Lake Texoma Fishery and History

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The mighty Striped Bass is the king kong of fish in Lake Texoma. Known for its strong fight and big size, they are what Texoma such a unique fishery. Originally a saltwater fish, biologists in the mid 20th century discovered the Striped Bass could live in fresh water as well. Soon after they were breeding  and introducing them to freshwater lakes across the country. What makes Lake Texoma so unique, is that it is one of only two where the Striped Bass can naturally reproduce. Due to the fact there are two rivers (Washita River and Red River)  emptying into the lake and the high salinity content the Red River brings to the lake, the Striped Bass are able to reproduce naturally, going up river once a year to breed and deposit eggs. Most other lakes, they have to be stocked and can not naturally reproduce. Fishing techniques vary for Striper but the most reliable way is to use live shad. If you have a bait tank worthy of keeping shad alive, you can pretty much catch Striper any time of the year with live shad. Otherwise, lures are a great choice too. The sassy shad is our personal favorite, with chartreuse flake being the preferred color along with white and glow. 3-5" soft plastics of most any variety in white glow or chartreuse are reliable favorites. Bucktail jigs are also a good choice. Fishing off humps, submerged structure, points, underwater features, inlets, flats etc etc, depending on the time of year, will bring good results. Just remember, don't fish if you are not marking any on your fish finder. Downriggins is a popular choice as well, and can result in large fish and good fun for kids, older adults or people who don't like casting and retrieving. Slabs are also a good option during the summer time and can be casted and retrieved, or simply dropped down and jigged. Once again, white or chartreuse with little feathers are your best bet. 

Blue catfish are a species of catfish that are native to the Mississippi River system and its tributaries. They are the largest species of catfish found in North America and can grow to be over 100 pounds in weight. Blue catfish are known for their bluish-gray coloration and forked tail. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including crayfish, fish, and mussels.

Lake Texoma is home to a thriving population of blue catfish, and it is a popular destination for anglers who are looking to catch these large fish. The lake's clear waters and rocky shorelines provide excellent habitat for blue catfish, and the lake's size ensures that there is plenty of room for the fish to grow and reproduce.

One of the unique features of blue catfish on Lake Texoma is their migration patterns. In the summer months, blue catfish will move to the deeper waters of the lake, where they will feed on schools of shad and other baitfish. In the winter months, the fish will move to the shallower waters near the shore, where they will spawn and feed on crayfish and other bottom-dwelling creatures.

Anglers who are looking to catch blue catfish on Lake Texoma have several options. One popular method is to use cut bait, such as shad or herring, on a bottom rig. Another effective technique is to use live bait, such as bluegill or sunfish, on a slip bobber rig. Some anglers also have success using artificial lures, such as jigs or swimbaits, to catch blue catfish.

In addition to being a popular game fish, blue catfish on Lake Texoma also serve an important ecological role. As large predators, they help to control the populations of smaller fish and maintain a healthy balance in the lake's ecosystem. Blue catfish also help to support the local economy by attracting anglers from all over the country who come to fish for these prized fish.

In conclusion, blue catfish are a fascinating species that play an important role in the ecosystem of Lake Texoma. Whether you are an experienced angler or a novice, Lake Texoma offers plenty of opportunities to catch these large and elusive fish. So grab your fishing gear and head out to the lake – you never know what you might catch!

Channel catfish are the blue cats little cousin. Tasty to eat, but not quite as good as the blues in terms of fillet and meat quality. Channel catfish can be caught using almost anything, including hot dogs, chicken wings, shad, stink bait, worms. chicken liver, or any other thing you can pretty much think of. On Texoma we like to stick to catching Blue Catfish if possible but will not turn down a nice Channel given the opportunity!

Lobster of the lake! Crappie are perhaps the best eating freshwater fish you can catch in Lake Texoma. They can be caught using minnows or small jigs around docks or submerged structure. 

The Largemouth bass is prevalent on Lake Texoma and they can be found around docks, submerged structure and points. among other places. Lake Texoma hosts numerous bass tournaments every year and is known for its phenomenal fishery. 

Smallmouth Bass, although not as big as their Largemouth cousins, are one of the more beautiful fish species you will catch on Lake Texoma. Often found around rocky shorelines they are a nice treat to catch.