Lake Texoma Fish Species - Smallmouth Buffalo - Info from Jacob Orr Lake Texoma Fishing Guides
Lake Texoma Fish Species - Smallmouth Buffalo - Info from Jacob Orr Lake Texoma Fishing Guides

Lake Texoma Fish Species: Smallmouth Buffalo

Although some anglers consider smallmouth buffalo to be a rough fish, in many areas the species is highly prized. Specimens in excess of 82 pounds have been landed by rod and reel anglers, whereas the trotline record is 97 pounds in Texas. Buffalo will sometimes take doughballs made with cottonseed meal, and when hooked provide exceptional sport. Many people may be unaware that smallmouth buffalo is quite a food fish. It is the number one species sold by commercial freshwater fishermen.

Ictiobus and bubalus are both Greek words meaning “bull fish” and “buffalo”, respectively. The back and sides are light brown or otherwise dark with a coppery or greenish tent. The belly is pale yellow to white. Smallmouth buffalo scales are large, and the species sometimes be confused with common carp by the novice. However, buffalo lack the barbels of carp. Smallmouth buffalo, as opposed to bigmouth buffalo, have a distinctive sucker-type mouth, oriented downward.

Smallmouth Buffalo Life History

Although the life history of smallmouth buffalo is not well understood, spawning seems to occur in the spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Eggs are broadcast over weeds and mud bottom, hatching in one to two weeks. This species is primarily bottom feeding which is why insect larvae, algae, detritus, and sand often make up significant portions of the fishes’ gut contents.

Smallmouth Buffalo Distribution

The native range of the smallmouth buffalo includes larger tributaries of the Mississippi River from Montana east to Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The species is also found in Gulf slope drainages from Alabama to the Rio Grande River drainage. In Texas, smallmouth buffalo are found in most large streams, rivers, and reservoirs exclusive of the Panhandle.

Other Names for Smallmouth Buffalo

Razorback Buffalo, Suckermouth Buffalo, Quillback Buffalo, Roachback Buffalo, Humpback Buffalo, Channel Buffalo, Baitnet Buffalo, White Carp, Liner Buffalo, Brown Buffalo, Blue Pancake

Lake Texoma Fishing Guides

Jacab Orr’s Fleet of Lake Texoma Fishing Guides represent over one hundred years of collective fishing experience on North Texas’ largest sport fishing lake. Jacob’s boat skippers are professionals who are all equipped with the experience and tools needed to put you where the fish are and help you land them. Whether it’s your first striper fishing trip or your hundredth, these guys will provide the service you need to be successful. All of our Lake Texoma fishing guides are passionate about fishing, and equally passionate about making sure that everyone they take out on the lake has the best overall time possible.

Ideal experience for any size family; great for corporate events or company parties, reunions, and more!

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Lake Texoma Striper Fishing Guides - Dan Barnett & Jacob Orr Guaranteed Striper Fishing

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Wow! We had a blast and will definitely be back! Jacob was our guide for my sons, their friend, my dad and myself. He was courteous and very personal with us all especially the teenage boys. He knew his stuff and was all about the fishing but constantly conversed and cut up with us all. He really enjoys his job you can tell! I will always recommend this guide service, especially Jacob! – D. Gonzales Google Review

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