Fall is one of the most exciting times of year to pursue striped bass in Texas. As water temperatures drop, these powerful fish become increasingly active, chasing schools of shad across open water and sometimes pushing them to the surface in feeding frenzies that can be seen from hundreds of yards away.
Lake Texoma, on the Texas-Oklahoma border, remains the state’s best-known striper destination. Unlike most Texas reservoirs, Texoma supports a naturally reproducing striped bass population, making it one of the most distinctive freshwater fisheries in the country. The lake’s vast open-water habitat and abundant forage provide excellent opportunities for anglers targeting everything from school-sized stripers to much larger fish.
During fall, anglers should watch for diving gulls and other birds feeding over schools of baitfish. These birds can reveal where stripers are driving shad toward the surface. Casting topwater plugs, soft-plastic swimbaits and slabs into these feeding schools can produce fast action. When fish aren’t showing on top, electronics can help locate schools suspended along creek channels, humps and deep-water structure.
Lake Texoma isn’t the only Texas reservoir offering good striper fishing. Several other lakes provide opportunities for anglers who want to experience the power of these saltwater transplants in freshwater.
Lake Whitney, on the Brazos River, is another excellent destination. TPWD rates its striped bass fishing highly, and during October and November stripers can be found at various depths, often concentrating along river channels and occasionally feeding on the surface. Live shad, slabs and jigs are productive choices, particularly when fish are holding deeper.
Lake Buchanan in the Hill Country also has a strong striper fishery. Main-lake points and humps are good places to begin searching, especially when schools of shad are nearby. Fall topwater fishing can be particularly productive, and anglers should watch for birds working over baitfish.
East Texas anglers shouldn’t overlook Lake Tawakoni, which supports both striped bass and hybrid striped bass. TPWD stocks these fish to maintain the population, and main-lake humps and open-water areas are prime places to search for feeding schools.
One of the biggest keys to successful fall striper fishing is staying mobile. These fish follow bait, and an area producing tremendous action one day may be nearly empty the next. Watch for surface activity, pay attention to birds and use electronics to locate schools when the fish move deeper.
Stripers are hard-fighting fish that can turn an ordinary fall fishing trip into something memorable. Whether you’re fishing Texoma’s legendary waters or one of the state’s other productive reservoirs, cooling temperatures and hungry stripers make this a great time to get on the water.
For lake-specific fishing information, visit the TPWD reservoir fishing guide. Be sure to check the regulations for your destination, especially Lake Texoma, which has special licensing and fishing requirements.