Afternoon Kayak Fishing at Texoma

Saturday... headed to Texoma after the morning rain passed for a round of kayak fishing. Put in at Eisenhower State Park; worked a tandem Bucktail Jig and Clouser Minnow on a windy point. Managed six Stripers trolling the point. Fun stuff.

The Bucktail Jig had a White Fluke added; Clouser Minnow was fished "as is". Looked like the Stripers  wanted the Jig!

Wind was brisk and the water was rough at times; definitely glad to have the PFD on. Cool temps but not near as cold as last Saturday.

May need to give it another go on Sunday...!


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Struck Out at Kroger Park.... Blue/White Clouser Minnows

Checked out Kroger Park this evening and struck out. Had three strikes but failed to connect. Only had about 45" to fish; no worries though... was glad to get out after another week at the "salt mines"!

Did notice that a Weather Alert went out for tonight. Looks like our area is in for a few thunderstorms. Was hoping to make another run to Lake Texoma to see if the Striped Bass were biting.

With the weather as it is, going to play it by ear. Did tie some Blue/White Clouser Minnows in preparation for the next round at Texoma.  Was running short on the Blue/White Bucktail Jigs that worked last week. But, Clouser Minnows will do in a pinch!

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Saturday Kayak Fishing at Texoma

Decided to give Texoma a try Saturday morning in hopes of Striped Bass. Cold temps, starting out at 47 degrees. Good thing the waders kept things warm and dry.

Put in at Lighthouse Marina; things started out slow with no strikes on a Rat-L-Trap or Tube Flies. Switched to a Blue/White Bucktail Jig and Fluke and started hooking up.

Steady action... despite missed hook sets and thrown hooks, was able to put eight on the stringer.  Largest went 26" in length! Fun stuff!



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Another Round at Bethany with the Near Deere

Another round of fishing with the Near Deere; no Bruisers but did get a few fish. Did have a couple of kids wander where I was casting... else, this round was uneventful. Still good to get away and go fishing!



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Near Deere Gets a Few at Bethany Lakes This Evening

Tried the Near Deere Fishing Fly this evening at Bethany Lakes. Caught a couple of Bluegill and Bass. Did miss a few as well. No worries; was still a fun time catching them on the fly!



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Today's Fishing Thoughts...

Hi Everyone,
Here are a few fishing thoughts to keep in mind for this weekend...

Beavers Bend State Park - Lower Mountain Fork River. Been there twice now, posted videos on YouTube and a HubPages article to provide more details on the first trip.

• Really liking the area and the opportunity to fish year round for Rainbow and Brown Trout. At some point, will have to make an effort to spend a weekend up there instead of day trips.
• Did note that this year a new Trout Hatchery was managing the Stocking Program for the Oklahoma Wildlife Department. So far, it sounds like anglers who frequent the area have mixed feelings about the Program. 
• Regardless, still had a great time fishing! If we had more time this weekend, would have tried to fish it again. 

Lake Texoma - Kayak Trolling for Striped Bass. Made several trips over the Summer to try catching a few Striped Bass on Lake Texoma.

• Put in a High Port Marina and fished the rocks and the Islands with good success. Even caught Smallmouth Bass as well as a Gaspergou or two.
• Also, put in at Eisenhower State Park. Had a tough go there with only a few strikes. But, did manage to catch a Smallmouth Bass and a skinny 18" Striped Bass. Did notice a lot of Ghost Minnows that seemed to be the primary food source for the Stripers. Heard there was a Shad kill the past Winter that impacted certain size Stripers causing them to be skinny for their size.
• Lastly, checked out Lighthouse Marina. Liked the sandy beach area and the shallow flats that led to deeper water.had to start later in the day to avoid a few rain showers but once we started, was able to get a Smallmouth Bass, a Largemouth Bass, and a Striped Bass. they were small but still was good to get a "Texoma Slam"!
• For this weekend, Texoma would be the next choice to fish but still "iffy" about what this weekend's schedule will allow.

Lake Lavon - Jugline Fishing for Catfish. Was able to have several Beer Batter Fish Fries this Summer using this technique to catch Catfish.

• Although lake levels are low and only one public boat ramp remains open, was able to use our jon boat as well as kayaks to set juglines.
• Worked the point by Tickey Creek several times with good success. Key area was the side where the boat ramp is compared to around the point. Seemed to get more Catfish there.
• Later, decided to fish Little Ridge Park where the one remaining public boat ramp is located. Caught Shad for bait, and then set out lines near the Power Plant and had good success as well.
• Of the two locations, it seemed we caught larger Catfish at Little Ridge Park compared to Tickey Creek.
• For this weekend, juglining Lavon may be the fall back plan; just we have enough Catfish fillets in the freezer for at least tow fish fries.

Lake Lavon - Kayak Trolling for White Bass. At the start of the Summer and latter part of Spring, worked various  points at Tickey Creek and Little Ridge Park for White Bass,

• Mainly used this technique to get a workout in paddling for hours which does make a good workout.
• Did hook up with a few Keeper White Bass that made for good eating once the red meat was removed along the lateral line.
• Lures of choice were a Slab and Crappie Jig Rig and Tube Fishing Flies.
• Of the two places we put in, both were equally good with the key factor being Shad. If the area had Shad, we were able to get a few. Else, it was a lot of paddling without a strike.
• Also, did notice the Yellow Bass were more prevalent at Tickey Creek than Little Ridge.
• Later in the Summer, did try Collin Park Marina that has a private boat ramp. Launched our kayaks from the beach and worked the tire reef. Had a few hits but no Keepers.
• For this weekend, kayak trolling Lavon may be another fall back choice... except we might try another place to put in.

Community Lakes and Ponds. This is the likely choice for this weekend as it looks like work schedules will conflict with fishing. That said,

• Bethany Lakes is always a good place to fish. Action may be slow but it still beats working!
• Also, Oak Point and Plano East Senior High School are another choice. Oak Point requires a lot of walking but on occasion a few bites may be had.
• For Plano East Senior High School, their Catch and Release Ponds hold a Bruiser or two Bass and Catfish.
• Regardless, going to use either a Senko setup or fly fishing a Near Deere under a strike indicator.

Alrighty, having written down a few fishing thoughts before the weekend begins, it's time to sign off and stare at the time clock as it ticks closer and closer to quitting time! Until next time,...

Good Luck ad Good Fishing!
Fshng84


PS: Rreally would hve liked to have gone to the 61st Fishing Pier most of all for a go at more Sharks and other Saltwater Fishes!

Near Deere Goes to School This Round

Decided to fish Plano East Senior High School's catch and release ponds to get some practice fishing a Near Deere Fishing Fly under a strike indicator. Had a number of missed strikes using this rig on the Lower Mountain Fork River. So, better get some practice in (also, a good excuse to go fishing!).

Started out fishing areas that normally hold Bass but did not hook up. Then, had a Catfish take the fishing fly, followed by a Sunfish, and then another Catfish. Kept at it for a little longer, and hooked into a third Catfish that put up a really nice fight on the Five-Weight Fly Rod.

Fun stuff!



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More Fun at Lower Mountain Fork

Decided to take another day trip to Beavers Bend State Park and fish the Lower Mountain Fork River again.

Learned some of the terminology for describing the area... Started fishing the river downstream from the Cold Hole. Had some little Trout nipping my fly else no luck. Did see one fisherman catch a Trout; was able to get video of the action. Unfortunately, the video quality was not good as I was too far away.  Still was good to see someone hooking up!

Went to Lost Creek and caught a Rainbow Trout using a Prince Nymph. Also, caught little minnow-looking fish and a little Rainbow Trout that went for an Egg Pattern and/or Red Midge.

Then, fished Spillway Creek and lost a few Rainbow Trout; no video... either did not have the camera on or the fish wiggled away before I could get video.

Finally, ended the trip fishing to rising Trout in the Cold Hole. After several misses and turn-aways fishing a BWO, had one take the dry fly... turned out to be a Brown Trout!

Overall, it was a good day. Area had a lot of fishermen but that was expected since it was Saturday.




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Lower Mountain Fork River - Trout Fishing Day Trip

Here is an article - Lower Mountain Fork River - Trout Fishing Day Trip, to follow-up on last Saturday's day trip to the Lower Mountain Fork River.

More details on the day's action as well as some pictures and videos that may be of interest to some.... do check it out!

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To A River This Round!

Headed up to Oklahoma on a whim to the Lower Mountain Fork River at Beaver Bend State Park for a chance at some Rainbow Trout.

Since the trip was last minute, stopped by the Beaver Bend Fly Shop for some tips and to pick up suggested fishing flies and other tackle. Good information about fishing the Blue and Red Zones to include special regulations like the Name and License Number Tag for your stringer.

Interesting place with a number of little, wild Rainbow Trout caught and released, a Stocker Rainbow Trout caught and kept, and then a Bruiser Rainbow Trout hooked but lost while attempting to land it.  Also, caught and released a Brown Trout (first one ever!).

Did see others catching some nice fish, and then watched several rises where the little, wild Rainbow Trout were actively feeding on something rising to the surface. Took the aquarium net out and dipped it in the river; guess... tiny "somethings" that looked smaller than a size 26... tried several midge patterns and had several takes using a size 26 Trico just could not set the hook in time.

Oh well, still lotta fun going to a new place!



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Allen Fishing League!

For those in the local area, the City of Allen is starting up a fishing league! Check it out when you get a chance!

Allen Fishing League - Video Channel
Allen Fishing League - Facebook

The Allen Fishing League is designed to develop your child's passion for fishing and to add some fun to their game. League consists of five weeks and five mini tournaments. Stop by Joe Farmer Recreation Center to pick up your angler's packet before September 22 and may the best angler win!
Cost: $25Age: 12 years+Location: Offsite/JFRC
Meeting times: Mondays September 22 - October 20
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Online registration code 44203 (Optional)Meeting times: Mondays September 22 - October 20Time: 5-7 p.m.
Online registration code 44203 (Optional)

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Texoma This Sunday Afternoon

Put in at Lighthouse Marina on Lake Texoma this afternoon. Had to play it by ear for a little while as the rains passed through. Once things cleared up a little, launched from the Personal Watercraft Boat Ramp. Nice looking sandy beach and a shallow "flats" like area that looked promising.

Trolled with a Jig and Fluke and hooked up with a Largemouth Bass. Kept at it with a couple missed strikes, and then switched to a Rat-L-Trap. A Smallmouth Bass went for the Rat-L-Trap, and then no more strikes. Finally, went with a Slab and Jig Rig and had a Striped Bass take the Slab!

So, ended the trip with three fish - a Largemouth Bass, a Smallmouth Bass, and a Striped Bass. All were small but going to count as a Texoma Slam(?)... :-)

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Only One Public Boat Ramp Open

Sad news... Lake Lavon continues to be well below its normal water level. At this point, Little Ridge Park remains the only public boat ramp open.

Collin Park Marina is a privately managed boat ramp that is open to the public. It also remains open.

Looks like another year where our favorite duck hunting areas remain dry and inaccessible.

Jug Lining This Morning

Did some Jug Lining this morning at Lake Lavon. Put in at Little Ridge Park by the Power Plant.  Baited up with Shad and then waited for about a half-hour before the first bite. 

Turned out to be a Catfish that went 20". A few more strikes and missed hook sets, and then had another Catfish take that went just over 22". Then, had a little Catfish strike that we let go. Kept at it for a few more, and managed to get a Catfish that went 19"!

Overall, action was slower than other trips but Catfish seemed larger this time. Fun morning!




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Texoma at Eisenhower State Park This Round

Went Kayak Fishing yesterday for a chance at some Stripers. Launched at the boat ramp in Eisenhower State Park. Before launching though, stopped by the Marina Store and checked out the large Carp and Catfish that lurk nearby. Paid the $1 for the "fish food" and fed the fish. Bruisers are still there; unfortunately, they were the closest we came to a Bruiser this round.

Fished all day and saw lots of boaters, wind picked up later as well.  Worked the rocks along the shoreline and caught a 15" Smallmouth Bass after several hours without a strike.

Kept working the shoreline as well as deeper water without success for the remainder of the day. And then, while heading back to the boat ramp, notice fish were chasing the small minnows in the area. After a while casting to them, had a strike and a miss, and then short after the miss had a really skinny 18" Striper take the lure!

Had used Rat-T-Traps, Diving Crankbaits, Slabs and Crappie Jigs, and almost every lure in the tackle box. What finally worked... Blue/White Jigs that we bought from Dave's Ski and Tackle several years ago!

Overall, had a fun time. Sure beats work, and had another good workout. But, did see a couple of instances that reminded us to be careful on the water.

• Someone was troubleshooting their boat; would not start. Was resting against the boat dock. Their kids were sitting in front of the boat on the dock. Engine started and was in gear. Boat went rammed the boat dock and nearly ran over one of the kids. Close call. Luckily, no one was hurt.
• Jet Skier was on his jet ski towing a capsized jet ski. Not sure what happened but it looked like no one was hurt as well

Also, stopped by Denison Dam Tailrace to check out the water flow. Did not see fish, and noted the sulphur smell from the Lake turning over. Included some video in the clip below.

Till next time... Good Luck and Good Fishing!

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Afternoon Round... Went Kayak Fishing

Decided to do some kayak fishing this afternoon. Opted for Collin Park Marina as we never been there before. Boat ramp was really busy and the parking area was packed.

Luckily, was able to use a parking area near the picnic/beach area. A short portage later, was in the water working the Tire Reef that surrounds the marina. Glad the kayak weighs only 38 pounds!

Fished the area for about two hours; action was slow with one missed strike and one little White Bass. Still had a fun time; even got a workout in!




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Craft Fur Streamer This Time

Fished Bethany this morning. Late start; had some work to be done before we could go fishing. Used the 5-Weight Fly Rod and a Craft Fur Streamer we made earlier this year. Managed three Bass and a missed hook set this round. No Bruisers with the smallest one being a scrappy Fingerling Bass!



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Crankbait Again This Round

Fished Bethany again this evening. Same setup as yesterday - a crankbait. Ended up catching several Bass; did miss a couple as well. No worries. Good to wet a line before the start of the weekend!


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Crankbait This Round

Fished Bethany this evening. Had a short while before the sunset; managed to catch several Bass, missed a couple of Bass, and then hooked into a nice Catfish! All went for a crankbait!




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Another Round at Texoma

Decided to give Lake Texoma another go this Saturday morning. Put in a Highport Marina, and then paddled out to one of the Lake's islands.  Set up with a tandem-rig with a Rat-L-Trap on bottom and a Tube Fly Jig above it.

Caught little Stripers, a Catfish, and Gaspergou. The Stripers were caught trolling, sight casting from the kayaks, as well as wade fishing from the shallows. At times, had schools of Stripers boiling around us while wading!

Lots of fun, and had a great workout too!



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