Striper Fishing-January 2024

January 2, 2024:

Happy New Year to one and all.  The water temperatures are very cold and Deadsticking with four-inch flukes are catching most of the Striper on Lake Texoma.  We are fishing in the Sandbass Pass area catching quality Striper in twenty to forty feet of water.  One to one-and-a-half-ounce jig heads with pearl sparkle flukes are the ticket.  Don’t forget to keep your presentation very still, and use lure scent.  

January 20, 2024:

Water surface temperatures are 41 degrees. Follow Moonphase for more information. Striped Bass were very cold, and all fish caught Deadsticking 4″ Softplastic Flukes in 55 feet of water. Keep your lure presentation very quiet and stationary. Striped bass bites very lightly, so be ready to set the hook. Please remember to use bait scents like SpikeIt to improve your catch rate. We are fishing near river channels on the main lake. The wind was manageable at 5-15 mph out of the north. We catch our biggest Striper of the year, so book your trip with us today. 

January 2024 Lake Texoma Striper Report Overview

January 2024 ushered in a season of exceptional Striper fishing on Lake Texoma, with anglers experiencing both challenges and triumphs amid the winter conditions. The combination of specific fishing techniques, notably the dead sticking method, and an understanding of the month’s weather patterns, including average temperatures, moon phases, and wind speeds, proved crucial for successful outings.

Dead Sticking Technique: A Winter Essential

During the colder months, Striped Bass (Stripers) exhibit reduced activity levels, often becoming lethargic as water temperatures drop. This behavioral shift necessitates a more subtle approach to fishing, making the dead-sticking technique particularly effective. This method involves presenting a soft plastic lure, such as a 4-inch fluke, in a stationary position within the water column, typically at depths where Stripers are known to congregate. The key is to maintain minimal movement, allowing the lure to mimic the slow, natural motion of baitfish in cold water. Anglers have found success using one to one-and-a-half-ounce jig heads paired with pearl sparkle flukes, ensuring the presentation remains enticing yet unobtrusive. Additionally, applying lure scent can enhance attractiveness, compensating for the fish’s diminished aggression during this period.

Weather Patterns: Temperature, Wind, and Moon Phases

Understanding January’s weather patterns in Pottsboro, Texas, is vital for planning successful fishing trips on Lake Texoma.

• Average Temperature: January 2024 in Pottsboro experienced typical winter conditions, with average high temperatures around 52.2°F (11.2°C) and lows near 36.3°F (2.4°C). These cooler temperatures contribute to the lethargic behavior of Stripers, reinforcing the need for techniques like dead sticking.
  Weather US
• Wind Speed: Wind conditions play a significant role in fishing success. While specific average wind speeds for January 2024 are not detailed, historical data indicates that Pottsboro experiences moderate winds during winter months. Anglers should monitor daily wind forecasts, as wind direction and speed can influence fish behavior and lake conditions.
• Moon Phases: The lunar cycle affects fish feeding patterns. In January 2024, the full moon occurred on January 25th. Periods around the full moon often see increased nocturnal activity among Stripers, potentially leading to more active feeding during early morning and late evening hours. Planning fishing trips around these times can enhance the likelihood of success.

Fishing Conditions and Reports

Throughout January 2024, Lake Texoma’s water temperatures hovered around 41°F (5°C), contributing to the cold conditions that influenced Striper behavior. Anglers reported that Stripers were very cold, necessitating the use of dead sticking with 4-inch soft plastic flukes in depths of approximately 55 feet. Maintaining a quiet and stationary lure presentation was crucial, as Stripers exhibited very light bites, requiring anglers to be prepared to set the hook promptly.

The water clarity was slightly stained, which, combined with the cold temperatures, made the dead sticking technique even more effective. Anglers found success by positioning themselves over schools of Stripers and presenting their lures with minimal movement, allowing the natural current and subtle rod movements to impart lifelike action to the bait.

Tips for Anglers

1. Gear Selection: Utilize medium-action rods with sensitive tips to detect subtle bites. Pair this with a quality reel spooled with a fluorocarbon line, which offers low visibility and high sensitivity.
2. Lure Choice: Opt for soft plastic flukes in natural colors like pearl or shad patterns. The addition of sparkle can mimic the flash of baitfish scales, attracting attention even in stained water.
3. Scent Application: Applying fish attractant scents to lures can compensate for the reduced aggression of cold Stripers, enticing them to bite.
4. Location Strategy: Focus on deeper structures such as submerged ledges, humps, and creek channels where Stripers tend to congregate during colder months. Utilizing fish finders can aid in locating these schools.
5. Timing: Align fishing trips with favorable moon phases, particularly around the full moon, to take advantage of increased feeding activity. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most productive times.
6. Safety Precautions: Winter fishing requires attention to safety. Dress in layers to combat cold temperatures, ensure all safety equipment is functional, and always inform someone of your fishing plans.

Conclusion

January 2024 presented Lake Texoma anglers with the opportunity to refine their skills and adapt to the unique challenges of winter Striper fishing. By employing the dead-sticking technique and understanding the interplay of temperature, wind, and lunar phases, many achieved rewarding catches. As always, preparation, patience, and respect for the natural environment remain key components of a successful fishing experience on Lake Texoma.  To book your trip please follow Lake Texoma Fishing Guides.