
  • Blue & Channel Catfish: 15 fish combined, no minimum length limit; only 1 blue catfish 30 inches or greater may be retained each day.
  • Flathead Catfish: 5 fish, no minimum length limit.
  • Crappie: 37 fish combined, minimum length limit of 10 inches[11]).

Lake Texoma Record Lengths and Weights:

  • Striped Bass: 35.12 lbs, 39 inches (April 25, 1984)
  • Largemouth Bass: 11.90 lbs, 25.50 inches (February 17, 2013)
  • Smallmouth Bass: 7.06 lbs, 22.75 inches (January 29, 2006)
  • Blue Catfish: 121.50 lbs, 58 inches (January 16, 2004)
  • Black Crappie: 2.93 lbs, 16.88 inches (March 13, 2014) [3]

Best Time to Fish Lake Texoma

The best time to fish for striped bass is during the winter months when larger stripers are more active [4]. Largemouth bass fishing is excellent in the spring and fall [5]. Catfish are more active during the summer, and crappie fishing peaks in the spring [5].

Habitat and Vegetation

Lake Texoma features a variety of habitats, including large expanses of open water, offshore humps, submerged standing timber, rocky shorelines, coarse gravel, and mud or sand flats [6]. Aquatic vegetation is limited but includes species like water willow, American lotus, and bushy pondweed [7].

Facilities and Amenities at Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma offers numerous facilities and amenities: Boat ramps, Marinas (e.g., Alberta Creek Marina, Big Mineral Marina), Fishing piers, Camping sites (e.g., Buncombe Creek Campground, Caney Creek Campground), Hiking and biking trails, Picnic areas and pavilions, Swimming areas, and Lodging options (e.g., Tanglewood Resort, Paradise Cove Resort) [8] [9]

Fishing Regulations

A Lake Texoma fishing license ($12) is required to fish the entire lake [10].
Special bag and size limits are in effect for several fish species [11].
Draining water from boats and onboard receptacles is required to prevent the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels [10].

Recreational Activities

In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy: Boating and kayaking, Swimming, Hiking and biking, Camping, Wildlife watching, and Golfing (e.g., at Tanglewood Resort) [12]

Historical and Cultural Significance

Lake Texoma has a rich history, including the creation of the Denison Dam and the subsequent flooding of several communities. The lake is also known for its significant role in flood control and hydroelectric power generation. Additionally, it supports diverse wildlife and is home to the Hagerman and Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuges [1][2].

Resources

Texoma Mike's daughter points out that he isn't the only striper fisherman in the family.
Texoma Mike was very knowledgeable and new exactly where to find the “ Big Ones “.
Texoma Mike filets your striper catch, focusing on red-meating if you choose.
Texoma Mike Striper Guide Service consistently helps you bag your limit of big fish!
Texoma Mike was Customer Review: Extremely helpful with the kids!
Its always a great time to spend time with your kids outdoors fishing on Lake Texoma with Texoma Mike!
Its always a great time to spend time with your kids outdoors fishing on Lake Texoma with Texoma Mike!

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Even their eyes are smiling!

January 19, 2025

Spring Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day, any day, is a great day to bring your kids out to fish. Always remember to book early for these ‘family’ days as they get gone fast! Spend some time OUTSIDE with your child. The great outdoors in general, and Lake Texoma in particular is a great way to break your kids away from their computer screens and spend time where you can talk to each other face-to-face.

Kansas group Lake Texoma striper fishing bachelor party with Texoma Mike
Kansas group Lake Texoma striper fishing bachelor party with Texoma Mike

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Bachelor Party from Kansas!!

Texoma Mike Update,August 12, 2023

“Big Fish Alert”: 9 person limit before it got hot! One of these guys is different than the others. Can you spot him? He is about to get married. This was a great group of young men from Kansas who celebrated his bachelor party with Texoma Mike Keppinger. Everyone had a blast! Shout out to Kyle Davis for the help.

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