2011
December 22, 2011...With this year drawing to a close, the last six months have been some of the best fishing I have seen at the lake in 18 years. I strongly recommend that each person try to brave the cold weather and get to Texoma for this fantastic fishing. A couple days ago we brought in a 20 pound striper, with several slightly smaller fish, (17,13,12s) being returned, although the person who caught the big fish, is having it mounted. The lake has been calm, and we are able to find fish from the north to the south, with little problem. We are using live bait, with occasional artificial lures, but our last trip, which was the best we used large threadfins. I will be ready after the Christmas holidays, as I want to be with my family during these times. The fish will wait, and are hungry. Happy Holidays "JD".
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December 02, 2011...It has been a wonderful year, especially this time of the year, fall. Although the business has been down because of the green-blue algae scare, that is all over, and now to make up for lost time. We are catching a lot of fish, and on the big size, those from 7-10 lbs. The last couple of months has found us or rather me, using only artificial, and apparently catching larger fish with this method, mainly because I think it is more fun, and more productive with big fish. I have never in my 20 years, seen such large schools of fish, and although this lake is the striper capital of the world, the fish are everywhere, and no problem catching a lot of fish. I am hoping for a mild winter, so we can get out and catch a lot of fish without so much cold and winds. I caught a lot of fish in October to December, taking time out one weekend for my Operation - Welcome Home, whereas I with the help of 11 other guides took our military out of their enviorment, and onto lake texoma for a weekend of free fishing, eating, lodging, and fun. We entertained 55 military men and women from Ft. Sill, Shepherd AFB, and Ft Hood. God Bless our soldiers. Getting back to striper fishing for a living, I await your calls, hoping to make your outing "a once in a life time memory. "JD"
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November 03, 2011...Latest fishing has been somewhat spectactular, with water temperatures in the mid 60s. (surface) I have been catching fish easily on my side of the lake, from the Dam to back toward the Islands. I have been doing several trips away from my marina, therefore not as many pictures fishing with other guides. I have been using live bait, as well as artificial "slabs" in large schools of fish. Fall is a great time to fish, as the fish are very healthy and fat. It gets somewhat cool some times, so dress accordingly. Especially heading out early mornings. Lots of good dates still available so give me a hollar. "JD"
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October 13, 2011...Well it has finally gotten a little cooler on the lake, with a water surface temperature of 72. We are catching a lot of bigger fish, biggest to 10 lbs. The blue-green algae is still at the lake, but as far as I know there are no problems with the fishing or eating the fish. The mornings are beautiful and a shade cool heading out early in the day. I am working on a second boat to keep up with the bookings, but it has engine trouble so not sure when I can get it fixed. I might just fix it and sell it, as Falcon boats are
liked well on this lake. Fishing is picking up as far as numbers (limits per fish per customer) and should be good all the way into December. Anyway give me a call, and lets go fishing. "JD"
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September 06, 2011... Recent fishing although being real good, was hindered by cancelations because of weather conditions, and lake notice of blue-green algae. Warning of bga, was mainly for swimmers, but did affect the Labor Day activities. It does not appear to affect fishing trips, nor the fish itself. It is a temporary condition brought about by extreme hot conditions, and stagnant waters. It appears the fish are not scared, as they are still hitting artificial slabs, as well as live bait. The weather has cooled, and ideal conditions, with water temps in the 80s. When the water temps lower, it is setting the stage for fast, productive fishing results. Live bait is still abundant, and the primary source of food for the stripers.
I will be accepting reservations for this month as well as on into the winter, expecting excellent fishing conditions, as rain is expected, with cooler temperatures approaching. I require a deposit, and can set up your lodging needs, with departures from the dock around sunup.
I anticipate the forthcoming, "Operation-Welcome Home" for the injured and disabled soldiers returning home, and this event is scheduled over the November 18,19,20 weekend. This is an event for soldiers to fish free with coast guard approved guides, as well as others donating their time and boat. It is an event to pay back some to those who sacrifice the most towards our freedoms. Donations are appreciated, but the main issue is to get the soldiers here to Texoma, and show them a great time. We help with transporation, and the VFW and American Legions, help with meals, all in appreciation to the soldiers themselves.
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August 21, 2011... The last couple weekends have been good for catching fish, and good size fish. There has been the usual small fish also, but for the biggest part, the bigger fish are biting. Bigger, I describe as those which are in the 17-20 inch length. I was on a group trip yesterday, and didnt get to take any photos, but most boats limited, and those that did not, had 25 fish or more. Things are looking up! I am dedicating a lot of my time now to the promotion of my "Operation-Welcome Home", free fishing trip for the wounded and disabled soldiers scheduled for November 19, 2011. A host of other guides are assisting me in providing the boats, their free time, to this event, as well as some non guides who will help also. I am seeking donations to this event, although donations are coming in very well, and the main things is to get the wounded or disabled soldier here for some
R&R. I am a Navy veteran, and feel something like this is beneficial to our service men and women. Last year we had 40 soldiers from Ft Hood, but this year could be much bigger.. If you care to donate to this cause, or want to go fishing soon, please get in touch with me. "JD"
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August 14, 2011... Headed out with a group yesterday, having to return to get foul weater gear, as rain in the area. My group, Connie, Doug and Jeremy, had more fun as a family out fishing than I have seen in years, all in a constant downpour. We didnt set the world on fire, as big fish were impossible to find, but we had a ball catching small fish, as fast as we could bring them in. We were using all artificial, and Jeremy had fun with the top water action, with Connie and Doug using slabs. We were all wet to the gills when we went in, but it didnt matter. I kept enough of the bigger fish for a little fish fry as they were camped out off of Preston Bend. They promised to return in November, for my Operation-Welcome Home free fishing trip for our Servicemen and Women. Anyone in the area on November 19th, swing by and give a boost to our soldiers, at Lake Texoma. We are departing the docks around 6:30a, near sunrise at this time. We are getting rain in the area, and it should change things soon for exellent fishing for stripers. The surface temperature is in the high 90s. Fish are in shallow water, which is surprising. We are having to improvise to get the bigger fish, but this will change real soon with the cooler weather moving in, and good fish should become constant. Lets get together for a great outing with the family, as life is too short as it is. Call me or email me, and get that trip booked now! "JD"
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August 9, 2011... On Lake Texoma, it is hot, with extreme heat advisories. The Lake looks awsome, beautiful, very little wind, and slow fishing conditions. I am hitting several locations, trying to stir up action, and although catching some nice fish, it is less than desirable, to say the least. I have booked some trips starting this weekend, and expect with a little cooling off, with some rains predicted (if it holds true) next week, it will turn the fish on dramatically. The lake is down some, with surface temperature in the high 90s, which causes occasional top water action, and causing us to move a lot to keep up with the fish. I recommend booking early, as with everyone having to stay inside with the heat, when the first cool spell hits, lots of people are going to want to get outside. Right now I am either down rigging, or using leadcore line, trolling. Thats makes it nicer, with movement, and a little breeze of air, even if it is warm. There is some "slabbing" going on, very little live bait action, as hard to keep them alive in the bait tank, then put them is warmer water which shocks them. It is nice for customers to work with me, to get good results, as artificial fishing requires changes in colors, etc. We are leaving no later than 6am, before it gets too hot, and get done before it is too hot. Give me a call if I can answer some questions or book a trip.... "JD"
August 5, 2011... Being on vaction is too much work and I will be back next week. I do not expect too much business because of the extreme hot conditions. Although each day at Texoma is different, good days are awsome, and slow days are s l o w. Exect my honey holes have changed, so I will be out looking around all next week. Am sure fishing will be over when the heat hits around 10-10:30a, so I recommend waiting until the first cool spell blows in (fall) for the more comfortable times on the lake. I am really getting together some good trips the last of September, October and November, my favorite times on the lake. I take the SOLDIERS fishing free, some 50-60 maybe more, on November 19, so that weekend is unavailable. "Operation-Welcome Home" it is called and I get several other guides to help me. Anyway, stay cool and good fishing, call and lets get together. I turn 70 this October, and although RA has bothered me, I am still, the best for my age, around, and maybe THE BEST altogether, with my knowledge and great gift of gab, anyway. Come and I will make you fishers-of-men!..."JD"
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July 22, 2011... The striper fishing on Lake Texoma, has finally become remarkable, just when I am starting a vacation until the second week in August. I hope when I return it is the same, as I am really pulling some fine fish. Two days ago, JB Worthem and his son, Zach pulled a 16 pound striper and a 12 pound striper on the same trip. I have been doing two trips a day, in the cooler times of the morning and evening, and getting lots of fish, all good healthy and hard fighting stripers. It has reminded me of marlin fishing, on a small scale, as we have been long lining in heavy populated areas, where stripers are hiding. I will attempt the same when I return, as it is so hot, and movng and catching fish, helps you forget the heat. I have been leaving the dock around 6a, and back in by 10a, depending on the heat. I then leave around 6p and fish til dark, depending on the bite of the fish. I have reduced my cost by $50, because of the shorter time on the lake. You will have to read this report and remind me, or I probably will charge the normal rates. This applies only during this two trip season, and feel the customer would rather do this than, sit out on the lake for hours when it is so hot. I feel it is a time for you to catch more BIG fish, than a limit, although both are possible. Give me a call, as I will be booking fast with these rates and these conditions, which I feel all will really appreciate. I am still in boathouse 14, at Little Mineral Resort, and for mapscape direction, 300 Little Mineral Blvd. This will probably be the best fishing on this lake for a while, as when it starts getting cooler, the little fish will take over. Better fish and filets, until then or the heat causes the large fish to get skinny. Anyway see you on Lake Texoma. "JD"
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July 2, 2011...Well June had passed and I am starting off July with a little time off, to avoid the July 4th crowd, and lots of boat traffic. I am back on the job with a long list of guide trips, starting the 6th. June was very interesting in that we caught a lot of big fish, but sometimes short of a limit, because of the heat index after 11am. There was a narrow window to get it done, between 5:30a and 11:00a. It was the month for BIG fish, and during this month we have managed several fish between 7-10 lbs, with a few at 12 lbs, the biggest 15 lbs, which we returned to the water, as customer did not want to have it mounted. I leave it to the customer, to either have the big fish mounted or returned, as they are also our brood fish on Lake Texoma. According to statistics, 1 year fish will reach 7.7 inches; 2 year fish, 13.7 inches; 3 year fish 18.6; 4 year fish,21.3; 5 year fish 23.2; 6 year fish 26.2; 7 year fish 29.5. A 20 inch fish will take 3.5 years. We are beginning to see some top water action, slowly using less bait and more artificial, such as slabs, sassy shad, top water, etc. I will continue to do what I can to find fish, using whatever technique is needed to get limits (10 fish per person) and the biggest fish. If you want to book a trip, I suggest you get your dates organized and planned well in advance, with a deposit for the trip, in plenty of time to get the date you want. The story is out about the big fish we are catching, the fun we are having, and with the summer upon us, these stories will soon attract fishermen from near and far, so you need to get things on paper. I suggest you dress comfortable for a trip, bring plenty of liquids, and arrive on time, for a better outing on the lake. I will handle the rest. Anyway, Good Fishing......JD
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June 24, 2011...Fishing continues to be exceptional in the fact we are catching extraordinary large fish, but you can probably not count on a limit every day. The departure time remains at 5:30a, and if you are late, it will certainly hurt your amount of fish taken home. I will let you know straight out, if you cant head out for fishing, while it is just at sunrise, expect poor results. Otherwise, we will work on getting a good box of fish, and today we had 23 large fish, healty and fat, with a 9 and 7 pounder. We also had to throw some fish back, over the 20 inch rule, as we already had our big fish. If you care to see the site of your life, fishing on lake texoma, and get the surprise of your life, then call me and I will set you on some fish, which will take your breath away, and make your arms sore, they are such fighting fish. Call for a booking now! "JD"
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June 15, 2011...Well, if you know anything about Lake Texoma, and aware of what is going on, it is unusual as a fisherman to not be here taking advantage of it. Stripers can travel as many as 25 miles per day. When you find there starting point, which I have, and sat between there and their first run, and their turn-around return, the results are lots of good fish, but maybe just under your limit, as you will be throwing big fish back. There are a lot of boats around the location, because it is the only place to be this time of the year, and you will be amazed by the results, anticipating your next time to return to do the same thing. I fished one large group a couple days ago, and they have aleady set up another date for some of the same. Friday I have a 11 boat trip out, with some 48 people, and already told them they have to be here early, 5:30a, out on site, when it all starts.
It is a good time on Texoma. The bait is easy to get, although their moving in, conflicts some with our wanting to leave head out for the fish, so timing is important. If you are not a person who likes to get up and out early, maybe its is not your time to fish, as there is a narrow window to get on the fish, catch a limit, and get in before it becomes an over out there. The rest of the month, I have the 19, thru 21st open, 27th thru 30th. Then lots of good days for July... You should be a part of this action. JD
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June 05, 2011...Fishing has become somewhat normal for the time, with the water temp in the high 70's, and the pattern of the striper becoming predicable, hopefully to remain, as it is good. We are finding fish within a few miles of the homeport, and getting limit of good fish, the biggest today of 12 lbs. We took a picture and returned it to the water, as it was not going to be mounted. All the fish are providing a good fight, which is the nature of a striper. Shad is still plentiful, and I trying to leave the slip around 5:30a, so we dont have to spend a lot of time in the extreme heat of the time. Seems if you are not fortunate to get your fish before it gets so hot, the fishing slows, and could end in not getting a limit. There has been very little wind, and we do not have to anchor, making it a little quicker to be able to move, and get back on top of the fish. If you are interested in a good fishing trip, NOW IS THE TIME. It is ideal, and although the fishing should remain good, the extreme heat with take a little fun out of the trip. We should be in line for good fishing for another couple months, and I am fortunate to have cover on my boat,from the sun, so that helps. Give me a call, and lets do some striper fishing. "JD"
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June 03, 2011...Well I guess the fishing at Lake Texoma, is a good month and a half behind schedule. The reason I say that, although we have caught stripers sparingly, with no pattern, June 3rd was the first morning in a time, where everything went as it should. I had a trip out of Soldier Creek, three people, and after picking them up, and getting on my anchor around 5:30a, by 6:30a, we had 30 fish! Following this report is some pictures of that trips fish. I guess I cried long enough about the fishing, but now I feel a little more comfortable. It was good, but as soon as it started to get hot, with no wind at all, the bite was practically done. This is when you throw out your chest, pull those shoulder back, swing side to side, and FEEL GREAT. I take back all I said recently about the lake, and living on its reputation, and the fishing being bad, "the bite is on". I will fish every day, now seeing things are back to normal. The first saturday I have open is the 25th, with lots of days during the week, so call. "JD"
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May 31, 2011...It has been the toughest time for catching stripers that I can recall in my 19 years on Texoma. Considering the loss of fish, because of the extreme heat last summer; the extreme high winds; the over-abundant amount of shad in the lake; and the late rains, which had an effect on the fish spawn; all these have had an effect on the overall conditions. I have seen some of the strongest storms blow by on both sides of my location on the lake, causing massive destruction and deaths, in its path. The bottom line at this point is unless things get better soon, we are living on this lake reputation for lots of stripers, and not the present facts, that are you could possible catch no fish on any given day here on Texoma, and that hasnt happened in ages. If someone tells you different, then all he wants is your money, as he is broke. These conditions could change, any day, and I would be glad to eat my words, but one good day does not predict what will be happening on the following days. I will fish, letting you know the ups and downs, will be trying methods, trying to catch fish, that I havent done in years, as live bait is not doing that well, and if you keep up with this site, you will get the truth no matter what! If you choose me as your guide, and I havent given up, I will work as hard as I can to
show you a great day fishing, and if they bite, great, but if they dont, I did warn you. I dont need the money bad enough to pretend it is other than what it is. I have cancelled some fishing trips, until I can figure it out, and if you want to run with me, for all my experiments great, you could be surprised what we discover, maybe not. I like the challenge, and if anyone can figure it out, I can, and you will see the picture results on this site, and favorable reports, if not, head to the coast to fish. Telling it like it is, "JD"
May 17, 2011...We have finally been getting some good weather, knock on wood, and getting some good results with the stripers, although one day is completely different than the other. We have fought high wind, no winds, rain, hail, more wind, and it has gotten the fish wondering what to expect, which is our thoughts also. We have finally got to where we can figure some big fish are going to bite, but if that doesnt happen then we have to resort to getting small fish, so you can take some filets home. The pattern this spring, is that there is no pattern with the fish. If we catch them in one spot, we can not be assured the following day, they will be there again. Every day is a new experiece, but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. You will have to accept the guide, whether good or bad, cannot make the fish bite. We are getting boxes of good fish one day, and small maybe the next. Dont think that the customers dont have something to do with this, those that know how to fish, make it a little easier, in getting the limit. Those inexperienced will just have to catch on quick, and do what is told them, and after catching a few fish, everyone is therefore experienced. The time is upon us to book those trips, mainly as the weather is not so severe as the early sping, and may showers, and at least give us the calm seas to fish. Also the fish are ready, and once finding them, hang on! Take time to get your family, or friends together, and head this way, and let me work my butt off to show you the best experience at Lake Texoma. Good Fishing......."JD"
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May 12, 2011..Last couple days, Mid May, we are finally getting good limits, with big fish, all our over 20 inch fish. It is really awsome, and something we have been waiting to happen. I am booked pretty solid on weekends, a couple left in June. Few days in the week, so if you ready to catch some good fish, give me a call. I do have some evenings left also, which starts at 1:30. "JD"
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May 8, 2011..This past week has been a very difficult time, and a time you scratch your head, and ask what is going on? Although we have been having severe weather, even on the nice days, we have been running a long distance to try to find fish, stripers mainly. One day you can catch lots of good fish, some days lots of little fish, and some days just a few fish. It is not typical for this time of the year on Lake Texoma. The later part of this past week. we even resorted to taking lot of sand bass. Although they are lots of different places in the lake, for sand bass, they have schooled mainly. a good run from home port. The sand bass are big, and right now a guarantee of nice filets to take home, even if it is not striper. Naturally it is the same principal, catching fish, if your not interested in catching some sand bass too, under these conditions, I am not your guide. I can not guarantee stripers during these times, and here are a couple reason why. Whether it is the sole reasons, I am not sure. Last year we lost all our shad because of cold weather, and lost thousands of big stripers because of the extreme hot water of the summer. With the shad being restocked, they have came back this year, and they are everywhere. Although this lake can generate natural spawn, for stripers, because of flowing water, and a slight salt content of the waters, it takes a couple years to get good size fish, and several years to replace the big fish which we have lost last year. There are still thousands of stripers still out there, mostly small, but most probably that trophy fish numbers are down. We deal with reality, guiding on this lake, fight the weather conditions, loss of fish, loss of bait, but you have the best chances around, fishing Lake Texoma, for catching lots of fish, and we will just have to live with the conditions, realizing every day, it can be different. So regardless of these challenges, taking a chance my possibly losing business, you are aware of the facts, and regardless of how the guide might be, some days are going to be hard, but I dont know a guide on this lake who wouldnt want to catch you your limit, each trip. I will always do my personal best each trip, to provide the most fish possible, as well as show you a good time. I might not be the best guide on this lake, but feel I have a good rapport with my customers, to visit with you and keep you entertained while on a fishing trip. Catching lots of fish is secondary, which I am good at also. JD
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May 3, 2011..Well with April showers, high winds, hail, and a few good days thrown in, it was not that bad really, here on Texoma. I have been getting limits, mostly small fish, with a few nice ones, when you least expect it, but it was a fun month, regardless of the obstacles. May is a settling down month (hopefully) and I am booking several trips each day, so the fever is hitting the sportsmen, although most want the weekends, no more saturdays left. Week days are the best, with less traffic, and the lake for ourselves. I am being hit by the high gas prices, as everyone is, but not having to leave my side of the lake, to find good fish, so that helps. I have really gotten some cool customers this last couple weeks, and with a couple hard days, we have limited, fast enough to get off the water before the high winds moved in on us. Had the Cousins, Lains, Parkers, Mills, Fields, and a few groups from other guides I did not know, but was a great time, with bait fishing, and some top water at times. I dont like to fish on Sundays, would rather be in church, but with the season, I have to do what I have to do, and I call it my witnessing on the water day. We are expecting a great May, with lots of beautiful days, so if you need a guide who really wants to meet your fishing needs, give me a call. Good Fishing.. JD
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April 18, 2011. Well April is beginning to become a better fishing time, at Lake Texoma. Seeing that we have had numerous weather changes, overcast, and high winds, we are beginning to see a pattern, especially in using live bait. We are having to travel a good ways to find feeding fish, but sometimes we dont really realize, we are running across a lot of fish, closer to home. But we are depending on ole patterns, where the fish are these times of the year, and there we go. We have caught some good size fish, and the usual smaller fish, which swallow the hook, but it is better than no fish, which has haunted us this Spring. We are drifting, anchoring, with a little casting of sassy shad, depending on what we see at the time. The weather or the wind really predicts what methods is the best to try, but need to be flexible also. The sure thing is birds working, but they havent been up, long enough to limit out, then back to whatever is working. Sounds hectic doesnt it, but it's fishing this time of the year. All my Saturdays are booked for April and May, but still some good dates in June, but it starts getting hot during this time. June-July-August are great times for big fish, if patterns are the same as the past. I have some Fridays left, and trying to hold off on Sundays, to be in church, but I will do what I have to, as its my job. During the week is the best, less boat traffic, and pressure from lots of other guides running across the lake. Anyways call, and good fishing, "JD"
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April 12, 2011. It is apparent that each day is completely different during the last month. We have been contending against high winds, cold, and barometer changes daily. We will have a good day with nice stripers, then it will change to struggling to find the fish and get them to bite. I have been carrying several fishing rods, as each day it is a mystery what they will hit, bait or artificial. It is interesting to have to go back to old methods to catch fish, as we have been so spoiled over the last several years. I had a good day yesterday, but was only on a pre-fish trip, and it dont count other than to fill the frig.
My bookings are increasing with the warmer weather, and I am going to have to prove my worth with the upcoming trips, but I like the challenge. The water temperature is around the 60 degrees mark, and if the wind lays a little, we can have lots of fantastic trips. If you are heading this way, plan to be on the water for a good while, as, unless it changes, we are going to have to work for our fish. I might be eating my words, but with all the live bait in the lake, it tends to keep them fed, and to find the hungry fish. I am ready for a little increase in the action, but then that makes me only get paid more per hour. I really prefer a nice steady bite, chance to have a cool one, look the lake over, and relax on one of the best lakes around. Good Fishing! JD
I guess it wouldnt hurt to have a meteorologist explain the reasons for things that are occurring on this earth regarding weather, as it surely would explain some things which make fish eat or not. This part of the early season, March, has been anything but a predicable time to be out looking for feeding fish. It happens every year, springbreak, and time for kids to be out of school, and people ready to get out of the house and go fishing. It has been one of my favorite times of the year for fishing, and catching big fish, but not this year! I have seen winds in excess of 30 mph, white caps scary to the eye, warm weather one day, and extremely cold the next. I have been west, and I have been east, looked at depth (fish) finders which were blank, filled with fish, with then a little of both. I have seen fish deep, fish shallow, but no direct pattern to work by. I have even see fish hitting the topwater, which I dont recall ever seeing in March before. I am lucky I have had some real fishermen with me this spring, who understand the difference between fishing and catching. I have cancelled trips, rescheduled, fished, and have to refish because of some bad days.
One thing I am absolute certain about, it is around $87.00 to fill 5, 5 gals of gas, to put in my boat per trip. It is also a fact, I better have some extra warm cloths for customers who think it is going to be warm and nice on the lake, the date of their trip. It is good, I have catfish jug lines out, as they have saved the days on some occasions. As an indication, my first two trips were rescheduled twice, and they havent made it to a good day yet. The first actual fish day, turned out better than thought, after I compared it to the following two trips, which consised of high winds, and very few fish (refish these), then throw in the nice day, with a limit of 20 fish; followed by a cancelation because of bad weather, 40 mph winds, and 2 individuals with bad back, one being me. Considering all these things, this is still one of the best lakes in the World for catching fish. I have trips starting again this Friday, and looking forward to the challenge, as good warm weather is headed our way, and April-May-June are good months for lots of fish, with July-August big fish, artificial months. I thank the Riha, West, Boland, Davidson, Feltz, Adair, Davis, Steele for working with me through all the trials and tribulations of this Spring, as always a bad day on the lake if still better than a good day in the office. The fish patterns are beginning to take form, so if I can get some good weather, its on. Its time for fishing, friends, maybe a cool one, and being outdoors with family. See you on the water......"JD"
March 24, 2011. Fishing report: Well I guess we have finally gotten some fish on our end of the lake, starting the "biting" season, instead of the fishing season. I got up at 2am and got bait, thread fin shad, and returned to my slip to tie lines, and rig up my equipment for the Adair father and son trip. They arrived around 7am, and we head out with the winds building up to just short of gale force. I past up some birds working, because it was so rough, and head to my "spot" where the fish had been the day before. I was not able to get set up because of the winds, but did work some banks with artificial baits but no takers. I finally anchored in a out-of-the wind spot, and pulled only a good size crappie. The winds died down some, and I head back to where the birds had been working, but they were not working, so I found some fish, and anchored on them. It was slow but I was in the right area, so stayed with it, pulling a few smaller fish. I began to see some patterns returning, with the fish biting when on anchor, splashing them up, but it was s l o w. I picked up and drifted some, then the birds blew up, and the fight was on. I ended up just short of a full limit of stripers, but went in with about 15 nice stripers, one nice crappie, and three-four catfish. A nice day since it had been really tough the lst part of spring. I think this is going to be a banner year, now that it seems to have kicked off, and although we lost a lot of fish in the heat last summer, there are still plenty of great fish to catch regardless the time of the season. I have most of my weekends booked but still plenty of good days in the week, which is better anyway, less boats and less fishermen.
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March 21, 2011. Fishing Report: I use that term loosely, and it is more fishing than catching right now. I dont know whether it is the weather, the fact the moon is closest to earth now, or the fact we lost a great deal of fish last summer from the extreme heat. I do know it is hardest I have seen to get fish right now, and I think that is lake wise. There might be a few catching fish here and there, now and then, but its not that great for me. It is too unpredicable, and I dont guarantee fish under these conditions. I have postponed some trips, put them back on a later date, and those who could not reschedule paid the price, and suffered the consequences. I am only being honest, and although I am paying dearly for the chance to be at the top of the websites, I am now asking you to wait, until you hear better fishing reports. The thing that also bothers me, it could change in a day, and I wont be there to take advantage of it. I do have some juglines out and catching big catfish, but the stripers are being very hard to find on a daily basis. I know this report is not to my advantage in an effort to book trips, but I have to be honest. Book your trips if you must, but until it gets better, April-May-June could be the better months. Good fishing....."JD"
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March 10, 2011. The fish are beginning to be active, but it is too early to say if it will be good everyday, as we have changing weather, and wind, to contend with as we do each year. The water temperatures are showing in the 50s, but are different at different locations on the lake. We are doing a combination of things to get the fish, and with a little work, and time, we are getting our fish. I am picking up several trips each day, and thanks to goggle, texoma.com, key words, fishing, lake texoma, whatever, something is working. I always worry that I wont be that busy, but God always provides. I have been asked a lot to discount trips, for one reason or another, but it would not be fair to discount one, and not another, so I try to keep my costs the same for everyone. I have lots of good dates left, so give me a call. See ya on the water. (picture is an average fish we are getting now, but all are healthy and fat. "JD"
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March 07, 2011. As indicated in previous reports,regarding poor conditions, it has changed, this is the time, the fish are beginning to cooperate, and we are getting good results. If you like to cast, fish with bait, or whatever, although it is not the premier time, the fish have begun to move, and we will be getting busy fast. I like this time of the year for big healthy fish, and I state, you better be ready to head this way, as its on! Call......903-786-3981. "JD"
March 05, 2011. Times are tough on Lake Texoma. The weather has caused me to reschedule some fishing trips, because of the cold and winds. The usual patterns are now unusual, and it is tough to get stripers to bite. We had some good temperatures last week, but not well enough to raise the water remperature, and cause the fish to feed. What fish are being caught are nice and healthy, but it is hard to get our limits of fish. Many guides are fishing for large catfish, so it is not all a lost cause. Catching large catfish is fun on rod and reel. I have a long stretch of trips, and preparing to do what is necessary to get fish, and large ones as I promised. We lost a lot of fish last summer, lots of big ones, because of the extreme heat, but I caught good fish the last of last year, and know they are still out there. It is unknown when they will turn on, and until they do, we will be out there doing our best. Any day could be the day, and like March has always been, we will contend with the rain, wind, and cold, with a barrage of good fishermen, out there doing what we like best, fishing. Good dates, and lodging will still be an issue, so if your up to the challenge, tired of being in all winter, call and lets get out there, on beautiful Lake Texoma. Whatever the conditions, this lake has the best chances of getting fish than anywhere around, so with my experiece and equipment, your skills, that is the best combination, for good results. JD
January 26, 2011. I will be dedicating a lot of my time this year to the wounded soldiers returning from battle, with the fishing trip on Lake Texoma scheduled in November 2011. I will be unable to fish the weekend of May 21, 2011, as I will venture to Pt O'connor for the Warrior Weekend event, and try to learn things to make the free fishing trip for the soldiers at Texoma, in November along the same lines. Also with the consideration of fishing with me and CrossCreek Guide Service this year, please consider a donation to the event, as it is only a reality if we received the donations toward it. Try to put yourself in the soldiers position, particularily with the disabled soldiers, what would you like to have given to you, except for money, or replacing a limb, other than a honoring them for their service to their Country. JD
January 18, 2011. I know a lot of you have already gotten a fishing trip in line for this coming season, but was wanting to let everyone know, and many of you already know from fishing with me before, but March is an excellent time to catch big fish, and not much work, except to bring them in, as I long line for stripers. Last year, as years before, we have brought in lots of mountable fish during this time, already have the fish on your walls at home. Keeping in mind that this is the cool time of the year, it is also a time that the fish are real fat, and hungry from the winter months. Call me if you want to do this, as other later times of the year, it is a lot smaller fish, but they do bite faster when the temp of the water is in the 60s. JD
Well my fishing season or at least my bookings are doing great, so if you want to fish or would recommend me to someone who might, please do so, as some of the prime times are getting booked, and I want to stay busy this year on Lake Texoma. We will be doing the take a soldier fishing again, so please consider also donating again this year, as it is a very worthy cause as you well know. Hope your Year goes well, and again if someone needs a fishing guide have them please call me. Jerry
January 13, 2011. Happy New Year to all..Well as far as fishing this time of year, I guess I am a land lover. I have never found the cold weather or the fish to be interesting enough to freeze to death. I feel I dont hate the fish that much, and know it gets better fishing during the spring, and the rest of the year. The fish are somewhat more healthy and fat, with less pressure that the prime fishing times, but during the cold, bait is hard to find, and so are the fish.
So if your interested in prime time, March to December, I'm your man. I will be at a few of the fishing shows here and there, but the best way to find me is my website. My prices are competitive, I have a nice clean safe boat, and have been doing this for 18 years. There will be times the fish will not bite no matter what, but that time is less than 1 % of the time, and weather is a factor during these times. I guarantee fish, unless I tell you it is not a good time to come! I clean and "redmeat" all your fish, bag it, and all you need is to bring a cooler for the filets.
You are welcome to bring whatever drinks or food you desire, but with a large group, lets not overdo it, and limit our space with numerous coolers. I provide all the equipment, unless you have your favorite rod and reel, but most of the time my equipment is all that gets used.
March is cool, and I usually long line (troll) for big fish, and if this does not work I fish live bait at some of my honey holes. When the water temperatures are around 60 degrees the fish bite fast, and it is not unusual to get a limit fast. 10 fish limit per person, no exceptions. I am
Coast Guard approved, carrying required license, etc. I keep cabin reservations at the finest locations, and if there is ever any exceptions let me know. Hope to hear from you soon, Good Fishing......."JD"
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