Pottsboro Fishing Guides
Pottsboro fishing charters work the open waters of Lake Texoma for striped bass, catfish, and crappie, with year-round action just minutes from town.
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Pottsboro, TX Fishing Guide
Pottsboro sits on the south shore of Lake Texoma, right where Texas meets Oklahoma, and it’s one of the main hubs for guided fishing on this massive reservoir. Most trips run out of Highport Marina or Lighthouse Marina, with boats in the water year-round. Charters here range from quick half-day striper runs to full-day mixed-bag trips targeting catfish and crappie. Lake Texoma is known for its open-water structure — big main-lake humps, submerged river channels from the Red and Washita Rivers, and deep points that hold baitfish and predators alike. Stripers are the main draw, and guides often run just 5–15 minutes from the dock to get lines in. In the cooler months, fish school tighter and push into deeper channels, while summer brings topwater blitzes that can happen anywhere on the lake.
Fishing methods shift with the seasons. Spring and summer see a lot of live shad drifting or trolling umbrella rigs for stripers, with occasional slab jigging when they’re bunched up. Catfish are often targeted with cut shad or stinkbait around flats and river ledges, while crappie fishing is done over brush piles and dock pilings using minnows or jigs. The lake’s sheer size means there’s always somewhere to get out of the wind, and guides know how to work both the Texas and Oklahoma sides depending on conditions. Anglers looking for variety can also mix in sand bass or even a shot at blue catfish topping 50 pounds. Pottsboro offers quick access to both open water and protected coves, making it a prime year-round base for Lake Texoma fishing.
Fishing Seasons in Pottsboro
Spring (March–May)
By March, stripers start staging along the river channels, following shad as the water warms. This is a prime time for live-bait drifting and working shallow points early in the morning. Catfish bite steadily on cut shad along flats, and crappie stack up in pre-spawn mode around brush in 10–15 feet of water. Guides often split trips between striper runs and filling a cooler with panfish. Spring storms can make the lake choppy, but the protected arms around Pottsboro keep trips fishable.
Summer (June–August)
Hot weather brings surface feeding action for stripers, especially early mornings when shad schools push to the top. Topwater plugs and swimbaits get crushed during these blitzes. Once the sun’s up, trolling or slab jigging deeper humps keeps the action going. Catfish hang on ledges and deep flats, biting cut bait and prepared baits. Crappie fishing slows during the day but picks up at night under dock lights. Summer also sees more family-friendly half-day trips to beat the midday heat.
Fall (September–November)
Cooling water in September and October fires up the striper bite again, with fish schooling in mid-lake and along windy points. Live shad and slabs both produce, and it’s one of the best times for consistent limits. Blue cats start moving shallower, and drift fishing flats in 15–25 feet can produce trophy fish. Crappie move back to mid-depth brush piles, feeding aggressively ahead of winter. Fall winds can be strong, but experienced captains use the lake’s layout to stay on fish.
Winter (December–February)
December through February is big blue cat season, with fish pushing into deeper channels and wintering holes. Heavy cut bait on bottom rigs gets the nod, and 30–50 lb fish aren’t uncommon. Striped bass hold tight in deeper water, and slab spoons or slow-trolled umbrella rigs keep rods bent. Crappie stack up deep over brush, and on calm, sunny days, you can put together a solid mess of fish. Fewer boats on the water mean quieter fishing and some of the year’s biggest catches.
Gamefish in Pottsboro
- Striped Bass – 3–15 lbs, common on main-lake humps and channels, year-round on live shad, slabs, and trolling rigs.
- Blue Catfish – 5–50 lbs, caught winter and spring on deep channels with cut bait.
- Channel Catfish – 2–10 lbs, found on shallow flats and points in warmer months with stinkbait or cut bait.
- White Bass – 1–3 lbs, mixed with stripers in open water, aggressive on slabs and small swimbaits.
- Crappie – 0.5–2 lbs, around brush piles, docks, and timber, best on minnows or jigs.
- Smallmouth Bass – 2–5 lbs, rocky points and ledges, hit crankbaits and jigs, especially in spring and fall.
- Largemouth Bass – 2–6 lbs, found in coves and creek arms, biting plastics and spinnerbaits.
Pottsboro Fishing FAQs
What’s the best time of year to fish Lake Texoma from Pottsboro?
Stripers bite year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Winter is prime for trophy blue cats, and crappie fishing peaks in spring and fall.
Where do most Pottsboro fishing charters launch from?
Most guides use Highport Marina or Lighthouse Marina, both offering quick access to prime striper and catfish waters.
Do I need a special fishing license for Lake Texoma?
Yes. A Lake Texoma License covers both Texas and Oklahoma waters and is recommended for all anglers fishing with Pottsboro guides.
How long are typical fishing trips?
Half-day trips run about 4–5 hours, while full-day trips can go 8 hours or more depending on the bite and conditions.
What fishing methods are most common here?
Live-bait drifting, slab jigging, trolling umbrella rigs, and casting topwater plugs are the main techniques for stripers. Catfish are targeted with cut bait, and crappie are caught on jigs or minnows.
Can families and kids go on Pottsboro fishing charters?
Absolutely. Many captains specialize in family-friendly trips, with shorter runs, stable boats, and steady action for kids.
Are night fishing trips available?
Yes. Summer night trips for crappie and catfish are popular, using lights to draw baitfish and gamefish to the boat.
What gear is provided by guides?
Most charters supply all rods, reels, bait, and tackle, plus life jackets and ice for your catch. You’ll just need your license and personal items.
What species besides stripers can I expect to catch?
Depending on the season, you might hook white bass, blue and channel catfish, crappie, smallmouth, and largemouth bass while fishing out of Pottsboro.