The Lake Texoma Striper Challenge is a catch-and-release tournament held on the Texas-Oklahoma border that draws striped bass anglers from across the region.
The Lake Texoma Striper Challenge runs annually and focuses on striped bass fishing in one of Texas's most productive striper fisheries. The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Lake Texoma Association, and it typically takes place in spring when stripers are most active in the shallows and around structure. The event welcomes both experienced tournament anglers and people fishing for the first time in a competitive setting.
Unlike many tournaments that keep fish, this one is catch-and-release only. You weigh your fish at the official weigh-in station, then return them to the water alive. That means the focus is on technique, knowledge of the lake, and the right equipment — not on who can keep the most fish.
Key Takeaways
- The Lake Texoma Striper Challenge is a spring catch-and-release tournament where anglers compete by weight of fish caught during a set fishing window.
- Entry fees and tournament dates vary by year, so you need to contact the Lake Texoma Association or local fishing clubs directly for current information.
- Stripers on Lake Texoma respond to live shad, jigging, and trolling along drop-offs and channel ledges, especially in the main lake and lower Washita River arm.
- You will need a valid Texas fishing license and a Lake Texoma fishing permit, both available through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Most successful anglers fish from dawn through mid-morning, when stripers feed most actively in spring.
When the Tournament Runs and How to Enter
The Lake Texoma Striper Challenge typically takes place in April or May, when water temperatures and striper behavior make for consistent fishing. The exact dates shift from year to year, so contact the Lake Texoma Association or check with local marinas and tackle shops in Denison, Texas, for the current year's schedule.
Entry is usually handled through the organizing club or association, and you can often register at the weigh-in location on tournament morning. Some years allow pre-registration, which guarantees your spot. Entry fees cover the cost of running the event and the weigh-in operation, but the amount varies. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether you can register in advance or must sign up the day of the tournament.
You fish during a set window — typically from sunrise to a fixed time in the afternoon — and all fish must be weighed at the official station before the deadline. Arriving late means you lose fishing time, so plan to launch well before the tournament starts.
What You Need to Fish Lake Texoma Legally
A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a one-day, annual, or multi-year license through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at any authorized vendor, including most tackle shops and sporting goods stores around the lake.
You also need a Lake Texoma fishing permit, which is separate from your state license. This permit is managed jointly by Texas and Oklahoma and covers the shared waters of the lake. You can buy it at the same places you buy your fishing license, and it is inexpensive — usually under $10 for a short-term permit.
Bring both documents with you on the water. Game wardens patrol the lake regularly, and you will need to show both licenses if stopped. The tournament organizers may also ask to see them at weigh-in.
Where Stripers Live on Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is roughly 89,000 acres, but stripers concentrate in specific areas depending on the season and water conditions. In spring, when the tournament runs, look for them along the main lake channel, particularly where it drops from shallow flats into deeper water. The transition zone — where the bottom goes from 15 feet to 25 feet or deeper — is where stripers hunt.
The lower Washita River arm, which flows into the main lake from the north, holds stripers year-round and is a popular tournament fishing ground. The main lake near the dam also produces, especially around the old river channel and rocky structure. Successful anglers use a depth finder to locate these features and the baitfish that stripers follow.
Current matters on Lake Texoma. When water is being released from the dam, current flows through the main lake and pushes baitfish into predictable spots. Stripers position themselves to intercept that bait, so fishing the current seams — where fast water meets slower water — often pays off.
Techniques and Tackle That Work in Spring
Live shad is the most effective bait for Lake Texoma stripers, especially in spring. You can catch shad with a cast net near the marina or buy them from local bait shops. Fish them on a simple rig: a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook, a small split shot or two to keep the bait near the bottom, and a light leader. Cast near structure and let the shad swim naturally.
Jigging is equally productive and lets you cover more water. Use a 1/2-ounce to 1-ounce white or chartreuse jig tipped with a shad body or a live minnow. Drop it to the bottom along the channel ledges and work it with short, sharp lifts. Stripers often hit on the fall, so pay attention to your line even when you are not actively jigging.
Trolling with crankbaits or live shad also works, especially if you are new to the lake and want to search for fish. Troll along the main channel at 2 to 3 miles per hour, keeping your bait or lure near the bottom. Many tournament anglers use a combination of all three methods: they jig and cast in the morning when fish are shallow, then troll deeper structure as the day warms.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
You will need a boat or access to one — Lake Texoma is large enough that shore fishing is possible but limits your reach. If you do not own a boat, several marinas around the lake rent them by the day. Eisenhower State Park on the Texas side and Denison Dam East and West on the Oklahoma side have public boat ramps.
Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh for weigh-in, even though you will release the fish afterward. A quality depth finder is nearly essential on Lake Texoma because the lake is deep and structure is not always obvious from the surface. A net makes landing big stripers easier and reduces injury to the fish before release.
Check the weather forecast the night before. Spring on Lake Texoma can bring sudden wind and rough water, especially in the afternoon. Many successful tournament anglers fish from before sunrise through mid-morning, when the water is calmer and stripers feed most actively, then head in before conditions deteriorate.
Weigh-In Rules and What Happens After
All fish must be brought to the official weigh-in station alive and in good condition. The tournament uses a certified scale, and each fish is weighed individually. Your total weight determines your placement — highest total weight wins. Most tournaments award prizes to the top three to five finishers, though the exact payouts depend on entry fees and the number of participants.
After weighing, fish are released back into the lake. Tournament staff handle the release to minimize stress and injury. This catch-and-release format means the same stripers may be caught multiple times over the season, which helps maintain a healthy population and keeps the fishery productive for everyone.
Results are usually posted at the weigh-in station or announced shortly after the final fish is weighed. Some tournaments post results online within a day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Lake Texoma Striper Challenge?
Yes, a boat is nearly essential because the tournament covers the entire lake and stripers are spread across deep water and structure. You can rent a boat from marinas around the lake if you do not own one. Shore fishing is technically possible but puts you at a significant disadvantage in a tournament setting.
What size stripers should I target?
Stripers on Lake Texoma range from 2 pounds to over 30 pounds. In a catch-and-release tournament, bigger fish count more toward your total weight, so targeting larger stripers is the goal. However, smaller stripers are often easier to find and land, so many anglers catch a mix and hope for a few large ones to boost their weight.
Can I fish the tournament if I have never fished Lake Texoma before?
Yes, the tournament is open to all anglers with a valid license. If you are new to the lake, consider hiring a guide for a day or two before the tournament to learn the structure and where stripers hold. Local tackle shops can recommend guides and provide maps showing productive areas.
What if the weather is bad on tournament day?
The tournament typically runs rain or shine, but severe weather — lightning, high winds, or rough water — may delay or cancel the event. Check with the organizers the morning of the tournament for any updates. Most tournaments have a rain date or will reschedule if conditions are unsafe.
How do I find out about next year's tournament?
Contact the Lake Texoma Association, local fishing clubs in Denison or Durant, or tackle shops around the lake. They maintain current information about tournament dates, entry fees, and registration. You can also check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for a list of organized fishing events on Lake Texoma.