Channel Catfish

If you're after whiskered giants, Kingston, Oklahoma, offers fantastic channel catfish opportunities. Lake Texoma, a sprawling reservoir on the Red River, is the undisputed hotspot. Its diverse structure, from submerged timber to rocky points and deep channels, creates ideal habitat for catfish of all sizes. The warmer months, especially late spring through summer, are prime time, as the cats become more active and move into shallower water to spawn. For bank anglers, the Buncombe Creek arm of Lake Texoma provides good access. Boat anglers will find numerous ramps around the lake. A practical tip: catfish here love cut bait such as shad or sunfish. Be prepared for some hefty fish; Texoma is known for producing some real trophies. Keep in mind that the lake can get busy with recreational boaters, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly for a quieter experience.