Premier Lake Texoma Winter Catfish & Striper Trip

Fall/Winter Catfish & Striper Combo on Texoma

Trip Overview

Get ready for a cold-weather fishing adventure on Lake Texoma that'll have you hooked! This fall and winter combo trip targets both catfish and stripers, giving you the best of both worlds. We'll kick things off early, setting juglines for catfish before the sun's even up. Then it's all about alternating between chasing stripers and checking those lines. If you're after a real challenge, we can skip the juglines altogether and focus on drift fishing for monster blue cats. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is tailored for all skill levels. We typically start just after sunrise to hit prime fishing conditions, and I'll provide all the gear you need. Just bring your game face and maybe a thermos of hot coffee!

Fair warning: deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before you book. But trust me, once you're out on Texoma feeling that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you came.

What to Expect on the Water

We've got a few tricks up our sleeves for this trip. Live bait is always a winner, but we'll also be casting sassy shad lures and using a technique called "deadsticking" that's killer for cold-water fishing. If you've never tried it, deadsticking is basically letting your bait sit motionless in the water – sounds boring, but it drives the fish crazy when it's chilly out.

For the catfish, we'll set out juglines early. These are basically floating lines with bait suspended at different depths. We'll check them periodically throughout the day, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of pulling up a line and feeling the weight of a big cat on the end.

If you're more of a hands-on angler, we can focus on drift fishing instead. This means we'll let the boat drift with the current, dragging our baits along the bottom where those big blues like to hang out. It takes some patience, but when you hook into a 30+ pounder, you'll see why it's worth the wait.

For the stripers, we'll be targeting schools in open water. These fish can move fast, so we might do some run-and-gun fishing, chasing the birds that often give away where the stripers are feeding. When we find them, it's non-stop action!

Top Catches This Season

Lake Texoma is famous for its trophy-sized fish, and this fall/winter season has been no exception. We've been pulling in some real bruisers lately. Just last week, one of my clients landed a 45-pound blue cat that put up a fight for nearly 20 minutes. On the striper side, we've been consistently hooking into 20-pounders, with a few pushing the 30-pound mark. These cold-weather fish are at their fattest and fighting their hardest, so be ready for some serious action when you get a bite.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: Texoma's stripers are legendary, and for good reason. These fish are like freshwater torpedoes, known for their hard strikes and powerful runs. In the fall and winter, they school up and feed aggressively, making for some of the best striper fishing of the year. They average 5-15 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. The biggest striper I've seen pulled out of Texoma was pushing 40 pounds – now that's a fish of a lifetime!

Blue Catfish: If you're after a real heavyweight champion, blue cats are your target. These monsters can grow well over 100 pounds, though anything over 50 is considered a trophy. They love deep, cool water, making fall and winter prime time for big blues. They're ambush predators, so when they hit, they hit hard. Fighting a big blue cat is like trying to reel in a Volkswagen – it's a test of endurance that'll leave you with sore arms and a big grin.

Channel Catfish: Don't overlook these "smaller" cats. What they lack in size compared to blues, they make up for in numbers and fight. Channel cats in Texoma average 2-5 pounds, but 10+ pounders show up regularly. They're great eating fish and tend to be more active than blues, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky.

Flathead Catfish: These are the wildcards of our catfish trio. Flatheads are ambush predators that love structure, so we target them around submerged trees and rocky areas. They're not as common as blues or channels, but when you hook one, you're in for a battle. Flatheads grow big – the lake record is over 70 pounds – and they fight dirty, often trying to wrap you around underwater obstacles. Landing a big flathead is a real accomplishment for any angler.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks come from all over to fish Texoma, and it's not just for the size of the fish. Sure, the chance at a trophy is a big draw, but it's the overall experience that keeps people coming back. There's something special about being out on the water as the sun comes up, watching the mist rise off the lake. The peace and quiet gets broken only by the splash of a jumping striper or the whine of your reel as a big cat takes off with your bait.

And let's be honest, the unpredictability is part of the fun. One minute you're casually checking juglines, the next you're in an all-out battle with a 30-pound blue cat. Or you might be drifting along, thinking about lunch, when suddenly your rod doubles over with a striper that's decided your lure looks tasty. It's that mix of relaxation and excitement that makes a day on Texoma so addictive.

Plus, with this combo trip, you're essentially getting two fishing experiences in one. If the cats aren't biting, we switch to stripers. If the stripers are being stubborn, we've got catfish as a backup. It's the best of both worlds, and it means you're almost guaranteed to go home with some fish stories to tell.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Lake Texoma and tangle with some serious fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. Fall and winter are prime times for both catfish and stripers, but that also means spots fill up fast. Remember, we're limited to just two guests per trip to ensure everyone gets plenty of attention and the best shot at landing the big one.

Whether you're dreaming of battling a massive blue cat or feeling the adrenaline rush of a striper blitz, this trip has got you covered. And don't worry if you're new to fishing or to Texoma – I'll make sure you're comfortable with the techniques and have everything you need for a successful day on the water.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddy, pack some warm clothes, and let's hit the lake. Those trophy fish aren't going to catch themselves, and trust me, once you've felt the power of a Texoma giant on the end of your line, you'll be hooked for life. Book your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you bragging for years to come!