Texas is famous for its BBQ and wide-open spaces! If you're an avid fisherman, then you would also know it’s also a top fishing destination!
From freshwater lakes to the Gulf Coast, Texas has it all. The state offers a variety of fish species, including both freshwater and saltwater fish! Whether you’re chasing trophy bass, casting for redfish or reeling in a giant tarpon, Texas has you covered.
In this post I’m sharing my top 10 fishing spots across the state.
Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is famous for its striped bass fishery, one of the few lakes in the U.S. where stripers reproduce naturally. The open waters of Texoma make for exciting fishing, especially during the early morning when the stripers are schooling. Both bank and boat anglers find Lake Texoma appealing, especially for crappie fishing around boat slips and marinas.
Fishing on Lake Texoma is year-round with specific Lake Texoma fishing spots offering great opportunities to catch different species.
The entire lake offers great fishing across its 89,000 acres. To fish in both Texas and Oklahoma waters, you need a Lake Texoma license, a low-cost option that allows you to fish the entire lake without state boundary restrictions. This license also helps in the prevention of invasive species by regulating fishing practices. The Red River, which forms part of the Texas-Oklahoma border, influences the water characteristics of Lake Texoma and offers additional fishing opportunities downstream.
Best Species to Catch: Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, Smallmouth Bass found lakewide.
Gear Tip: Striped bass go for Crankbaits or live shad. Catfish go for cut bait.
The Lake Texoma Association is a great resource for anglers, offering professional fishing guides, fishing maps, and information on the best fishing spots.
Fish Species in Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is a paradise for anglers, boasting a diverse range of fish species that cater to all types of fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, the lake’s rich biodiversity ensures there’s always something biting.
Largemouth Bass: A favorite among anglers, largemouth bass thrive in the shallow, vegetated waters of Lake Texoma. These fish are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, making them a thrilling catch.
Smallmouth Bass: Preferring rocky structures and drop-offs, smallmouth bass are another popular target. Their tenacious nature and powerful runs provide a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.
Striped Bass: Striped bass are the crown jewel of Lake Texoma, renowned for their size and strength. Found in the lake’s deeper waters, these fish are a prized catch for any angler.
Crappie: Both white and black crappie are abundant in Lake Texoma. These panfish are often found around submerged structures and are best caught using minnows and jigs.
Catfish: The lake is home to channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. These bottom-dwellers can be caught using a variety of baits, from cut bait to chicken liver.
Alligator Gar: For those seeking a unique challenge, alligator gar can be found in Lake Texoma. These prehistoric fish are often targeted using bowfishing techniques.
Fishing Techniques and Tips
Fishing in Lake Texoma requires a blend of skill, patience, and a good understanding of the lake’s unique environment.
Here are some tips and techniques to help you make the most of your fishing trip:
Use the Right Tackle: Tailor your tackle to the species you’re targeting. Light tackle is ideal for crappie, while heavier gear is necessary for battling striped bass.
Fish the Right Structure: Lake Texoma’s diverse structures, including rocky drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged logs, are hotspots for fish. Focus your efforts on these areas to increase your chances of success.
Pay Attention to Water Conditions: The lake’s water conditions can change rapidly, affecting fish behavior. Monitor water temperature, clarity, and currents, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Use the Right Bait: Match your bait to the preferences of your target species. Minnows are effective for crappie, while shad is a go-to for striped bass.
Lake Texoma Fishing License
If you’re planning to fish in Lake Texoma, securing a Lake Texoma fishing license is a must. This special license grants you the freedom to fish in both Texas and Oklahoma waters of the lake without needing additional state licenses or stamps. Priced at just $12, it’s valid until December 31 of the year it’s issued, making it a convenient option for frequent anglers. Notably, Texas residents aged 65 or older can fish in the Oklahoma portion of Lake Texoma without this license, adding an extra perk for senior anglers. Whether you’re targeting striped bass, blue catfish, or smallmouth bass, having this license ensures you can explore the entire lake without any hassle.
Eisenhower State Park Bluffs
Eisenhower State Park Bluffs is a hidden gem on Lake Texoma, offering a unique fishing experience with its steep drop-offs and rocky structures. This area is a haven for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
The river channel bends near the bluffs provide excellent hiding spots for catfish, making it a prime location for targeting these species.
The bluffs are accessible by boat, but shore anglers can also find success here. The park’s amenities, including camping facilities and cabin rentals, make it an ideal spot for a fishing vacation.
Best Species to Catch: Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Types of Fishing: Freshwater fishing, bass fishing
Gear Tip: Use deep diving crankbaits or live shad for striped bass. For largemouth and smallmouth bass, try soft plastics or Jigs near rocky structures.
Denison Dam
Denison Dam, located on Lake Texoma, is a renowned fishing spot known for its strong currents and structural elements that attract a variety of fish species.
Anglers flock to this area to catch striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass, particularly during the spring and fall seasons.
The dam is accessible by boat, but shore fishing is also popular here. The scenic views and recreational activities around the dam make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Species to Catch: Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
Types of Fishing: Freshwater fishing, bass fishing
Gear Tip: For striped bass, use deep diving crankbaits or live shad. Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught using soft plastics or jigs near the dam’s structural elements.
Galveston Bay
Galveston Bay is the heart of Texas saltwater fishing. Whether you’re wade fishing, hitting the piers or taking a boat out into the bay you’re in for a treat.
The mix of redfish, speckled trout and flounder makes every trip exciting.
Best Species to Catch: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder
Types of Fishing: Inshore, wade fishing, pier fishing
Gear Tip: For redfish and trout use a medium-action spinning rod with Gulp! shrimp baits or soft plastics.
South Padre Island Fishing
South Padre Island is some of the best saltwater fishing in Texas. The variety of species here from tarpon to redfish makes it a destination for serious anglers.
Best Species to Catch: Snook, Redfish, Tarpon
Types of Fishing: Surf fishing, flats fishing
Gear Tip: A medium-heavy spinning rod with DOA shrimp or live bait is good for snook and redfish.
Falcon Lake
Falcon Lake is famous for producing monster largemouth bass. Located on the Texas Mexico border this lake has some of the best bass fishing in the state.
Best Species to Catch: Largemouth Bass, Catfish
Types of Fishing: Trophy bass fishing
Gear Tip: For bass go deep diving crankbaits or jigs. For catfish cut bait is good.
Port Aransas Fishing
If you’re an offshore fisherman Port Aransas is the place to be. Known for kingfish and red snapper the waters here are perfect for deep sea fishing.
Best Species to Catch: Kingfish, Red Snapper, Mahi-Mahi
Types of Fishing: Offshore fishing, deep sea fishing
Gear Tip: Use a deep-sea trolling rod with live bait or jigging spoons for red snapper.
Guadalupe River
If you’re a fly fisherman the Guadalupe River is a must see. It’s one of the best places to catch rainbow trout in Texas and the peaceful river setting is a bonus.
Best Species to Catch: Rainbow Trout, Guadalupe Bass
Types of Fishing: Fly fishing, freshwater fishing
Gear Tip: For trout go with nymphs or dry flies. Bass prefer soft plastics on a light spinning Combos.
Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay is a wade fishers paradise and is known for its healthy population of redfish, trout and black drum.
Best Species to Catch: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum
Types of Fishing: Inshore fishing, wade fishing
Gear Tip: Use Gulp! shrimp or soft plastics for redfish and trout. Black drum like cut crab.
Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake is a beautiful swampy fishing destination for largemouth bass, crappie and chain pickerel.
Best Species to Catch: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Chain Pickerel
Types of Fishing: Freshwater fishing, bass fishing
Gear Tip: A spinning rod with spinner baits works well for bass and crappie. For chain pickerel use live bait.
Best Time to Fish in Texas
Timing your fishing trip can make all the difference, and Texas offers prime fishing opportunities throughout the year. Lake Texoma, in particular, is a year-round fishing haven. Spring is the best season for bass and crappie fishing, as these species move closer to the shorelines in the mild temperatures. Summer heats up with excellent striped bass action, making it the perfect time for striper fishing enthusiasts. As fall and winter roll in, striped bass and catfish become the main targets, with cooler waters bringing them into more accessible areas. No matter the season, Lake Texoma promises a rewarding fishing experience.
Additional Resources
For more information on fishing on Lake Texoma, including fishing regulations, angling opportunities, and tips and tactics, visit the following resources:
Lake Texoma Association: A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting Lake Texoma’s natural resources.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: A state agency responsible for managing and conserving Texas’ natural resources, including Lake Texoma.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: A state agency responsible for managing and conserving Oklahoma’s natural resources, including Lake Texoma.
Lake Texoma Fishing Reports: A website that provides up-to-date fishing reports and information on Lake Texoma’s fishing conditions.
These resources will help you plan your trip and ensure you have all the information you need for a successful fishing adventure on Lake Texoma. Additionally, consider obtaining a low-cost Lake Texoma license, which allows you to fish throughout the entire reservoir and helps prevent invasive species.
Texas Fishing Guides and Reports
For those looking to maximize their fishing success, Texas fishing guides and reports are invaluable resources. Expert guides can provide insider knowledge on the best Lake Texoma fishing spots, the most effective techniques, and the right tackle to use. Regular fishing reports offer up-to-date information on water conditions, fish activity, and the latest hot spots. Some top resources include:
Lake Texoma Fishing Guides: Offering guided trips and detailed reports on current fishing conditions.
Texoma Fishing Report: A weekly update on fishing conditions, water levels, and fish activity.
Lake Texoma Association: Providing comprehensive information on fishing regulations, guides, and lake conditions.
Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance your fishing in Texas, ensuring you have all the information needed for a successful and enjoyable trip.
What Are You Waiting for Get Out There and Fish!
From the swamps of Caddo Lake to the surf of South Padre Island Texas has a fishing spot for every angler. Each location has its own challenges and rewards so get out of your comfort zone and try somewhere new. Whether you’re after trophy bass or hard fighting redfish Texas has it. Get your gear from West Marine and go!