North Texas Weekly
Everything is Opportunity
Best Fishing Spots and Bait Shops in Grayson County
Athena C.
5/11/26
Best fishing spots & bait shops in Grayson County TX — Lake Texoma stripers, shore access, local bait shops, and guided trip info. Updated 2026.
Lake Texoma: The Crown Jewel
Lake Texoma is the reason serious anglers come to Grayson County. Created by Denison Dam on the Red River in 1944, the lake stretches 93 miles across the Texas-Oklahoma border and covers approximately 89,000 surface acres.
Its reputation rests primarily on one species: the striped bass.
Striped Bass Fishing
Lake Texoma is one of the only inland lakes in the United States with a self-sustaining striped bass population — meaning stripers reproduce naturally without stocking.
Lake Texoma stripers regularly run 5 to 20 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 30 pounds caught every season.
Best season: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are peak striper seasons. Fish chase shad near the surface during these periods, creating spectacular topwater and jigging action.
Best methods: Trolling umbrella rigs and swimbaits, jigging live shad, topwater lures during morning and evening feeding windows, live bait under a float near structure.
Top Texas-side locations: The main lake channel near the dam, Paw Paw Creek arm, Big Mineral Creek arm, and the Denison Dam tailrace are all productive areas.
Guided trips: A guided half or full-day striper trip is the highest-value fishing experience on the lake. Expect to pay $250 to $400 per person for a full-day guided trip. Book well in advance for spring and fall.
White Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass
White bass (sand bass) are abundant in Lake Texoma and provide fast, exciting action — particularly during spring spawning runs when fish stack in the creek arms and can be caught on nearly every cast. Hybrid striped bass (wipers) are also present and hit hard.
Best spring spots: Paw Paw Creek, Big Mineral Creek, and Buncombe Creek arms during March and April spawning runs.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth bass are found throughout the lake's cove and creek arm structure, with smallmouth bass also present — relatively rare in Texas lakes.
Both are accessible using standard bass fishing methods. Target sheltered coves, submerged timber, rocky points, and dock structure throughout the lake.
Crappie and Catfish
Lake Texoma has a productive crappie population, particularly in the deeper timber and brush pile structure. Blue catfish and channel catfish are accessible to shore anglers, dock fishermen, and those fishing from anchored boats. Night fishing for catfish in summer produces consistently.
Best Shore Fishing Access Points on Lake Texoma
Eisenhower State Park fishing piers (Denison): Multiple fishing piers extend into the lake from the park. Accessible to anglers without a boat. Day-use fee required. Good for striper, white bass, and catfish.
Denison Dam tailrace (Oklahoma side): The area immediately below Denison Dam produces excellent striper fishing — fish stack in the current below the dam. Oklahoma fishing license required on the Oklahoma side.
Grandpappy Point causeway and shore areas: Shore access near the marina for anglers without boats. Catfish and white bass are common from shore.
Army Corps of Engineers day-use areas: Multiple public access points along the Texas shore provide bank fishing without a boat. Look for signage along FM 1417 and FM 120 corridors near the lake.
Smaller Lakes and City Fishing
Waterloo Lake (Sherman)
Waterloo Lake is a small city park lake in Sherman stocked with catfish and providing accessible fishing for families and casual anglers within the city. No boat launch — bank fishing only. A good option for children's first fishing experiences.
Loy Park Lake (Denison)
The lake within Loy Park in Denison offers bank fishing for catfish and bass in a well-maintained park setting. Easy access, no fee, and ideal for families and young anglers.
Hagerman NWR Fishing
Shore fishing is permitted in designated areas within Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge's Big Mineral Arm impoundments hold bass, crappie, and catfish. A peaceful, low-traffic fishing alternative to the main lake.
Best Bait Shops in Grayson County
Lake Texoma Bait and Tackle Shops
Grandpappy Point Marina Bait Shop (near Denison): The most comprehensive tackle and bait source on the Texas side of the lake. Live shad available during striper season — a critical resource for guided and independent anglers. Rod and reel rentals, lures, terminal tackle, ice, and fishing licenses sold on-site.
Highport Marina Bait Shop (near Pottsboro): Full bait and tackle selection serving the western lake corridor. Live bait, frozen shad, a broad selection of lures, and fishing licenses.
Tanglewood Resort Marina: Bait and tackle available for resort guests and the public. Convenient for anglers staying at or near the resort.
City Bait and Sporting Goods
Walmart Sporting Goods (Sherman and Denison): Fishing licenses, basic tackle, and limited live bait. Convenient for stocking up before heading to the lake.
Academy Sports (Sherman): A full sporting goods selection including fishing rods, reels, lures, line, terminal tackle, and apparel.
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
A Texas freshwater fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older fishing in Texas waters, including the Texas portion of Lake Texoma. Purchase online at tpwd.texas.gov, at Walmart, Academy, or any marina bait shop.
A special Lake Texoma combination license covers fishing in both the Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake without requiring licenses from both states — a significant convenience for anglers fishing both sides.
Lake Texoma has specific striped bass size and bag limits. Always check the current Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing regulations before fishing — regulations can change annually.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
January–February: Striper fishing remains active in deeper water. Bass begin pre-spawn movement in late February on warm spells.
March–May: Peak season. Striper surface activity, white bass spawning runs, bass pre-spawn and spawn, crappie stacking in shallow brush. The best all-around fishing period of the year.
June–August: Summer heat drives fish deeper. Early morning and evening are most productive. Night catfishing is excellent.
September–November: Fall bite turns on as water cools. Striper surface feeds return, bass feed aggressively. An underrated season experienced anglers prize.
December: Fishing slows as water temperatures drop. Striper fishing can still be productive on warm winter days near deeper structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch in Lake Texoma?
Lake Texoma's primary game fish are striped bass (the lake's signature species), white bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie, blue catfish, and channel catfish. The striped bass fishery is internationally known.
Do I need a guide to fish Lake Texoma?
No — independent anglers fish the lake successfully, particularly for white bass, bass, and catfish. For striper fishing, a guided trip significantly increases your success rate, especially for first-time visitors. Grandpappy Point and other marina operations can refer you to licensed guides.
Where can I buy a fishing license in Grayson County?
Texas fishing licenses are available at Walmart (Sherman and Denison), Academy Sports (Sherman), Grandpappy Point Marina, Highport Marina, and online at tpwd.texas.gov. Online purchase provides immediate digital license access on your phone.
