Lake Texoma Weekend Afternoon Striper Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Four-hour afternoon striper fishing charter on Lake TexomaAll fishing equipment and bait provided by experienced guideCatch cleaning and filleting service included at dock
There's something special about hitting the water on a weekend afternoon when the crowds thin out and the fish start getting active. This four-hour guided fishing trip on Lake Texoma is perfectly timed to catch that sweet spot when stripers are feeding and families can actually relax together. Guide Zach McClendon knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got everything dialed in so you can focus on what matters most – getting fish in the boat and making memories that'll last long after you've eaten your catch.
Starting at noon means you'll avoid the morning rush and hit the lake when conditions are just right for afternoon action. This trip is designed with families and small groups in mind – we're talking four people max, so everyone gets plenty of attention and space to work their lines. Zach handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to finding fish and setting up gear, but don't think you're just along for the ride. You'll be actively working schools of stripers, learning to read the electronics, and getting hands-on experience with techniques that actually produce results. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle whatever Lake Texoma throws at you, and there's always a cooler full of ice to keep your catch fresh. Best part? At the end of the day, your fish get cleaned and filleted right at the dock, so you're walking away with dinner ready for the pan.
Lake Texoma's striper fishing is all about finding the bait schools and working the thermocline where the big fish hang out. Zach runs top-quality electronics to locate those suspended fish, and he's constantly adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling him. You'll likely be working live bait under the birds when they're active, or switching to trolling umbrella rigs when the fish are scattered in deeper water. The gear is sized right for the job – medium-heavy rods with smooth drag systems that won't let you down when a big striper makes its run. Depending on conditions, you might be working anywhere from 15 to 40 feet of water, and Zach's always ready to adapt the approach. He'll teach you to feel the difference between a white bass tap and a striper slam, and by the end of the trip, you'll have a much better understanding of what makes these fish tick.
White bass are the bread and butter of Lake Texoma fishing, and these aggressive little fighters are always ready to play. They school up tight and when you find them, you can catch fish until your arms get tired. Most run between 12 to 15 inches, and they hit hard for their size. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer afternoons can produce some fantastic action when they're chasing shad in the main lake. What makes white bass so much fun is their willingness to bite – they're perfect for getting kids and beginners hooked on fishing, and even experienced anglers love the consistent action they provide.
Striped bass are the real prize here, and Lake Texoma's population is legendary among serious anglers. These fish can push 20 pounds or more, and when a big striper takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make powerful runs and fight all the way to the boat, testing your drag and your patience. Summer and early fall are peak season when they're actively feeding on the abundant shad population. The best part about targeting stripers here is that you never know when you might hook into a true giant – fish over 30 pounds are caught every season, and that possibility keeps everyone on their toes.
Channel catfish provide steady action year-round and they're fantastic table fare. These fish are opportunistic feeders and they'll hit both live and cut bait with equal enthusiasm. Most range from 2 to 8 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something bigger. They fight differently than stripers – more of a steady, bulldogging battle that tests your patience. Channel cats are especially active during the warmer months, and they're perfect for mixed-bag trips where variety is the goal.
Blue catfish are the heavy hitters of the catfish world, and Lake Texoma has some real monsters. These fish can exceed 30 pounds and they're built like underwater bulldozers. When you hook a big blue, you're in for a long, tough fight that'll test every knot and connection in your setup. They prefer deeper water and structure, and they're most active during the cooler parts of the day. Blues are excellent eating when they come from clean water like Texoma, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip.
Flathead catfish are the apex predators of the lake's bottom, and they're pure muscle wrapped in whiskers. These fish are primarily caught at night, but occasionally one will take a bait during daylight hours and surprise everyone on board. Flatheads are ambush predators that prefer live bait, and they can reach massive sizes – fish over 50 pounds are documented from Texoma. Even a smaller flathead will give you a fight you won't forget, and they're prized by catfish enthusiasts for their fighting ability and unique appearance.
This weekend afternoon trip hits all the right notes – great timing, expert guidance, and a lake that's famous for producing fish. Zach takes care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water with family or friends. With everything included from tackle to fish cleaning, you're getting serious value and a real chance to experience what makes Lake Texoma one of the top striper destinations in the country. Spots fill up fast during peak season, especially for weekend trips, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to experience Texoma's legendary fishing, this trip delivers the goods every time out.
Get ready to chase stripers across Lake Texoma aboard our 24ft Bay Hawk center console! This beauty was completely restored in 2023 and runs on a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the hot spots fast. Guide Zach knows these waters like the back of his hand and uses GPS, radar, and fish finder tech to put you right on top of the schools. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're sneaking up on feeding fish. With seating for up to 8 anglers and an icebox to keep your drinks cold between strikes, this clean, well-maintained boat is built for serious striper action. Whether the fish are holding deep or busting baitfish on the surface, we've got the gear and local knowledge to make your afternoon on the water productive.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavyweights of Texoma's catfish scene, regularly hitting 20-40 pounds with some true giants over 50. These slate-blue fish love deep water and main lake points, especially where the river channels run through. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active. What draws folks to target blues is the chance at a fish of a lifetime - they fight like freight trains and can take 15-20 minutes to land. The meat quality is outstanding too, with firm white fillets. They prefer fresh cut bait like shad or skipjack. Best strategy is fishing the deeper channel edges in 25-50 feet of water. Keep your drag loose when one hits - they'll make powerful runs that can snap your line if you're not ready.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are reliable fighters that hang around structure throughout Texoma year-round. These whisker-faced fish typically weigh 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders are possible. Look for them near rock piles, creek channels, and brush in 15-25 feet of water. They bite best during warmer months, especially at night when they move shallow to feed. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality - mild, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry. They'll hit cut bait, worms, and stinkbaits. Pro tip: use a slip sinker rig and let it sit on bottom near structure. When they pick it up, give them a few seconds before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlathead catfish are the apex predators among Texoma's catfish, with their distinctive flattened heads and olive coloring. These monsters commonly reach 20-40 pounds and can top 60+ pounds. They prefer deep holes, creek channels, and around submerged timber in 20-35 feet of water. Summer nights are prime time when they move up to hunt. What makes them special is their superior eating quality - many consider flatheads the best-tasting catfish with firm, sweet meat. Unlike other cats, they want live bait exclusively - bluegill, shad, or perch work best. Here's the key: fish heavy structure near deep water and use at least 50-pound line. When a big flathead grabs your bait, there's no mistaking it.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the main attraction here on Texoma, and for good reason. These silver fish with distinct black stripes average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. They roam open water and suspend at various depths, following shad schools throughout the lake. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and evening when they push baitfish to the surface. Stripers are aggressive fighters that make long runs and put a serious bend in your rod. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to consistent success is watching your electronics - stripers show up as arches suspended over deep water, usually 20-40 feet down in summer.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass, also called sand bass, are silvery fish with dark horizontal stripes that run most of the year in Texoma's open waters. They typically run 10-14 inches and travel in schools, making for fast action when you find them. You'll catch them in 15-30 feet of water around points and humps, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. These fish hit hard and fight well for their size - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, flaky meat. Summer afternoons can be productive when they push baitfish to the surface. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water because where there's one white bass, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Lake Texoma