(4/22/2026) – Bassmaster Elite Series pro Chris Zaldain knows Lake Texoma as well as anyone, and as the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive heads to the Texas Oklahoma border, he expects a dynamic, pattern driven event. With recent rains impacting water color and fish spread across multiple stages, Texoma is shaping up to reward anglers who can dial in the right conditions and commit.
“Texoma is probably the best lake in North Texas or southern Oklahoma… you’re going to have to find that nice mix of stained water and clear water.” – Chris Zaldain
How Conditions and Timing Could Impact Lake Texoma
With the Red River, Washita River and a variety of creeks flowing into Texoma, recent rains are playing a major role in how the lake is setting up. That influx of muddy water is pushing anglers to be selective, narrowing in on key areas with the right balance of visibility.
“It’s going to be very critical to find that… one to two foot visibility—that reaction bait style of water.” – Chris Zaldain
Zaldain expects fish to be spread across all three phases of the spawn, creating multiple ways to approach the fishery. Anglers can target smallmouth on the lower end with forward facing sonar or push into the creeks and power fish for largemouth in shallow water.
The key will be committing to the right pattern and maximizing opportunities in productive water, as conditions could shift throughout the day.
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Patterns, Baits, and What to Expect
With both largemouth and smallmouth in play, Texoma offers a wide range of techniques, but Zaldain believes the winning pattern will lean heavily on largemouth.
“I believe you’re going to need five big largemouth to win… it’s going to take over 20 pounds.” – Chris Zaldain
For anglers chasing smallmouth, finesse and forward facing sonar will be key, with techniques like a jighead minnow, jerkbait, and small swimbait playing a role. On the largemouth side, expect classic shallow power fishing patterns to dominate.
“Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, and flipping a jig… that’s going to be the deal up those creek arms.” – Chris Zaldain
Execution will come down to efficiency—covering water, dialing in the right clarity, and capitalizing on quality bites when they come.
Chris Zaldain’s Outlook for the Event
At its core, Lake Texoma is setting up to be a tournament where decisions matter. With multiple species, changing water conditions, and fish in all stages of the spawn, anglers will need to stay flexible while trusting their strengths.
“You could go chase smallmouth… or you could go up the creek arms and power fish largemouth.” – Chris Zaldain
With 20 pound bags likely needed, a mix of conditions in play, and multiple patterns available, Lake Texoma is shaping up to be one of the most versatile and competitive stops of the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive season.
Texoma Registration Still Open!
Make the most of your trip!
West Bay will serve as the central hub for tournament activities throughout the event. Book your stay now at West Bay Casino & Resort and take advantage of a special offer for Texas Team Trail anglers: Discounted lodging plus $25 in West Bay Free Play with code TXTT26.
We’ll see you there for another great stop of the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive.
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Use Code: TXTT26
