Lake Texoma Morning Striper Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour weekday morning charter targeting striped bass and white bassCaptain provides quality tackle, bait, and professional fish filleting servicesSmall group capacity ensures personalized attention in quieter waters
There's something special about getting on the water while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. Captain Zach McClendon's weekday morning charter on Lake Texoma gives you exactly that – a peaceful, productive fishing session without the weekend chaos. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, this four-hour trip targets the early morning bite when stripers and white bass are actively feeding. You'll fish from a spacious 24ft bay boat that can handle up to three anglers comfortably, with all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need included in the price. Plus, Captain Zach takes care of filleting your catch at the end, so you head home with dinner ready for the pan.
Lake Texoma sits right on the Texas-Oklahoma border near Denison, and it's earned its reputation as one of the top striper destinations in the region. This massive reservoir covers over 89,000 acres, giving Captain Zach plenty of prime fishing spots to choose from based on current conditions. The weekday timing is a game-changer – you'll have access to the best structure and drop-offs without competing with weekend warriors for position. The morning schedule takes advantage of that magical window when baitfish are moving and predators are hunting. Captain Zach reads the water like a book, using his fish finder and years of experience to put you on active schools. Whether you're a first-timer learning to feel the bite or a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique, he adjusts his approach to match your skill level. The relaxed pace means there's time to enjoy the scenery and really focus on your fishing without feeling rushed.
Captain Zach comes prepared with quality gear suited for Texoma's diverse fishery. Depending on what the fish are doing, you might be trolling umbrella rigs through open water, working live shad around submerged timber, or casting topwater lures during feeding frenzies. The 24ft bay boat gives you the stability and space to fish comfortably while providing the shallow water access needed to target different species throughout the trip. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included, from medium-heavy spinning setups perfect for white bass to stouter baitcasting gear when the big stripers are cooperating. Live bait is often the ticket on Texoma, and Captain Zach keeps a good supply of fresh shad and other local favorites. He'll show you how to present baits naturally, whether you're working them on the bottom for catfish or suspending them in the water column for stripers. The beauty of fishing with an experienced local guide is learning these little details that make the difference between a slow day and a fish fry.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Lake Texoma, and these landlocked fighters can reach impressive sizes in these fertile waters. Most stripers here range from 3 to 8 pounds, but double-digit fish are always a possibility. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, making the early morning start perfect timing. Stripers school up and feed aggressively, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system.
White bass are Texoma's bread and butter species, providing consistent action throughout the year. These scrappy fighters typically run 1 to 3 pounds and travel in large schools. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificial lures with enthusiasm. White bass are perfect for anglers looking to stay busy – when you locate a school, you can often catch them as fast as you can get your line back in the water. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them excellent table fare too.
Channel catfish thrive in Texoma's varied structure, from rocky points to timber-filled coves. These whiskered fighters average 2 to 5 pounds but can grow much larger. They're active year-round and provide great action when bass fishing slows down. Channels fight with bulldogging power and are some of the best eating fish in the lake. Captain Zach knows the right spots and baits to target them when conditions favor catfish over the more popular game species.
Blue catfish represent the heavy hitters of Texoma's catfish population. These monsters can exceed 20 pounds and provide the kind of arm-burning fights that create lasting memories. They prefer deeper water and current areas, making them a perfect target for this type of guided trip. Blues are opportunistic feeders that'll take both live and cut baits, and their size makes them a real trophy catch for visiting anglers.
Flathead catfish are the ultimate ambush predators lurking around Texoma's extensive timber and rock structure. These fish can reach massive sizes and prefer live bait presented near cover. Flatheads are most active during low-light periods, making them a potential bonus catch during the early morning hours. Landing a big flathead is a true test of angling skill, as they use their broad heads and powerful bodies to try to wrap you around any available cover.
This weekday morning charter offers everything serious anglers look for – prime timing, experienced guidance, and access to one of Texas's top fishing destinations. Captain Zach's local knowledge and quality equipment stack the odds in your favor, while the relaxed weekday atmosphere lets you focus on what matters most: catching fish. The included fish cleaning service means you can spend your time fishing instead of worrying about processing your catch. Whether you're planning a solo adventure, fishing with a buddy, or bringing the family, this top-rated charter provides the perfect introduction to Lake Texoma's world-class fishery. Don't miss out on this customer favorite – book your morning on the water and discover why Bigfoot Stripers keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This restored 2023 Bay Hawk is your ticket to Lake Texoma's best striper action. At 24 feet with a reliable 200HP Suzuki, she cuts through the water smoothly while you focus on finding the fish. The center console design gives everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Captain Zach knows these waters inside and out, and with onboard GPS, radar, and fish finder, we'll put you right where the stripers are feeding. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on those wary fish without spooking them. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox while you wait for that telltale bend in your rod. Clean, safe, and built for serious fishing - this boat handles Lake Texoma's conditions with ease. Whether you're after chunky stripers or scrappy white bass, you'll have everything you need for a productive morning on the water. Perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and prime fishing spots away from the weekend crowds.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavyweights of Texoma, averaging 10-25 pounds with monsters over 50 pounds caught every season. They patrol deep channels, dam areas, and river bends, preferring moving water and hard bottom structure. Summer and fall are peak times when they feed aggressively before winter. What makes them special is their incredible strength - they'll bend rods and test heavy tackle. The meat quality is outstanding, firm and mild-flavored. They're opportunistic feeders that hit fresh-cut shad, herring, or chicken liver. Unlike other cats, they often feed higher in the water column. Local tip: target the old river channel in 20-40 feet of water with fresh-cut bait on a three-way rig. Let it sit on bottom and be patient - these fish are worth the wait.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are solid fighters that typically run 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up regularly. They hang around deeper holes, creek channels, and structure during the day, moving shallow to feed at night. Summer evenings and nights are prime time when they're most active hunting. What guests enjoy is their steady, bulldogging fight and fantastic table fare - some of the best eating fish in the lake. They use their barbels and taste buds covering their body to locate food by smell and taste. Fresh cut bait works best - shad, chicken liver, or stink baits. Here's a local trick: fish the wind-blown points after a storm when they move up to feed in the stirred-up water. Use a slip sinker rig and let them run with it before setting the hook.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlatheads are the apex predators here, with fish over 40 pounds common and giants over 80 pounds possible. They prefer deep holes, logjams, and undercut banks during the day, becoming active hunters at night. Summer nights are prime time when they patrol shallow flats hunting. What sets them apart is their preference for live bait only - they want their prey moving. The fight is incredible, like hooking into a submarine, and the meat quality is superior to other catfish species. They're solitary and territorial, unlike other cats. Live bluegill, perch, or small channel cats work best. Local secret: target the timber areas in 15-25 feet during new moon phases when they're most aggressive. Use heavy tackle and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the main draw here, averaging 3-8 pounds with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly. These silver-sided fighters with distinct horizontal stripes prefer deeper channels and structure during the day, moving shallow to feed in low light. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps hit their sweet spot around 60-70 degrees. Early morning and evening produce the best bites when they chase shad to the surface. What anglers love is their powerful runs and aerial jumps - they'll test your drag and skills. The meat is excellent too, firm and mild. Look for birds working or baitfish activity on the surface. My go-to advice: match the hatch with live or fresh-cut shad, and don't be afraid to downsize your bait when they're finicky.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass run in schools and average 10-12 inches, though some hit 18 inches and several pounds. You'll find them in open water and around structure like points and drop-offs. They're visual feeders that love moving water, making early morning and evening prime time when they push baitfish to the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during their spawning runs. What makes them popular is their scrappy fight for their size and excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They hit small jigs, spoons, and live minnows aggressively. Pro tip: when you find one white bass, stick around that area. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting to bite.
Lake Texoma