Summer Staycations: Striper Enthusiasts Should Flock To Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, crossing the border of Oklahoma into Texas. Norman Weber has spent more than half a century on this lake.

“This is like home,” he told us, agreeing to give us an insider's guide including where the best fishing holes are.

He drove us around the lake then took us to us to Biologic Point by the OU Biological Center, a popular spot for catching catfish, sand bass and striper.

“This lake is known for striper fishing,” he explains. “There’s 300 striper guides on the lake. This is the only lake in the United States where the saltwater striper goes upriver and spawns. All the rest of the lakes in the US have to be stocked.”

The lake's 600 miles of shoreline also provides plenty of beaches for sunbathing, playing in the sand or swimming.

For the more adventurous, Water Wings at Small Glasses Marina is one of the few places in the state here you can hydro-board. Owner Kevin Beam first discovered it when he was vacationing in the Caymans.

“I tried it, fell in love with it and brought it back to Oklahoma.”

You can give it a try, too, by making an appointment online with Water Wings. It's $99 for 30 minutes.

Up the road at Lake Murray, you don't even need a boat to float on the lake. The unique Lake Murray Floating Cabins let you enjoy the water from your front porch. Twenty-two cabins with all the amenities including electricity and running water will sleep between two and 18 guests.

“Being able to pull your boat right up to your cabin, not tracking mud,” said James Thompson, the owner of Lake Murray Cabins. “You’re not hauling your gear down the ramp and into the boat. Everything’s right here. Your kids are swimming off the water. Someone else can be inside in the air conditioning reading a book.”

While you're here, you and the kids can enjoy the Lake Murray water sports and mini golf is just up the road. You also can't miss Tucker Tower, one of the most identifiable sites in the state.  But a reservation for one of the floating cabins is hotter than the Oklahoma sun. However, after the summer crowds are gone can be some of the most peaceful times to visit and relax.

“In the fall and even the winter months, you have the lake to yourself,” said Thompson.