Beyond the Striper: Exploring Texoma’s Diverse Fishery with Captain Steve Barnes

When you think of Lake Texoma fishing, one species often comes to mind first: the mighty Striped Bass. And for good reason! Lake Texoma is a world-renowned striper fishery, and as Captain Steve Barnes, I’ve had the privilege of putting countless clients on incredible striper action since 1994.

However, Lake Texoma is much more than just a striper haven. Beneath its expansive surface lies a diverse and thriving ecosystem, offering fantastic opportunities to target other popular game fish. While stripers are our specialty, knowing how to pursue these other species can add a whole new dimension to your Texoma fishing adventures, especially on days when you’re looking for a different kind of bite or just want to broaden your angling horizons.

Let’s dive into some of Texoma’s other incredible residents and a few tips for bringing them to the boat.

Channel Catfish: The Bottom Dwellers

Texoma boasts a fantastic population of Channel Catfish, known for their strong fight and excellent table fare. These whiskered warriors can be found in various parts of the lake, often preferring deeper holes, river channels, and areas with submerged timber or rocky cover.

  • Tips for Catching Them:
    • Bait: Catfish are not picky! Stink baits, cut bait (shad or sunfish), chicken livers, and even hot dogs can be highly effective.
    • Rigging: A simple Carolina rig or a slip sinker rig with a stout hook (like a circle hook) fished on the bottom works wonders.
    • Location: Target creek mouths after rain, the Red and Washita River channels, or deep structure points. Early mornings and evenings are often prime times.

Crappie: Speckled Panfish Fun

For anglers who enjoy a more finesse approach and the reward of a delicious fillet, Texoma’s Crappie fishery offers consistent action. Both white and black crappie thrive here, often congregating around submerged brush, timber, and bridge pilings.

  • Tips for Catching Them:
    • Bait/Lures: Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 oz) tipped with a soft plastic grub, live minnows fished under a bobber, or small spinnerbaits are highly effective.
    • Structure is Key: Look for brush piles, fallen trees, and bridge supports in 10-25 feet of water. Your electronics will be invaluable here.
    • Time of Year: Spring is prime crappie spawning season, when they move into shallower waters, offering exciting sight-fishing opportunities. They move deeper to structure in summer and fall.

White Bass: The Feisty Cousins

While smaller than stripers, White Bass are pound-for-pound one of the most aggressive and fun-to-catch fish in Lake Texoma. They often school up in large numbers, creating exciting “fishing frenzies” when they’re actively feeding on baitfish.

  • Tips for Catching Them:
    • Lures: Small spoons (like a Sassy Shad or chrome spoon), inline spinners, jigging spoons, or small swimbaits are excellent choices.
    • Locate the Schools: Look for birds diving, baitfish activity on the surface, or large schools on your sonar. White bass often chase bait to the surface.
    • Action: A fast retrieve or a jigging motion usually triggers strikes. When you find one, there are often many more!

Expand Your Texoma Experience

While my passion and expertise lie in guiding for Lake Texoma’s legendary Striped Bass, I encourage every angler to appreciate the full spectrum of fishing opportunities this incredible lake offers. Understanding the habits and preferences of catfish, crappie, and white bass can enrich your time on the water, provide diverse angling challenges, and even yield some fantastic dinners!

At TX Fishing Guide, my goal is always to provide you with the best possible fishing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, come discover the thrill of Lake Texoma. Book your trip with Captain Steve Barnes today and let’s explore all the amazing fishery has to offer!

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