Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma is a large reservoir on the Red River straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, created by Denison Dam in the mid-20th century and covering roughly 89,000 acres.

A major regional recreation area for boating, water sports and angling, with numerous marinas, campgrounds and day-use parks along the shoreline. The lake is especially known for its striped bass fishery and supports both private and commercial boating activity.

The reservoir was formed after construction of the dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, built between 1942 and 1944 for flood control, water supply and hydroelectric power; the impoundment filled following completion of the project.

The lake straddles the Texas-Oklahoma state line, with Denison, Texas, on its southern shore; it lies north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and is accessible from highways serving both states.

• Fishing: Renowned striped bass fishery that draws anglers year-round, especially in spring and fall when fish are most active.
• Size: Covers roughly 89,000 acres (about 360 square kilometers) of water, making it one of the largest reservoirs in the region.

What to See #

• Denison Dam: Concrete gravity-arch dam on the Red River completed in 1944 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the dam impounds the reservoir and includes a hydroelectric plant.
• State and Corps parks: State and federal recreational areas on both the Texas and Oklahoma shores offering campgrounds, boat ramps and picnic facilities; notable Texas-side facility is Eisenhower State Park.
• Marinas and boat launches: Multiple public marinas and launch areas serving both day trips and overnight boating, plus commercial outfitters for fishing charters.