How to Fish Lake Texoma: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Texoma

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Texoma

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-60	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging points, actively feeding to build energy for spawning Fish are moving up towards spawning areas, utilizing points and marina areas as transition zones Feeding activity increases with warming temperatures, particularly during stable weather periods	Points leading into spawning coves and marina areas Riprap banks with good sun exposure Laydowns and woody cover in pre-spawn staging areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along transition areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around points and riprap Ned Rigs for tough conditions or pressured fish Spinnerbaits around laydowns and visible cover	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming water Perch in and around cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-55	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are showing increased activity levels with warming trends, congregating around transition areas between deep and shallow water	Dam riprap and concrete pilings in 20-35 foot depths Rocky points and transition areas leading to spawning flats Docks adjacent to deeper water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom near vertical structure Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses on riprap Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near vertical structure	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	60-75	Large schools of striped bass are staging on main lake ledges during pre-spawn, actively feeding on shad schools Fish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn feeding zones, following bait movements	Main lake ledges where pre-spawn staging occurs Deep creek channel intersections with main lake Points adjacent to spawning tributaries	Live Bait Rigs with fresh shad Umbrella Rigs mimicking shad schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along ledges	Shad schools congregating along ledges Smaller baitfish following pre-spawn movements	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-65	Pre-spawn catfish becoming more active and moving from winter deep-water haunts to transitional areas, following warming trends Feeding activity increasing as water warms, with fish particularly active during early morning and evening hours Males beginning to scout potential spawning areas near shore structure and deep holes	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where water is beginning to warm Riprap areas near the dam that warm quickly and hold baitfish Timber and brush piles in 8-15 foot depths near channel swings	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs dragged slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small perch in shallow feeding zones Minnows gathering around warming shoreline areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to congregate near spawning areas but still relating heavily to vertical cover like timber and dock posts	Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats Boathouses and dock structures with vertical posts Standing timber and brush piles in pre-spawn staging areas	Crappie Dock Shooting Finesse Jigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small minnows Young shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) and establishing nesting sites near cover, particularly in protected coves and pockets Males guarding nests while females stage on nearby drop-offs, moving between deep and shallow water	Protected coves and pockets with hard bottom near deep water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow dock areas with nearby brush piles for staging	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas Soft Jerkbaits for staging fish near drop-offs Shakey Heads for methodically working potential bed areas	Shad moving into spawning areas Bluegill becoming more active in the shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phase, actively moving between staging areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly around rocky points and bluffs Fish are showing increased feeding activity with water temperatures in the low 60s, especially during wind-influenced periods	Rock bluff points on the main lake, especially those with wind exposure Transitional areas in 5-20 foot depth range near potential spawning flats Rocky points with mixed depth ranges offering both deep water access and shallow spawning habitat	Drop Shot with finesse presentation in 17-20 foot depth range Ned Rigs worked along rock transitions Wacky Rigs for shallow staging fish	Shad as primary forage, confirmed by recent fishing reports Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn staging on main lake ledges and transitioning into creek channels for spawning runs Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, primarily targeting shad schools Moving between deeper staging areas (20-30ft) and shallower spawning zones based on water temperature	Main lake ledges near creek channel intersections Rocky points leading into spawning creeks Steep shoreline transitions near deep water access	Umbrella Rigs worked along ledges and channel breaks Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) for suspended fish over structure Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) for aggressive pre-spawn fish	Large schools of adult shad in pre-spawn patterns Suspended baitfish near channel edges Scattered schools of juvenile shad	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-75	Catfish moving into shallower water (2-12 feet) seeking warmer temperatures for spawning, particularly focusing on areas with cover like brush piles and laydowns Increased feeding activity in pre-spawn phase, especially during dawn and dusk periods, with fish actively patrolling shoreline areas	Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns, especially near tributary mouths Riprap areas around dams and shorelines where water warms quickly Protected areas near docks in 5-15 foot depths	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with large soft plastics around cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with scented baits near structure	Shad schools moving into shallower water Perch utilizing shallow cover areas Minnows congregating around shoreline structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near shoreline structure, particularly around docks, timber, and brush piles Males are establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making frequent trips to spawning areas Feeding activity increases in preparation for and during spawning, with most active periods during early morning and evening	Protected coves with submerged vegetation and timber in 2-8 feet of water Dock areas with brush piles, especially in spawning depth ranges Secondary points leading into spawning coves with standing timber	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas Shad moving into shallow waters Small insects and larvae near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	59-70	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding and dispersing from spawning areas to early summer patterns, utilizing various depth ranges from shallow to mid-depth areas Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on both shad and bluegill, with reports indicating they're responding well to reaction baits and bottom presentations	Offshore points with rock or gravel, particularly those adjacent to spawning flats Docks and brush piles in 7-12 foot range Rock piles and riprap in shallow to medium depth zones	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked with occasional pauses, particularly effective on points and humps Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and rock piles Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match the prevalent shad forage	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports and lake profile Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports around shallow cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-72	Active feeding during shad spawn periods, particularly during early morning hours near shoreline structure Post-spawn recovery transition with fish beginning to establish summer feeding patterns Moving between shallow feeding areas and nearby deeper water rest areas throughout the day	Riprap banks with active baitfish Rocky points adjacent to deeper water Secondary points with boulder structure Transition areas between spawning flats and summer habitat	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to riprap and points during shad activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad Ned Rigs worked slowly when fish become less active Hard Jerkbaits for suspended fish between shallow and deep water	Shad (primary forage during spawn activity) Crawfish (secondary forage especially near rocky structure)	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, following large shad schools along main lake ledges and points Fish are establishing predictable feeding patterns, often schooling aggressively during morning and evening periods	Main lake ledges near deep water access, particularly where channels intersect with structure Secondary points adjacent to spawning areas where fish stage during transition Creek channel edges where shad schools concentrate	Umbrella Rigs worked along ledges and points to trigger reaction strikes from schooling fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through suspended schools of fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on specific structure	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Herring moving into shallower water	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Post-spawn catfish becoming more active and aggressive, moving to feeding locations near channel edges and structure Fish transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Rocky areas and rip rap near channel edges where baitfish concentrate Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths adjacent to deeper water Marina structures and dock areas with good depth transitions	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover in shallower areas	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Perch around structure and cover Various species of minnows in shoreline areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-78	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to deeper water but still utilizing brush piles and docks in 8-15 foot depth ranges, actively feeding to recover from spawning Fish are becoming more structure-oriented and suspending near vertical cover, particularly around timber and dock edges during morning and evening periods	Deeper brush piles and timber in 8-15 foot range adjacent to spawning flats Dock edges and marina areas with good shade coverage Submerged vegetation edges where they meet deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small shad Young-of-year baitfish Small minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	67-85	Bass are actively feeding around docks, riprap, and brush piles, showing a clear structure-oriented pattern in summer Fish are utilizing multiple depth zones, from shallow areas near docks and riprap to deeper brush piles (12+ feet), suggesting a daily movement pattern based on temperature and light conditions	Docks and marina areas with adjacent deep water access Riprap areas, particularly in marina zones Brush piles in 12+ feet of water	Carolina Rigs worked around docks and points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near riprap and marina areas Shakey Heads worked through deeper brush piles	Shad (primary forage based on reports) Bluegill around dock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	75-88	Smallmouth bass are less active during high heat periods (88°F), seeking refuge in deeper water or shaded areas near boulders and brush Feeding windows are concentrated during early morning and late evening when temperatures are more moderate	Deep boulder fields with adjacent brush Rocky points with access to deep water Shaded areas near riprap and dam structures	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through deeper structure Texas Rigs (Worming) with 10-inch power worms in brush Drop Shot with finesse presentations during tough bite periods	Shad schools in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	75-82	Striped bass form large schools following shad in open water, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water depending on time of day Fish are most active during dawn/dusk periods, moving shallower to feed, then retreating to deeper, cooler water during midday	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access Creek channel edges in 20-35 foot depths Humps and underwater structure near major creek channels	Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs during midday Hard Topwater (Walking) during dawn/dusk periods Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics	Schooling Shad in open water Suspended Baitfish near thermocline	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Catfish	75-85	Actively feeding during night and early morning hours, seeking cooler water during peak day temperatures Utilizing deep channel edges and structure during day, moving to shallow feeding zones at night Aggressive feeding behavior near current areas and structure that concentrates baitfish	Deep river channels (20-40 feet) adjacent to shallow flats Riprap areas around dam and shorelines Brush piles and laydowns in 15-25 foot depth range	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover at night	Shad schools concentrated near structure Yellow Perch in deeper areas Various sized minnows near cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near deep structure and man-made cover during summer, typically holding in 15-25 foot depths during peak daylight hours Fish become more active during dawn and dusk periods, moving shallower to feed around dock edges and brush piles Schools are concentrated around thermoclines where baitfish gather, especially near creek channel intersections with structure	Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depths, especially near creek channels Shaded areas under and between docks and marinas with good depth Suspended cover near submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregate	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad schools suspending in open water near structure Small sunfish around dock structures Minnows relating to submerged vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Texoma

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Bass are actively following shad migrations into creeks and coves, with increased feeding activity around baitfish schools Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, utilizing multiple depth zones from shallow to mid-depth areas throughout the day	Marina dock slips and complex dock structures Secondary points leading into creeks and coves Brush piles and laydown trees in 0-9 foot depth range	Bladed Jigs worked around docks and cover Hard Topwater (Walking) for covering water and locating active fish Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around brush and timber	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Bluegill (secondary forage evidenced by successful bluegill-colored baits)	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-72	Actively feeding on rocky structures and points as they follow baitfish movements and target crawfish, particularly during moderate temperature periods Transitioning between shallow and deeper structures throughout the day, with more active feeding during lower light conditions	Main lake rocky points with nearby deep water access Boulder fields and rocky structures in 10-20 foot depth range Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rocky bottoms	Ned Rigs worked slowly around rocky structure and docks Carolina Rigs dragged along points and transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around boulders	Crawfish in rocky areas Shad schools moving through main lake areas Minnows around dock structures	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	60-82	Actively schooling and feeding on shad near surface, especially during low light periods Following large schools of shad as they migrate into creeks and around points during fall cooling	Main lake points where shad are being corralled Creek channel mouths intersecting with main lake Secondary points in major creek arms	Hard Topwater (Walking) for surface feeding activity Umbrella Rigs when fish push bait deeper Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for mimicking wounded shad	Shad schools migrating to creeks Suspended baitfish in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	55-72	Actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, focusing on high-protein forage in deeper structures during day and moving shallower during dusk/dawn Beginning to transition from summer patterns to winter locations, following baitfish schools and utilizing deep channel edges	Deep river channels with adjacent timber or brush piles (20-40 foot range) Rip rap areas near the dam where baitfish concentrate Creek channel intersections with main lake points	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near channel edges and brush piles Carolina Rigs worked slowly along deeper structure	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Yellow Perch around structure Various sized minnows near rip rap	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding heavily to prepare for winter, following baitfish schools in the water column Fish are transitioning from shallow to deeper water, often suspending near vertical structure and deep brush piles Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon when baitfish are more active	Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 feet of water Main lake points with access to deeper water Deep dock structures near channel swings Submerged vegetation edges transitioning to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools gathering in creek arms and channel edges Small minnows around brush piles and timber Young-of-year baitfish in various areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	Suspended over deeper water adjacent to primary points and marina areas, moving with bait schools Reduced metabolism but still feeding opportunistically on concentrated baitfish schools Most active during warmer parts of day when shad become more active	Deep points adjacent to creek channels where shad congregate Marina areas with vertical structure and bait concentrations Riprap areas that retain heat and attract baitfish	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools Underspins slow-rolled through baitfish concentrations Shakey Heads worked slowly along riprap and rocky points	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small sunfish around marina structure Crawfish in riprap areas during warmer parts of day	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	46-54	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to deeper winter patterns, holding on main lake points and channel swing banks between 20-40 feet deep Fish are responding to slow-moving presentations, particularly around rocky structure and boulders Feeding windows are shorter and more dependent on optimal temperature periods	Main lake points with chunk rock and boulders Channel swing banks in 20-40 foot depth range Standing timber areas near deep water access	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Carolina Rigs dragged slowly on points Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper water Shallow Diving Crankbaits with stop-and-go retrieve	Shad schooling in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-62	Striped bass are schooling heavily in creek channels and following large baitfish concentrations in the 20-40 foot depth range Fish are actively feeding on shad schools but staying deeper due to winter conditions, with most aggressive feeding during slightly warmer periods	Creek channel swings with concentrated bait schools in 20-40 foot depth range Deep creek arms where shad schools are congregating Main lake humps adjacent to deep water	Umbrella Rigs with swimbaits to imitate shad schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges where bait is present	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Minnows in creek channels and around structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	42-52	Catfish concentrate in deeper, stable temperature areas like river channels (20-40 foot depths) during winter Reduced but steady feeding activity, with fish preferring slower-moving baits and natural presentations Groups of catfish often stack in deep wintering holes, particularly near structure or channel bends	Deep river channels (20-40 feet) with adjacent structure Deep holes near channel bends Deep water near rip rap areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Shad schools in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish Small perch near deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near vertical structure or hanging over deeper basins Fish become more lethargic during cold water periods, requiring slower presentations and concentrating in areas with stable conditions	Deep timber and brush piles in 15-25 feet of water Deep dock areas and marina structures Channel bends and creek mouths with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig Ice Fishing Jigs	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Small baitfish seeking winter refuges near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Texoma

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points leading into spawning coves and marina areas	Riprap banks with good sun exposure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dam riprap and concrete pilings in 20-35 foot depths	Rocky points and transition areas leading to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges where pre-spawn staging occurs	Deep creek channel intersections with main lake
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where water is beginning to warm	Riprap areas near the dam that warm quickly and hold baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats	Boathouses and dock structures with vertical posts
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves and pockets with hard bottom near deep water access	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock bluff points on the main lake, especially those with wind exposure	Transitional areas in 5-20 foot depth range near potential spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges near creek channel intersections	Rocky points leading into spawning creeks
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns, especially near tributary mouths	Riprap areas around dams and shorelines where water warms quickly
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with submerged vegetation and timber in 2-8 feet of water	Dock areas with brush piles, especially in spawning depth ranges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Offshore points with rock or gravel, particularly those adjacent to spawning flats	Docks and brush piles in 7-12 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Riprap banks with active baitfish	Rocky points adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges near deep water access, particularly where channels intersect with structure	Secondary points adjacent to spawning areas where fish stage during transition
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and rip rap near channel edges where baitfish concentrate	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper brush piles and timber in 8-15 foot range adjacent to spawning flats	Dock edges and marina areas with good shade coverage
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks and marina areas with adjacent deep water access	Riprap areas, particularly in marina zones
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep boulder fields with adjacent brush	Rocky points with access to deep water
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access	Creek channel edges in 20-35 foot depths
Summer	Catfish	Deep river channels (20-40 feet) adjacent to shallow flats	Riprap areas around dam and shorelines
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depths, especially near creek channels	Shaded areas under and between docks and marinas with good depth
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Marina dock slips and complex dock structures	Secondary points leading into creeks and coves
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rocky points with nearby deep water access	Boulder fields and rocky structures in 10-20 foot depth range
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points where shad are being corralled	Creek channel mouths intersecting with main lake
Fall	Catfish	Deep river channels with adjacent timber or brush piles (20-40 foot range)	Rip rap areas near the dam where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 feet of water	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep points adjacent to creek channels where shad congregate	Marina areas with vertical structure and bait concentrations
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with chunk rock and boulders	Channel swing banks in 20-40 foot depth range
Winter	Striped Bass	Creek channel swings with concentrated bait schools in 20-40 foot depth range	Deep creek arms where shad schools are congregating
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels (20-40 feet) with adjacent structure	Deep holes near channel bends
Winter	Crappie	Deep timber and brush piles in 15-25 feet of water	Deep dock areas and marina structures

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating along ledges	Smaller baitfish following pre-spawn movements
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small perch in shallow feeding zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows	Young shad
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad moving into spawning areas	Bluegill becoming more active in the shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad as primary forage, confirmed by recent fishing reports	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of adult shad in pre-spawn patterns	Suspended baitfish near channel edges
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into shallower water	Perch utilizing shallow cover areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas	Shad moving into shallow waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports and lake profile	Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports around shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad (primary forage during spawn activity)	Crawfish (secondary forage especially near rocky structure)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Herring moving into shallower water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Perch around structure and cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad	Young-of-year baitfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on reports)	Bluegill around dock structures
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad in open water	Suspended Baitfish near thermocline
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated near structure	Yellow Perch in deeper areas
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in open water near structure	Small sunfish around dock structures
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Bluegill (secondary forage evidenced by successful bluegill-colored baits)
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Shad schools moving through main lake areas
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks	Suspended baitfish in open water
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Yellow Perch around structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools gathering in creek arms and channel edges	Small minnows around brush piles and timber
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small sunfish around marina structure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Minnows in creek channels and around structure
Winter	Catfish	Shad schools in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Small baitfish seeking winter refuges near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Texoma

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors