Gordonville Fishing Guides
Gordonville fishing guides work the Texas side of Lake Texoma’s coves, points, and deep channels for striped bass, catfish, and seasonal crappie.
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Gordonville, TX Fishing Guide
Gordonville sits on the northern edge of Texas right along Lake Texoma, one of the Southwest’s most productive freshwater fisheries. Most charters here run out of Cedar Mills Marina, Walnut Creek, or nearby boat ramps along Farm to Market roads that drop you straight into prime water. Half-day trips are common for targeting limits of striped bass, while full-day runs let you mix in catfish and crappie or work multiple areas of the lake. The fishery is a mix of broad open basins, submerged creek channels, and rocky points, with timber-filled coves that hold crappie and largemouth bass. Run distances are short — often within a few miles of launch — though some captains will push farther west toward the Red River arm or east toward the Denison Dam tailrace if the bite shifts.
The year starts with stripers schooling deeper, often suspended over 30–50 feet, which calls for vertical jigging or live bait rigs. As spring warms things up, they move shallow to feed along windblown points, making them prime for casting soft plastics or crankbaits. Catfish stay steady year-round here, with blues and channels stacked along ledges, humps, and bait-rich flats — drifting cut shad is the go-to. In summer, early mornings and late evenings are best, with many trips chasing schooling stripers busting shad on the surface before switching to deeper tactics as the sun gets high. Fall brings a strong bite as baitfish migrate, and winter offers trophy blue cats for those willing to bundle up.
Nearby waters worth noting include the Red River below Denison Dam for tailrace striper action and smaller North Texas reservoirs like Ray Roberts for bass. Gordonville’s location makes it easy to fish both Texas and Oklahoma waters, though licenses are required for each side. Whether you’re light-tackle casting, soaking live bait, trolling, or running jigs deep, Lake Texoma’s structure and variety keep the bite going in every season.
Fishing Seasons in Gordonville
Spring (March–May)
Spring on Lake Texoma near Gordonville means stripers pushing shallow as the water warms into the 60s. The spawn draws them to rocky banks and points, and surface feeding often happens during windy afternoons. Many charters run short morning trips, drifting live shad or casting swimbaits along windblown shorelines. Catfish also move up into shallower water, especially after rains, making them more accessible to bank and boat anglers alike. Crappie begin staging near timber and brush in 8–12 feet, with minnows and jigs both effective. Water clarity can swing quickly with spring storms, so captains adjust locations daily, working protected coves when the main lake muddies
Summer (June–August)
Summer fishing in Gordonville is all about beating the heat and timing the bite. Stripers feed heavily at first light, often corralling shad into explosive surface boils. Topwater plugs and fast-moving spoons work until the sun pushes fish deeper, when downriggers or live bait on downlines become the ticket. Catfish drift fishing remains steady across flats in 20–30 feet, with cut bait producing the biggest blues. Crappie hold tighter to deeper brush piles, making electronics key for staying on them. Most summer trips launch early and wrap by midday, but some evening runs target schooling stripers or channel cats under lights.
Fall (September–November)
Fall offers one of the most consistent bites of the year in Gordonville. Cooling temps spark a big striper feed as shad schools migrate along channels and into coves. Casting swimbaits, flukes, and slabs into active schools can fill a cooler fast. Catfish action stays strong, with blues fattening up ahead of winter and channels cruising along rocky shorelines. Crappie push shallower again, stacking up around docks and timber in 8–15 feet. Many charters mix species this time of year, starting with stripers at dawn and finishing with catfish or crappie. Stable weather makes for smooth runs across the lake.
Winter (December–February)
Winter brings cold water and fewer boats, but it’s prime time for trophy blue catfish. Drift fishing large cut shad across deep flats or anchoring along ledges can produce fish over 40 pounds. Striped bass move into deeper channel edges, often suspending 20–40 feet down, making vertical jigging slabs or working live bait effective. Crappie hold in deeper brush and along steep drops. Most winter trips are shorter, targeting a few high-percentage spots and avoiding long runs. Calm, sunny days can see surprising midday striper action when baitfish rise in the water column.
Gamefish in Gordonville
- Striped Bass – 3–15 lbs. Caught year-round on Lake Texoma, with spring and fall surface feeds and summer deepwater trolling or live bait.
- Blue Catfish – 5–50+ lbs. Found on deep flats and ledges, best in winter and early spring with large cut bait.
- Channel Catfish – 1–8 lbs. Common on rocky shorelines and mid-depth flats, best on cut bait or prepared baits.
- Crappie – 0.5–2 lbs. Hold in brush piles and timber, strong spring and fall bite on minnows or jigs.
- Largemouth Bass – 1–6 lbs. Found in coves with vegetation or timber, best in spring and early summer on plastics or topwater.
- White Bass – 1–3 lbs. School in open water chasing shad, great action in spring and early summer.
- Flathead Catfish – 5–40 lbs. Targeted with live bait near timber or rocky structure, best in warm months.
Gordonville Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in Gordonville?
Most charters launch from Cedar Mills Marina or Walnut Creek, both offering ramps, fuel, and bait. Smaller public ramps along Farm to Market roads also provide quick access to productive water.
How long are typical fishing trips?
Half-day trips (4–5 hours) are common for stripers, while full-day trips allow for targeting multiple species or covering more of the lake.
Is fishing gear provided on Gordonville Guides?
Yes, most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. You just need to bring weather-appropriate clothing and a valid license.
Do I need a fishing license for both Texas and Oklahoma waters?
If your trip crosses into Oklahoma waters, you’ll need a license for that side. Many charters stick to Texas waters unless the bite is better across the line.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Gordonville?
Spring and fall offer the most consistent action for multiple species, but Lake Texoma produces fish year-round.
What techniques work best for striped bass here?
Live shad on downlines, topwater plugs during surface feeds, and vertical jigging slabs in deeper water are all proven methods.
Are trips family-friendly?
Yes, many captains welcome kids and tailor trips for comfort, safety, and action. Striper and catfish trips are especially good for first-time anglers.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Most charters allow clients to keep fish within legal limits. Captains often clean and bag your catch for you.
Do fishing guides operate in winter?
Yes, though schedules may be weather-dependent. Winter is prime for trophy blue catfish and deepwater striped bass.