Lake Texoma’s Favorite Game Fish: The Striper
Learning about the fish that made Lake Texoma the “Striper Capital of the World”
Lake Texoma’s Favorite Game Fish: The Striper
Learning about the fish that made Lake Texoma the “Striper Capital of the World”
Lake Texoma, located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, earned the title “Striper Capital of the World” due to its self-sustaining striped bass population and excellent natural spawning conditions [1]. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation first stocked striped bass in the lake in the 1960s[2], and the first natural spawns were recorded in the 1970s[3]. This unique combination of factors has made Lake Texoma a premier destination for striper fishing.
Striped bass are not native to Texas
Striped bass are native to the Atlantic coastline from the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf of Mexico[4][16]. They have been widely introduced to inland waters across the U.S. for recreational fishing[16]. They were introduced to Lake Texoma by biologists who saw the potential for creating a thriving fishery[2]. The introduction involved stocking striped bass fingerlings, which then adapted to the lake’s environment and began to reproduce naturally[3].
Popularity Among Texas Anglers
In terms of popularity, striped bass rank as the fourth most popular fish among Texas anglers, following largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie[5][6]. Lake Texoma is particularly renowned for its striper fishing, attracting thousands of anglers annually[5].
Although ranking number four in Texas overall, on Lake Texoma, the striped bass (striper) is the most important and popular game fish by far. This lake is even known as the “Striper Capital of the World” due to its thriving striped bass population and excellent fishing conditions. The second most popular game fish on Lake Texoma is the largemouth bass. While largemouth bass are highly sought after and provide great sport, they don’t quite match the popularity of stripers on this particular lake. The gap between the popularity of stripers and largemouth bass is significant, with stripers being the primary draw for many anglers visiting Lake Texoma[24].
Economic Impact on Texomaland
The economic impact of striper fishing on the Texoma area is substantial. It is estimated that the economic contribution from striper fishing exceeds $20 million annually[6]. This includes spending on bait, tackle, guide services, accommodations, and other related activities[7].
Popular Striper Bait Choices: Live Bait vs. Lures
When it comes to bait, the most popular choices for stripers include live bait such as bunker (menhaden), eels, and shad[8][9]. Seasonal differences do exist, with stripers being more active and easier to catch during their spawning season in spring and fall[8].
Comparing deep running lures to live cut bait, both methods are effective, but live bait often has an edge due to its natural appeal to stripers[9][10]. Deep running lures can be very effective, especially when targeting stripers in deeper waters[10].
Comparing General Striper Characteristics
Freshwater stripers in other parts of the U.S. share similar characteristics with those in Lake Texoma, but the lake’s unique conditions make its striper population particularly robust[11][12]. Saltwater stripers, on the other hand, tend to grow larger due to the abundance of food resources in the ocean. Freshwater stripers were originally stocked from Atlantic populations and have adapted to inland waters[13].
Lake Texoma Striper Bag Limits & Records
The bag limits for stripers on Lake Texoma are as follows: daily bag limit of 10 and possession limit of 20, with only 2 fish over 20 inches allowed per day[14].
The record for the largest striper caught on Lake Texoma is 35 pounds[11].
Comparing different bass species physical characteristics:
Most popular freshwater bass average length and weight comparisons:
Striped bass are generally the largest among these species, both in length and weight, making them a popular target for anglers seeking a big catch. Largemouth bass are also quite sizable and are known for their aggressive behavior. White bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass are smaller but still provide a good fight and are popular among anglers for their spirited battles.
Striper Fighting Ability Compared to Other Freshwater Bass Species:
Overall, stripers are often rated higher in terms of fighting ability compared to other freshwater bass species. Their combination of size, strength, and endurance makes them a top choice for anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience[17][18].
Resources
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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.
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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.