Lake TexomaAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Lake Texoma
Spring and autumn are ideal for boating and fishing; summer is busiest and hottest.
Weather & Climate near Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (988 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -1° - 11° | 2° | 43 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 14° | 5° | 63 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 84 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 137 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 31° | 26° | 106 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 34° | 28° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 34° | 28° | 58 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 18° - 30° | 24° | 118 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 12° - 25° | 18° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 1° - 13° | 4° | 57 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is reached from Denison and Sherman, Texas, and from Kingston and Kingston Ferry areas in Oklahoma. Major access is via US Highway 75 (Texas side) and state routes on the Oklahoma side; Denison Dam on Highway 691 (USACE facility) is a common landmark. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages many public access points (see USACE for maps).
Tips for Visiting Lake Texoma
- If fishing, carry a valid Texas or Oklahoma fishing license depending on which side of the lake you fish.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid holiday weekend crowds at public beaches and boat ramps.
- Try smaller marinas and day-use areas on weekdays - they are less crowded than larger state park ramps.