Striped Bass

Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, near Jay, Oklahoma, offers a unique opportunity to target striped bass in a freshwater environment. While not as common as largemouth, the striper population is well-established, providing exciting angling opportunities. Spring and fall are the prime times to target stripers, as they follow schools of shad. Trolling with crankbaits or live shad is a popular and effective method. Look for stripers near the dam and in the main lake channels. A local tip: pay attention to bird activity, as diving birds often indicate the presence of shad schools and, consequently, stripers. Also, check the lake's water release schedule, as increased current can trigger feeding activity. The striped bass in Grand Lake can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds being relatively common.