5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Texoma Winter Catfish & Striper Combo
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Winter combo trip targeting striped bass and catfish speciesMultiple techniques include juglines, drift fishing, and deadsticking methodsAll premium tackle provided with early sunrise departure schedule
Winter fishing on Lake Texoma is something special, and this cold-weather combo trip from Troy's Guide Service puts you right in the sweet spot when these fish are feeding heavy. We're talking about a top-rated winter fishing experience that combines the best of both worlds - hard-fighting striped bass and some of the biggest catfish you'll ever tangle with. This isn't just another guided trip; it's your chance to fish with someone who knows every creek arm, drop-off, and honey hole on this massive 89,000-acre fishery. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, we'll get you hooked up with the techniques that work when the water's cold and the fish are predictable.
We launch shortly after sunrise when the bite is hottest, and trust me, winter mornings on Texoma are worth the early alarm. The lake transforms in cold weather - stripers school up tight, and catfish move to their winter patterns where they're easier to target consistently. You'll spend your day rotating between proven techniques that work best this time of year. We might start by checking juglines we set earlier, then transition to drift fishing with live bait or working sassy shads for aggressive stripers. The beauty of this combo approach is variety - one minute you're feeling the steady pull of a channel cat, the next you're getting your arms stretched by a striper that just crushed your lure. All our premium rods, reels, and tackle are included, so you can focus on fishing instead of gear. Just bring your Lake Texoma fishing license and be ready to learn why winter is actually one of the best times to fish this legendary lake.
Winter fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach, and that's where our local knowledge really shines. We use a mix of live bait presentations, casting techniques with sassy shads, and deadsticking methods that are absolutely deadly when the water temperature drops. Juglines are a customer favorite - we'll set these early and check them throughout the day, giving you a taste of traditional catfishing that's been working on Texoma for decades. For stripers, we focus on areas where they school up during winter months, using electronics to locate fish and then presenting baits at the right depth and speed. The deadsticking technique is something every angler should experience - it's all about patience and feeling that subtle bite when a big cat picks up your bait. We'll teach you how to read your rod tip, when to set the hook, and how to fight these fish without losing them at the boat. The drift fishing approach lets us cover water efficiently while keeping baits in the strike zone longer, which is crucial when fish are less aggressive in cold water.
Striped bass on Lake Texoma are the stuff of legends, and winter is when they really pack on the weight before spring spawning. These fish run anywhere from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to genuine trophies pushing 20-30 pounds. Winter stripers are predictable - they school up in deeper water and feed aggressively when conditions are right. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run; when a good striper hits your bait, it's like getting hooked to a freight train. They'll test your drag and make multiple runs before you get them to the net. The satisfaction of landing a quality winter striper on Lake Texoma is something that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Channel catfish are the bread and butter of Texoma, and winter concentrations make them easier to target consistently. These fish typically run 2-8 pounds, with plenty of quality eaters in the 3-5 pound range. Channel cats are active feeders even in cold water, and they fight harder than most people expect - lots of head shakes and steady pressure that'll wear out your arms on a good day. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and excellent table fare. What's great about winter channel cat fishing is the numbers you can catch once you locate a school.
Blue catfish are the heavy hitters that make your heart race when they grab your bait. Lake Texoma blues commonly run 10-30 pounds, with genuine monsters over 40 pounds always possible. These fish are pure power - they don't jump like stripers, but they'll pull drag and test every knot on your rig. Winter blues are often the most memorable fish of the trip because of their size and the sustained battle they provide. When you hook into a big blue cat on Texoma, you know immediately that you're connected to something special.
Flathead catfish round out our target species, and while they're less common than blues and channels, they're worth every bit of effort when one decides to bite. Texoma flatheads can push 20-50 pounds, and they're ambush predators that hit hard and fight dirty. These fish prefer live bait and structure, making them a challenging but rewarding target. Flatheads are solitary hunters, so when you catch one, it's usually a quality fish that'll give you a story to tell for years.
This winter combo trip represents the best value fishing on Lake Texoma - multiple species, proven techniques, and the kind of local expertise that turns good days into great ones. With space for up to three anglers, it's perfect for families, small groups, or solo adventurers who want personalized attention on the water. Troy's Guide Service has built a reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and this specialized cold-weather approach is a customer favorite for good reason. Winter fishing means fewer crowds, aggressive fish, and some of the most productive angling of the entire year. Remember, booking deposits are non-refundable, so secure your dates early - the best winter fishing windows fill up fast with repeat customers who know exactly what they're getting.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the giants of Lake Texoma - we're talking fish that commonly hit 20-50 pounds, with some pushing 80+. You can tell them apart by their slate-blue color and squared-off anal fin. They roam deep channels and river bends, often following schools of shad. Winter's actually solid for blues since they stay active in cold water and pack on weight. What makes them special is pure size - landing a 40-pound blue is a memory you won't forget. They fight hard and make great eating too, with clean white meat. These fish are opportunistic, so they'll hit fresh cut bait, live shad, or even chicken liver. My go-to trick: use heavy tackle and let your bait sit on bottom near deep structure. Blues patrol these areas looking for easy meals.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats in Texoma average 2-8 pounds, though we regularly see 15+ pounders that'll surprise you. They've got that forked tail and scattered black spots, plus those sensitive barbels that help them hunt in murky water. You'll find them along rocky banks, creek mouths, and deeper holes where they scavenge for food year-round. Winter fishing can be slower, but they still bite if you're patient. What guests love is their scrappy fight and excellent table fare - firm, mild meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they're not too picky about bait. Pro tip: fresh cut shad works well, but don't overlook chicken livers or prepared baits. The key is letting your bait sit still on bottom - channels will eventually find it.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlatheads are the predators of the catfish world - these olive-colored bruisers can push 50+ pounds and have that distinctive flat head and square tail. Unlike other cats, they want live bait only. You'll find them in deep holes, under ledges, and around submerged timber where they ambush prey. They're most active at night and during warmer months, though we catch them year-round. What makes flatheads special is their superior meat quality - firm, sweet flesh that's considered the best of any catfish. They also put up an amazing fight for their size. The secret is using live bluegill or small channel cats as bait. Position it near cover where flatheads hide, and be ready for a serious battle when one grabs hold.
Morone SaxatilisStripers in Texoma typically run 20-40 pounds, with those distinctive black stripes making them easy to identify. These powerful fish love structure - you'll find them around rocky points, drop-offs, and creek channels where they hunt shad. Winter's actually prime time since they school up tight and feed aggressively in cooler water. What makes them special is that hard pull when they hit - stripers are strong fighters that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when we're drifting over deep structure, I like to use fresh-cut shad about 2 feet off the bottom. The scent trail draws them up from the depths, and once you hook one, there's usually more in the school.
5.0 out of 5.0Lonnie Schulz, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Lake Texoma