we are having our extended family Christmas in Denison this weekend. I have never fished below the dam. I am taking 2 of my nephews 11 and 12 fishing from the bank. I was wondering what kind of gear and bait we should use. they will not care what kind of fish they catch. they usually have fun just casting and being near the water. any information will be appreciated. thanks.

Shadrap,
I would say Denison Dam is not very kid friendly. Terrain is very rocky and current is strong, especially with the flood gates open at this time. Be prepared to bring lots of tackle. Bait? Anything that works. It's always different every day.

+1
You could do fishing little bit downstream not that much rocky on both sides and not too much crowd as well
Good luck

top water baits and swim baits should do the trick. Make sure you have an OK license as well as a Texas license...the Texoma license doesn't cover below the dam. There is a map to show what you need for what area you are in.

Like Rasmot said, very fast water so watch your kids. Check the schedule for the dam as well...fishing really isn't worth it unless they are running water.

Below the dam use live shad or live minnows in the bottom or three foot under a float use( 6 to 8lb line.). This is to target medium to small size of fish like 10 to 15inch stripper, catfish, crappie or drum. cast in the bait where the water current is not too bad. While this setup for kids is going on you could use flashy spoon kind lures and flukes on a jig casting as far as you can.

To ketch the big boys go closer to the power plant (WALL) and use swimming shad under a float. with kids there is no fun in that spot, its hard core fishing and dead serous fight and stress.
Here you need to use 30lb line minimum and at least a 10foot rod.

If you are a family person and don't have much time to make a drive to Dennison dam at least once in two weeks, pray that you don't ketch a stripper. If you did ketch one, you will scream "FISH ON" every time like a kid when you hook one and you will walk like a confused husband in your work and home thinking when I could go back there again......LOL!

Good luck my friend.

My wife would kick my butt if I caught a stripper... 😛

She won't if you practice catch and release. Just don't bring it home and I think you'll be fine.

*****striper he made a mistake calm down!!!!!

For Kid friendly fishing from the bank, fish the small trout pond they stocked at Waterloo recently.... here are some links that may be useful to you. Powerbait Fishing Rigs and a Video.

PS: Just posted a more recent video of Waterloo and us catching Trout.... Today's Video

Heading to Denison this evening

Fished there last year in december, quite a few folks there considering it was during the week and cold, was there a good half a day and never figured it out/no bites, only guys that were having luck were fly fisherman.

Does anyone know the name of the floats that are weighted for far casting for hybrids??? Or where can I purchase them?? Thanks in advance.

Try Dave's Ski & Tackle on the northwest corner of Hwys. 75 & 91 (the turnoff to the dam). They also have huge minnows for sale at $7.29/#.

Thanks.