Striped Bass

While Dallas itself isn't on a major striper fishery, nearby lakes like Lake Texoma, a little over an hour's drive north, provide excellent opportunities to target these hard-fighting fish. Texoma's unique position on the Red River creates a fertile environment. Spring and fall are peak seasons, coinciding with striper spawning runs and feeding frenzies. Live shad is the bait of choice for many anglers, either fished under a bobber or trolled slowly. Look for birds diving on schools of baitfish, which often indicates striper activity below. The dam area and the Washita River arm are known hotspots. Be aware that Lake Texoma straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border, so ensure you have the appropriate fishing licenses for both states if fishing the entire lake.