Guide To Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a prime destination for striped bass fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to target both purebred striped bass and hybrid stripers. With its major lakes and reservoirs, the state provides excellent striped bass fishing experiences throughout the year.

One of the highlights of striped bass fishing in Oklahoma is the presence of hybrid stripers. Hybrid stripers, also known as wipers, are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass. These fish combine the strength and fighting ability of striped bass with the aggressive feeding behavior of white bass, creating an exciting angling experience. Hybrid stripers can grow to impressive sizes and provide a thrilling challenge for anglers seeking a memorable catch.

Oklahoma is home to several major lakes that boast healthy populations of striped bass and hybrid stripers. Lakes such as Lake Texoma, Keystone Lake, and Skiatook Lake are renowned for their striped bass fisheries. Lake Texoma, located on the border of Oklahoma and Texas, is particularly famous for its trophy-sized striped bass. It holds the state record for striped bass, with fish weighing well over 40 pounds.

In addition to Lake Texoma, several other lakes in Oklahoma have yielded impressive striped bass catches. Keystone Lake and Skiatook Lake, both located near Tulsa, offer excellent opportunities for anglers to target striped bass and hybrid stripers. These lakes provide ample fishing access, including boat ramps, marinas, and shoreline fishing areas, making them popular destinations for both local anglers and those traveling from afar.

Oklahoma's Wildlife Department keeps meticulous records of notable catches, including state records for various fish species. As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, the state record for striped bass in Oklahoma stands at over 47 pounds, caught from Lake Texoma in 1985. It's worth noting that records can be broken, and it's always exciting for anglers to strive for new accomplishments.

Whether you're targeting purebred striped bass or the hard-fighting hybrid stripers, Oklahoma's lakes and reservoirs provide an exciting and rewarding experience for striped bass anglers. The state's commitment to conservation and stocking programs ensures healthy fish populations and sustainable fisheries. So grab your fishing gear, head to one of Oklahoma's major lakes, and get ready for a thrilling adventure in pursuit of striped bass or hybrid stripers.

Striped Bass And Hybrid Striper Lakes

If you like to fish for stripers, Oklahoma is OK for you. Major lakes with a healthy population of stripers include Altus-Lugert Lake, Broken Bow Reservoir, Canton Lake, Fort Cobb Reservoir, Fort Gibson Lake, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Great Salt Plains Lake, Hugo Lake, Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lake Carl Blackwell, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hefner, Lake Hudson, Lake Konawa, Lake Murray, Lake Overholser, Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Skiatook Reservoir, Sooner Lake, Tom Steed Reservoir, Waurika Lake and Webber Falls Reservoir. Many of the rivers flowing into and out of these lakes also contain some striper fishing opportunities.

Click the images and links above for species details.

The state record striped bass was taken from the Lower Illinois River.

The state record hybrid striper was taken from Altus-Lugert Lake.

Fishing for Stripers in Oklahoma

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Oklahoma fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.