What the Red River Shootout is and when it happens

The Lake Texoma Red River Shootout is an annual bass fishing tournament held on Lake Texoma, the large reservoir that straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border where the Red River widens. The event draws competitive anglers from across the region who fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass over a set number of days, typically in spring or fall depending on the year. The tournament is known for serious competition, substantial prize pools, and the chance to fish one of Texas's most productive bass waters.

The exact dates shift year to year, so checking with the tournament organizers or the Lake Texoma fishing community closer to the season is necessary to confirm when the next event will run. The tournament typically operates from a main launch facility on the lake, with anglers fishing designated areas and returning with their catch for weigh-in at day's end.

Key Takeaways

  • The Red River Shootout is a competitive bass tournament on Lake Texoma that attracts anglers from Texas and Oklahoma seeking prize money and bragging rights.
  • Lake Texoma holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with seasonal patterns that shift where fish hold and what techniques work best.
  • Tournament rules typically require a current fishing license, boat registration, and adherence to state bag limits and size restrictions for the waters you fish.
  • Success on Lake Texoma often depends on understanding the lake's creek systems, main channel structure, and how seasonal water level changes affect fish location.

Lake Texoma's geography and how it shapes where bass live

Lake Texoma covers roughly 89,000 acres and runs about 89 miles long, making it one of Texas's largest reservoirs. The lake is widest in the middle and narrows toward both ends, with the Red River channel running through the center. This geography creates distinct fishing zones: the main channel holds deeper structure and channel-oriented fish, while the creek arms that feed into the lake offer shallower flats, timber, and vegetation where bass hunt.

The lake's bottom is a mix of clay, rock, and sand, with scattered timber and brush piles that provide cover. Water clarity varies by season and recent rainfall—after heavy rain, the Red River arm becomes stained, while the upper lake and creek systems often stay clearer. Largemouth bass tend to favor the shallower creek systems and vegetation, while smallmouth bass often hold on deeper structure and rocky points along the main channel. Understanding which arm or section you're fishing and what season it is will guide your choice of lure, depth, and technique.

Seasonal patterns and what fish are doing throughout the year

Spring (March through May) is a prime tournament season on Lake Texoma. Bass move shallow to spawn, concentrating in creek arms and on flats with hard bottom. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, triggering feeding and spawning behavior. Crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics worked around shallow cover produce well during this window.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper as water temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s. Fish retreat to deeper channel structure, creek channels, and shaded timber. Early morning and late evening bites are strongest; midday fishing is slower. Deeper-running crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and vertical jigging techniques work better than shallow presentations.

Fall (September through November) brings a second strong bite as water cools and bass move back to intermediate depths and creek systems. Baitfish activity increases, and bass feed aggressively in preparation for winter. Topwater, crankbaits, and swimbaits can be effective during this transition.

Winter (December through February) slows the bite considerably. Bass move to the deepest structure—the main channel and deep creek channels—and feed less frequently. Slow presentations like drop shots, shaky heads, and vertical jigging near deep structure produce occasional fish, but tournaments during this season typically see lower catch rates.

What you need to know about regulations and licensing

To fish Lake Texoma legally, you must carry a current Texas fishing license if you're fishing from the Texas side or a Oklahoma fishing license if you're on the Oklahoma side. The border runs down the middle of the lake, so know which side your boat is on. A license covers both freshwater and saltwater species and is available online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Bass have size and bag limits that vary slightly between states. In Texas state waters, the general limit is five largemouth bass per day with a 14-inch minimum size, though some areas have different rules—check current regulations before you fish. Oklahoma has similar limits in its waters. Tournament rules may be more restrictive than state law, so confirm the specific tournament's regulations when you register.

Your boat must be registered in either Texas or Oklahoma depending on where it's titled. Life jackets are required for all passengers, and boating safety rules apply year-round. If you're trailering a boat, use the public launch facilities and follow posted rules about hours and fees.

Techniques and lures that work on Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma bass respond to a range of presentations depending on season and depth. Crankbaits are reliable across seasons—shallow runners in spring and fall, deeper divers in summer. Soft plastics like worms, crawfish, and shad imitations work year-round, especially when rigged on jigs or Texas-rigged for flipping into cover. Jigs with crawfish or chunk trailers excel around timber, rocks, and deeper structure.

Topwater lures produce exciting bites in early morning and late evening, particularly in spring and fall when bass are feeding in shallower water. Swimbaits mimic the baitfish that bass hunt and work well during active feeding periods. Spinnerbaits cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes around vegetation and timber.

For tournament fishing, having a variety of depths and presentations ready is essential. Many successful anglers on Lake Texoma fish multiple rods rigged with different lures so they can quickly switch if one pattern isn't producing. The lake's size means you may need to run to different areas during a tournament day, so fuel efficiency and knowing your launch point matter.

Where to launch and what facilities are available

Lake Texoma has several public launch facilities on both the Texas and Oklahoma sides. On the Texas side, popular launches include Denison Dam East, Eisenhower State Park, and various county ramps. On the Oklahoma side, Texoma Marina and other facilities offer access. Most public ramps charge a small daily fee and have parking for trailers. Some facilities have fuel docks, tackle shops, and restaurants nearby.

Tournament launches are typically announced when the event is scheduled, and organizers will specify which ramp to use and what time you must be there. Arrive early on tournament days—parking fills quickly and you'll want time to prepare your boat and check your gear. If you're unfamiliar with the lake, consider running it the day before to scout launch conditions and get a feel for the water.

Connecting with the Lake Texoma fishing community

Lake Texoma has an active fishing community of tournament anglers, guides, and recreational fishers. Local fishing clubs often organize events and share information about current conditions. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Lake Texoma fishing offer real-time reports on water levels, clarity, and what's biting. Talking to other anglers at the launch ramp or tackle shops can yield valuable tips about recent patterns.

Guides who fish Lake Texoma regularly can teach you the lake's structure and seasonal patterns if you want to improve before entering a tournament. Many guides offer half-day and full-day trips and can accelerate your learning curve significantly. Fishing with experienced anglers, whether through a guide or by joining a local club, builds skills and connections that make tournament fishing more rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a Texas and Oklahoma license to fish Lake Texoma?

No. You need a license from whichever state you're fishing in. If your boat is on the Texas side of the border, a Texas license covers you. If you cross into Oklahoma waters, you need an Oklahoma license. Many anglers carry both to avoid confusion, but one current license is legally sufficient.

What's the difference between fishing the Red River arm and the main lake?

The Red River arm is shallower, murkier after rain, and holds more vegetation and timber—ideal for largemouth bass and shallow-water techniques. The main lake is deeper and clearer, with more rocky structure and channel ledges where smallmouth bass and suspended fish hold. Tournament strategy often involves fishing both depending on season and water conditions.

Can I fish Lake Texoma year-round?

Yes, but winter fishing is slower and more challenging. Spring and fall are peak seasons for tournaments and consistent catches. Summer requires fishing early and late in the day. Winter produces fewer fish but can reward patience and deep-structure fishing with quality bass.

What should I bring to a tournament day besides my fishing gear?

Bring your current fishing license, boat registration, life jackets for all passengers, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a cooler for your catch. Check the tournament rules for any specific requirements like life jacket types or required safety equipment. Arrive with a full fuel tank so you're not limited by gas during the event.

How do I find out when the next Red River Shootout is scheduled?

Contact local fishing clubs, check with tackle shops near Lake Texoma, or search online for "Lake Texoma Red River Shootout" along with the current year. Tournament organizers typically announce dates several months in advance and post registration information on their websites or social media pages.