2024 marks 70 years since the first Lake Texoma Fishing Derby, and 80 years since Lake Texoma was completed. Before that first Derby occurred, the Register stated the record for a black bass was 12 pounds 1 ounce – a pretty impressive catch!
This summer, if fishing is your go to sport, it’s only $12 for a Lake Texoma fishing license. Then you don’t have to worry if you’re on the Texas or Oklahoma portion of the lake. There are plenty of good fishing spots along the shoreline if you don’t have access to a boat. Plus there are kayak rentals available. All around, there are plenty of opportunities for fun at a beautiful lake.
Lake Texoma is a unique lake with brackish water, and the striped bass love it. Large and smallmouth bass are also plentiful in the lake, and catfish and crappie too. Lucky for us Texans, striped bass tend to be in the dam area of the lake, which is on the Texas side. If fishing doesn’t suit your fancy, Eisenhower State Park is nearby, where you can hike and explore.
In 1954, the grand fishing derby winner would win a new car. We can’t promise a new car, but 70 years later, the lake is still a prime spot for summer fun.
This project is made possible by grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and with the help of UNT Libraries.
Gainesville Daily Register Digitization Project 