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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass in Oklahoma are landlocked descendants of Atlantic coastal fish, originally introduced in 1965. These powerful fish can reach 40+ pounds and are found cruising in large schools in open waters, rarely frequenting shorelines.

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished by their silver bodies with dark, usually unbroken horizontal lines, two distinct tongue patches, and lack of an arched back.
  • These powerful fish can reach 40+ pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found cruising in large schools in open waters, rarely frequenting shorelines.
  • In tailwater habitats like those below Tenkiller and Eufaula dams, stripers congregate seasonally with strong site fidelity during individual seasons but mixing with larger populations annually.

Key Locations

  • Oklahoma hosts naturally reproducing populations in Lake Texoma and Lake Keystone, plus the Arkansas River Navigation System.
  • Additional stocked populations exist in Foss, Tenkiller, Canton, Great Salt Plains, Grand, and Kaw lakes.
  • Lake Texoma is renowned as the 'Striper Capital of the World' with exceptional populations, while the Arkansas River system from Keystone downstream to the Arkansas border supports excellent striper fishing.
  • Trophy fishing is excellent in tailwaters at Kaw, Keystone, and Eufaula for striped bass, and at Oologah, Grand, Hudson, and Fort Gibson for hybrids.
  • The Lower Illinois River produces good fishing during summer water generation.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow sandy or pea gravel flats early in the season.
  • Target drop-offs, ledges, channel breaks, offshore humps, and areas with rapid depth changes.
  • Main lake flats and channel drop-offs.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Oklahoma?

Lipless crankbaits in gold, silver, or red patterns; swimbaits in white or chartreuse; lipped crankbaits in shad colors; white or chartreuse marabou jigs; and curly tail grubs. Topwater lures like poppers, buzzbaits, and walk-the-dog style baits work when fish are boiling on the surface.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Oklahoma?

Spring (March-May) offers prime striped bass fishing as fish are most active and aggressive before spawning. Summer requires fishing deeper, cooler waters with early morning and late evening being most productive. Fall brings increased activity as fish feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Oklahoma?

Vertical jigging with blade baits, spoons, and slabs is effective around structure. Focus on windblown points, rip-rap, and coves during low-light periods.

What do Striped Bass eat?

They're opportunistic predators feeding primarily on gizzard shad (77-84% of diet by occurrence), plus insects, other minnows, and occasionally crustaceans like crayfish.

Where do Striped Bass live in Oklahoma?

Found cruising in large schools in open waters, rarely frequenting shorelines. In tailwater habitats like those below Tenkiller and Eufaula dams, stripers congregate seasonally with strong site fidelity during individual seasons but mixing with larger populations annually.

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