Lake Texoma Fishing Report: Finding Fish in the Warmer Water
If you’ve been out on Lake Texoma lately, you’ve likely felt it: that familiar Texas heat is starting to settle in. As the spring rains taper off and the sun begins to bake the surface, the water temperatures are climbing into the high 60s and low 70s.
For many anglers, “warmer water” sounds like a challenge, but at TX Fishing Guide, we know it’s actually one of the most exciting times to be on the lake. The fish are active, the shad are moving, and the “summer patterns” are starting to take shape. Here is how to find the fish and fill the cooler as the mercury rises.
The Striper Transition: Follow the Food
As the water warms, the Striped Bass are finishing up their spring spawn and heading back from the Red and Washita River arms into the main body of the lake. They are hungry, and they have one thing on their mind: Shad.
In the early morning, you’ll find fish pushing bait into the shallows. Look for “nervous water” or birds working near rocky points and shallow flats. However, as the sun gets higher and the water temperature climbs, those fish will start to retreat.
The Strategy: * Early Light: Stick to the shallows. Topwater plugs and swimbaits are killer right now during the first 90 minutes of the day.
- Mid-Day: As the sun gets bright, move to the ledges and humps. The fish will drop down to the 20-40 foot range to find cooler, oxygen-rich water. This is the prime time to switch to live shad or start dropping slabs and heavy jigs.
Understanding the Thermocline
As we move deeper into the warmer months, Lake Texoma begins to “stratify.” This means a layer of warm water sits on top of a cooler, denser layer. While it sounds technical, all you need to know is that the fish will eventually be “sandwiched.”
Right now, the thermocline hasn’t fully locked in, but the fish are starting to seek out those deeper structure points—like submerged humps and old river channels—where the water temperature remains stable. If you aren’t seeing fish on your electronics in the shallows, head toward the dam or the deep channel swings near the islands.
Smallmouth and Largemouth: The Rocky Edge
It’s not just about the Stripers! The warmer water has the Lake Texoma Smallmouth active. We’ve been seeing great success lately free-lining live shad around rocky bluffs and rip-rap near the marinas.
For Largemouth, look for them to transition from their bedding areas to secondary points. Square-bill crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastics around submerged timber in 8-15 feet of water are producing solid numbers.
Pro Tips for Warmer Water Success:
- Watch the Wind: On Texoma, the wind is your friend. A “windblown bank” pushes baitfish toward the shore, and the predators follow. If the south wind is kicking up, don’t be afraid to fish the choppy water.
- Keep Your Bait Lively: In warmer water, shad die quickly in a crowded tank. Keep your aerator running and consider using a little ice or bait conditioner to keep them frisky. Dead bait won’t get the same reaction as a struggling, live shad.
- Hydrate and Protect: It’s not just the fish feeling the heat. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and wearing sun-protective gear. A full day on Texoma can be grueling if you aren’t prepared!
Book Your Summer Trip Now!
The “Summer Blitz” is just around the corner. Once those schools of Stripers fully congregate in the main lake, the action is fast and furious—perfect for families and kids!
Whether you want to chase the topwater bite at dawn or drift live bait over the deep humps, the team at TX Fishing Guide is ready to put you on the big ones.