Lake Texoma Winter Striper Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target trophy striped bass during peak winter seasonFour-hour morning trip with experienced guide Zach McClendonAll equipment and professional fish cleaning services included
Winter fishing on Lake Texoma isn't for everyone – but if you're looking for some of the best striper action of the year, this is your time to shine. From January through March, when most folks are sitting by the fireplace, the striped bass on Texoma are absolutely on fire. Guide Zach McClendon knows exactly where to find these aggressive winter fish, and he's ready to put you on them during this four-hour morning charter that kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp.
This isn't your typical summer fishing trip – winter stripers are a whole different beast. You'll be targeting trophy-sized fish that are actively feeding in the cooler water temperatures, making them more predictable and easier to locate. Zach provides all the gear you'll need, including specialized winter lures that these cold-water stripers can't resist. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is designed for all skill levels. The morning departure time isn't just convenient – it's strategic. Winter stripers bite best in those early hours, and you'll be on the water right when they're most active. Plus, you don't have to worry about cleaning your catch – professional fish cleaning services are included right at the dock.
Winter striper fishing is all about understanding how these fish behave when the water temperature drops. Zach uses a combination of trolling and vertical jigging techniques, depending on what the fish are telling him that day. The rods and reels are specifically chosen for winter conditions – heavier action to handle those big stripers and sensitive enough to feel the subtle winter bites. You'll be working deeper water structures where the fish congregate during cold months, using specialized winter lures that mimic the baitfish these stripers are keyed in on. The beauty of winter fishing is that once you find the fish, they're usually stacked up and ready to bite. It's not uncommon to boat multiple fish from the same spot once you dial in the pattern.
Striped Bass are the stars of this show, especially during winter months when they school up in deeper water. These fish can range from keeper-sized 18-inchers all the way up to trophy specimens pushing 30+ pounds. Winter stripers are aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with authority that'll test your drag system. What makes them so exciting to catch is their power – these fish will make long runs and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. The cooler water keeps them active longer once hooked, giving you more of that heart-pumping battle.
White Bass are often mixed in with the stripers and provide excellent action when you find a school. These smaller cousins typically run 1-3 pounds but make up for their size with sheer numbers and attitude. They hit hard and fight above their weight class, often coming up in doubles when you're vertically jigging. Winter white bass are phenomenal table fare, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the frying pan.
Channel Catfish remain active throughout the winter months and provide steady action when the stripers get finicky. Lake Texoma's channels average 2-8 pounds, with occasional monsters topping 20 pounds. They're excellent fighters and incredibly consistent – when other species slow down, you can usually count on channels to keep your rod bent. These fish are particularly active during the morning hours when this trip runs.
Blue Catfish are the heavyweight champions of Texoma, with fish regularly exceeding 30 pounds and occasional giants pushing 50+. Winter blues tend to hold in deeper water and can provide the fish of a lifetime. When you hook into a big blue, you'll know it immediately – these fish have the power to completely change the dynamic of your fishing trip. They're not as numerous as channels, but when you connect with one, it's an experience you won't forget.
Flathead Catfish are the ambush predators of the lake, and winter concentrates them in predictable areas. These fish are typically larger than channels, with many specimens ranging from 10-30 pounds. Flatheads are known for their distinctive fighting style – they'll often head straight for structure and try to wrap your line around anything they can find. Landing a good flathead requires finesse and patience, making them a favorite among experienced anglers.
Winter striper fishing on Lake Texoma is a seasonal opportunity you don't want to miss. This trip runs during the absolute peak months when these fish are most active and aggressive. With only two spots available per charter, you're getting personalized attention and the best chance at success. Guide Zach McClendon has the local knowledge and experience to put you on fish, even when conditions get tough. The combination of top-rated equipment, professional fish cleaning, and prime morning departure times makes this one of the best values for serious anglers looking to experience world-class winter fishing. Don't wait – these winter months fly by, and the prime striper action won't last forever.
Our restored 24ft Bay Hawk center console is your ticket to Lake Texoma's legendary winter striper action. This clean, reliable boat got a complete 2023 makeover with a powerful 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work and fight those hard-pulling stripers that make this lake famous. We've loaded her with all the electronics you need - GPS keeps us on the productive spots, radar cuts through morning fog, and our fish finder shows exactly where those schools are holding in the deeper winter structure. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. There's an icebox onboard for your drinks and snacks during those four-hour morning hunts. Guide Zach knows every contour and drop-off on Texoma, and this boat gets him where he needs to position you for the best shots at trophy winter stripers when they're feeding most aggressively.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the heavyweight champions of Lake Texoma, regularly reaching 20-50 pounds with some true monsters over 60. These slate-blue giants patrol deep channels and river bends, typically in 15-35 feet of water near muddy bottoms. They bite year-round but summer and early fall produce the biggest fish when they're feeding heavily. What draws guests to blue cats is the sheer power - they make long runs and fight like freight trains. The meat quality is outstanding too, firm and mild-flavored. They're also accessible to all skill levels since they don't require fancy techniques. My go-to method: fresh-cut shad or skipjack on a Carolina rig, fished right on bottom near deep structure. Use heavy tackle - these fish will humble light gear in a hurry.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are reliable year-round targets that give you a solid fight and great table fare. Most run 2-8 pounds, though we catch some nice 15-20 pounders that really test your gear. They stay close to structure like rocky ledges, fallen trees, and creek bends, usually in 8-25 feet of water. Summer nights and winter days are both productive, as they feed actively in both conditions. Guests enjoy them because they're scrappy fighters with excellent eating quality - mild, flaky white meat. They're also perfect for beginners since they bite well. Pro tip: use fresh-cut shad or chicken liver on a slip sinker rig. Let it sit on bottom near cover and wait for that steady pull - channel cats don't tap, they grab and go.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlathead catfish are the ultimate trophy hunters' fish - these olive-colored beasts can exceed 50 pounds and deliver fights that'll leave you sore. They average 10-30 pounds in our waters and prefer deep holes near timber, rock piles, and undercut banks in 15-40 feet. Summer through early fall produces the best action when they're most active. What sets flatheads apart is their superior eating quality - the meat is firm, sweet, and considered the best among all catfish. They're also challenging since they primarily eat live fish, making them selective feeders. The key difference from other cats: they want live bait. Use a big live bluegill or shad on a slip sinker rig near heavy cover at night. These ambush predators won't chase - put that bait right in their kitchen.
Morone SaxatilisLake Texoma's striped bass are the main attraction here, especially during winter months when they're most active. These fish average 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20+ pounders, with some real giants pushing 40 pounds. They roam open water but concentrate around creek channels, humps, and drop-offs in 20-40 feet of water. Winter fishing from January through March is outstanding because they feed aggressively in cooler temps. Guests love the hard-pulling fight these fish deliver - they'll make long runs and test your drag. The meat is firm and tasty too. My advice: watch your electronics closely for bait schools. When you see stripers under shad, drop a slab spoon right through them and hold on tight.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass, also known as sand bass, are some of the most reliable fighters on Lake Texoma. These silvery fish with dark horizontal stripes typically run 12-15 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we see some pushing 18 inches. They school up in open water and around rocky points, usually 15-25 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime times when they're actively feeding near the surface, but winter can be productive too when they hold deeper. What makes them popular with my guests is their aggressive strike and the way they bend a rod - plus they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a tip: when you find one white bass, there's always more nearby. Keep your boat positioned over the school and work different depths until you dial in where they're holding.
Lake Texoma