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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) in Texas are primarily found in reservoirs and lakes rather than their native saltwater habitat.

Though not native to Texas, they have been successfully stocked in numerous reservoirs since the 1970s, with Lake Texoma being the most notable exception as one of only seven inland lakes where they reproduce naturally.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish are distinguished from other bass by their silvery body with seven or eight uninterrupted horizontal stripes, two distinct tooth patches on the back of the tongue, and two sharp points on each gill cover.
  • Texas stripers can reach impressive sizes - stripers exceeding 50 pounds have been landed in Texas waters, with the largest inland specimen reported at 67.5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Striped Bass in Texas are primarily found in reservoirs and lakes rather than their native saltwater habitat.
  • They have been successfully stocked in numerous reservoirs since the 1970s.

Key Locations

  • Lake Texoma stands out as the premier striper destination, where the convergence of the Red and Washita Rivers creates ideal conditions.
  • Other productive waters include Lake Tawakoni, Lake Whitney, Buffalo Springs Lake, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Lake Buchanan.
  • Lake Texoma offers the best opportunities, especially around the Red River and Washita River tributaries during the spawning migration.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on the deeper waters near Denison Dam during summer months, while spring and fall fishing should concentrate on shallower flats and tributary mouths.
  • During spawning migration, stripers migrate upstream into tributary rivers where males build nests in 2-10 foot depths.
  • Target underwater structures, points, and channel edges.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include bucktail jigs, soft plastic swimbaits, topwater poppers for early morning and evening surface action, shad-imitating crankbaits, Alabama rigs that simulate baitfish schools, slab spoons for vertical jigging, bladed swim jigs, umbrella rigs, lipless crankbaits, and soft plastic jerkbaits.

What flies work for Striped Bass in Texas?

For fly fishing, productive patterns include Surf Candy, Estaz Minnow, Mickey Finn, Seaducer, Glass Minnow, and Ray's Fly.

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

Spring is the prime season for Texas striper fishing. Focus on deeper waters during hot summer months, while spring and fall fishing should concentrate on shallower areas. The spawning season occurs in spring when water temperatures approach 60°F, typically around the first full moon after temperatures stabilize.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Texas?

Trolling is highly effective for covering water in large reservoirs like Texoma, using multiple lines at varying depths. Slab fishing during early summer after the spawn can be extremely productive when fish are feeding heavily. Target underwater structures, points, and channel edges.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Texas stripers are opportunistic feeders with a diet consisting primarily of gizzard shad and threadfin shad, along with other baitfish.

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