I’m planning a trip later in November or early December to attempt to catch my 1st smallmouth. I’ve lived in Texas my whole life and figure it’s time to do this. As far as targeting smallmouth, zero experience. Any tips concerning water depth, structure, and preferred baits to focus on would be much appreciated. I’ll have my 16 year old high school fisherman with me as well. As stated, any pointers would be great and thanks in advance. We fish THSBA central division, therefore I’m not seeking info. for a tournament. Texoma isn’t on our schedule, just wanting to go have a fun day catching smallies. Thanks again

Fish the rock toward the dam. Smallmouth typically chase smaller baits and are often deeper than Largemouth. Bright colors sometimes make a difference.

Look for Rock with a big drop! I've heard they prefer clearer water and bright days. Also where larger boulders meet cobblestone sized rock.

Check Your Messages....

Do this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwb3v1IUR_s
Lake Fork boot tail live magic shad in pearl will also work very well. 3.5"
The smallmouth love it but so do all the blacks, Kentuckies, sand bass and striped bass.

We had a little OT smallmouth "Tournament" on Texoma and the winning fish, and most of the fish, were caught on a crawfish fly. By a fly fisherman. So if you ask me thats the best ha ha.

If you throw a 1/8 oz jig head with a small curly tail grub in Arkansas shiner at the rocks between the dam and Eisenhower Park you are likely to catch a smallie - maybe not a giant but at least a good shot at catching one or many. Light gear. light light line, sharp hooks and lots of cast will usually produce and by the end of the day you may have 5 or 6 different species having been caught. Good luck! Don't bypass Grapevine Lake as it is also producing smallies with some regularity lately. Not sure of bright days as best, for me my best was a fog covered morning after a brutal cold front pushed thru and the smallies were chewing!

Early in the day up shallow a Whopper Plopper can get your shoulder pulled out of socket...

Don't just limit yourself to the area around the damn and the cliffs. I've caught smallies as far west as the mouth of Big Mineral and everywhere inbetween. Heck just go bass fishing and there's a decent chance you'll catch at least one.

Thanks to all for your knowledge, keep it coming!

Fished 2nd weekend of October and we caught nothing but smallmouth south end of lake on squarebills.

Get yourself some craws. I like Christy Craws, pumpkin Purple or Watermelon Candy. C- Drag in 10 feet and around large rock, hang on. Big Smallies in Texoma. The waters a little cleaner outside Little Mineral thats where i’d start. If the wind picks up stick with it they get real aggresive. Good luck.

Get yourself some craws. I like Christy Craws, pumpkin Purple or Watermelon Candy. C- Drag in 10 feet and around large rock, hang on. Big Smallies in Texoma. The waters a little cleaner outside Little Mineral thats where i’d start. If the wind picks up stick with it they get real aggresive. Good luck.

Crank baits, suspending jerk baits, spinner baits, shakey heads in the previously mentioned areas and you will catch a few small mouth. Move and fish rocks especially points.

I caught my first smallie on this trip, and caught it in abut 6' on a drop shop watermelon red finesse worm with about 1" of the tail dipped. It was in an area where there were larger rocks mixed in with smaller rocks. The big rocks were about the size of basketballs, and the smaller rocks about the size of a baseball. Watched this weeks southwest outdoor report and that was the same advice they gave as for the rock types to look for.