Best Time to Catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma

When is the best time to catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma?  Lake Texoma, a 93,000-acre reservoir straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, is a prime destination for striped bass fishing. Known for its abundant striper population and year-round fishing opportunities, Lake Texoma attracts anglers of all skill levels. However, if you want to maximize your catch and experience the best fishing conditions, understanding the seasonal patterns of striped bass is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best times of year to catch striped bass and tips and strategies for success.

Understanding Striped Bass Behavior

Striped bass, also known as stripers, are migratory fish that respond to changes in water temperature, daylight hours, and seasonal shifts. They are active feeders that move throughout the lake in search of baitfish, particularly shad. Understanding these behavioral patterns will help you determine the optimal time to target them.

Best Seasons for Striped Bass Fishing on Lake Texoma

Spring (March-May): Peak Season for Striper Fishing

Spring is one of the best times to catch striped bass on Lake Texoma. As the water temperature rises above 50°F, stripers begin their spawning migration up the Red and Washita Rivers. While they don’t successfully reproduce in the lake due to water flow limitations, their instinct to spawn makes them highly active and aggressive.

Why Spring is Great for Striper Fishing:

• Stripers become more active as they prepare for spawning.
• They feed aggressively on shad and other baitfish.
• Warmer water temperatures increase fish movement and activity.

Tips for Spring Fishing:

• Live Bait: To increase your chances of getting bitten, use live shad, one of the stripers’ primary food sources.
• Artificial Lures: Jigs, topwater lures, and crankbaits work well in spring as stripers are more aggressive.
• Focus on Rivers and Creek Channels: Since stripers move upriver to spawn, targeting areas near the Red and Washita Rivers can be highly productive.

Summer (June – August): Consistent Action in Deeper Waters

During summer, striped bass retreat to deeper, cooler waters as surface temperatures climb above 75°F. Early mornings and late evenings offer the best fishing opportunities when stripers move toward the surface to feed.

Why Summer is a Good Time to Fish:

• Stripers feed actively in the early morning and late evening.
• Fishing is consistent, though adjusting techniques is necessary.
• Schools of stripers are often found in deeper water near submerged structures.

Tips for Summer Fishing:

• Downriggers and Deep Jigging: Since stripers move to deeper waters, use downriggers or vertically jig with heavy spoons.
• Fish Early or Late: Sunrise and sunset are the best times as stripers move to shallower waters to feed.
• Look for Birds: Seagulls and other diving birds often indicate schools of shad, which means stripers are nearby.

Fall (September – November): Prime Time for Big Stripers

As the weather cools and the water temperature drops, striped bass become highly active again, making fall one of the best seasons for catching large fish. Stripers start chasing baitfish into shallower waters, providing excellent fishing opportunities.

Why Fall is Ideal for Striper Fishing:

• Cooler temperatures make stripers more active and aggressive.
• Fish move closer to the surface, making them easier to target.
• Fall offers some of the best chances to catch trophy-sized stripers.

Tips for Fall Fishing:

• Use Topwater Lures: Early morning and late evening topwater action can be explosive.
• Follow the Baitfish: Stripers will be chasing schools of shad, so keep an eye on water movement and bird activity.
• Fish Near Points and Drop-offs: These areas provide easy ambush points for stripers hunting baitfish.

Winter (December – February): Challenging but Rewarding

Winter may not be the most popular time to fish for striped bass, but it can still be highly productive for those willing to brave the cold. During this time, stripers slow down but remain active, often found in deeper sections of the lake.

Why Winter Can Still Be Productive:

• Less fishing pressure means less competition.
• Striped bass tends to school up, making it easier to locate large groups.
• The fish may be slower, but they still feed when presented with the right bait.

Tips for Winter Fishing:

• Slow Down Your Presentation: Since stripers are less aggressive in cold water, slow trolling or using live bait is often more effective.
• Target Deep Water: Look for fish near submerged structures, ledges, and creek channels where they seek stable temperatures.
• Use Electronics: A good fish finder will help locate schools of stripers in deeper lake areas.

Best Time of Day to Catch Striped Bass

Regardless of the season, time of day is crucial in striped bass fishing success.

Morning (Sunrise – 9 AM): Best Time for Action

• Stripers are most active at dawn, making early morning the prime fishing window.
• Cooler temperatures and lower light levels encourage surface feeding.
• Topwater lures, swimbaits, and live bait work well.

Evening (5 PM – Sunset): Second Best Window

• As the sun sets, stripers return to shallower waters to feed.
• It’s another great time for topwater action and aggressive bites.

Midday (10 AM – 4 PM): Slower Action

• Stripers tend to move deeper, making them harder to catch.
• Downriggers, heavy jigs, or live bait at depth can still produce fish.
• Cloudy or overcast days can improve midday bite activity.

Final Tips for Catching Striped Bass on Lake Texoma

• Use a Guide: If you’re new to striper fishing, hiring a local guide can significantly improve your success rate.
• Check the Weather: Striped bass activity is often influenced by weather conditions. Overcast days can prolong surface feeding times.
• Match the Hatch: Stripers primarily feed on shad, so using bait and lures that mimic shad will increase your chances of a bite.
• Stay Legal: Check Lake Texoma’s fishing regulations and licensing requirements before heading out.

Conclusion

Lake Texoma is one of the best places in the U.S. to catch striped bass, offering year-round opportunities. However, if you want to maximize your success, the best times to fish are spring and fall, with early mornings and late evenings being the most productive times of the day. Understanding seasonal fish behavior and using the right techniques can increase your chances of landing a trophy-sized striper. So grab your gear, plan your trip, and prepare for an unforgettable Lake Texoma fishing experience!  Contact us to book your trip today.