Lake Texoma, a large reservoir spanning the Texas-Oklahoma border, is a popular destination known for its diverse aquatic life and extensive fishing opportunities. With a surface area of approximately 89,000 acres, it attracts anglers seeking various species. This vast body of water offers a rich environment for numerous fish species.
Key Game Fish Species
Lake Texoma is particularly renowned for its Striped Bass, often called “stripers,” which are a primary draw for anglers. These fish are silvery with distinct horizontal stripes and are known for their aggressive feeding habits and strong fight. Striped bass were introduced to Lake Texoma in the 1960s, and the population became self-sustaining by the 1970s, making it one of the few inland lakes where they naturally reproduce. Anglers often target stripers using topwater lures, slabs, plastic shad, or live gizzard shad.
The lake also hosts a robust population of Largemouth Bass, a highly sought-after species characterized by their green coloration and a horizontal stripe. They prefer areas with cover such as logs, rocky ledges, and submerged timber. Smallmouth Bass, known for their green bodies with vertical bands, are also present, particularly around rocky bluffs and the dam. Both bass species can be found near shorelines and structures.
Catfish species are abundant in Lake Texoma, including Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish. Blue Catfish are the largest freshwater sportfish in Texas, with some specimens exceeding 100 pounds, and a 121.5-pound record was caught here in 2004. Channel Catfish are distinguished by their deeply forked tails and are found near creek mouths and rocky shores. Flathead Catfish are predatory, feeding primarily on live fish, and are found in slow-moving waters.
Crappie, both white and black, are popular panfish in Lake Texoma. White crappie are deep-bodied and silvery with vertical bars, while black crappie are deeper-bodied and silvery-green. They are often found around submerged trees, boat docks, and other underwater structures, and minnows are a common bait.
Other Common Aquatic Inhabitants
Sunfish, such as Bluegill, are common inhabitants of the lake. Bluegill can be identified by a dark spot at the base of their dorsal fin and vertical bars on their sides.
Gar species, including Spotted Gar and Alligator Gar, are present in the lake. These fish are predatory and play a role in the lake’s food web. Freshwater Drum are also found in Lake Texoma. They are bottom-dwellers that feed on fish, crayfish, and insects. Common Carp, an introduced species, are also widely distributed throughout the lake. While some anglers consider them a nuisance, they are strong fighters and can grow to considerable sizes.
Lake Texoma’s Unique Environment
Formed by the Denison Dam on the Red River in 1944, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, spanning approximately 89,000 acres. The lake is fed by two main tributaries, the Red River and the Washita River.
The Red River carries salt deposits from an ancient sea, contributing to Lake Texoma’s slightly saline environment. This unique blend of fresh and brackish water is particularly conducive to the thriving Striped Bass population, allowing them to reproduce naturally. The Red and Washita Rivers also provide the necessary flowing water and rocky substrates that are essential for striped bass spawning. The lake’s varied habitats, including rocky shores, submerged timber, open water, and sandy flats, provide suitable conditions for different fish species. The average depth of Lake Texoma is around 40 feet, with a maximum depth of approximately 110 feet, offering diverse aquatic zones.