What Highport Marina offers anglers

Highport Marina sits on the north shore of Lake Texoma near Pottsboro, Texas, and functions as a full-service launch point for striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish anglers. The facility has concrete boat ramps, covered slip rentals, fuel, and a bait shop that stocks live shad and crawfish. You can launch a trailer boat, rent a slip for the season, or grab supplies without leaving the property. The marina operates year-round, though winter hours are shorter than summer.

The location matters because it puts you on the upper arm of Lake Texoma, where the Red River channel holds stripers in spring and fall, and the shallower flats hold largemouths year-round. If you're fishing from Pottsboro and want to avoid the crowded public ramps at Eisenhower State Park, Highport gives you a quieter alternative with amenities that make a full day easier.

Key Takeaways

  • Highport Marina has concrete ramps, fuel, and a bait shop stocked with live shad and crawfish for Lake Texoma fishing.
  • The marina rents covered slips by the season and offers day-use launch access without requiring a slip rental.
  • The north shore location puts you near the Red River channel, where striped bass concentrate in spring and fall.
  • Winter hours are reduced, so call ahead if you plan to launch before sunrise or after sunset in November through February.

Boat ramp conditions and launch logistics

Highport has two concrete ramps that stay in good repair because the marina maintains them regularly. Both ramps slope gradually into the water, which matters when Lake Texoma's level fluctuates—and it does, sometimes by several feet between seasons. At normal pool elevation (around 617 feet), the ramps work fine for standard trailers. During drought years when the lake drops, the ramps still function, but you may need to back farther into the water to float a deep-V hull.

Launch fees run per day or per season, with day-use rates lower than slip rental. The marina charges separately for fuel and bait, so budget accordingly if you're stocking up for a full day. Parking is adequate for trailer vehicles, and the lot stays paved and lit. Peak launch times are early morning on weekends, particularly Saturday and Sunday from May through September, so arriving before dawn helps you avoid the queue.

Slip rentals and seasonal storage

Covered slips at Highport protect your boat from sun and weather year-round, which extends the life of gel coat and upholstery in the Texas heat. Slip sizes range from 20 feet to 35 feet, and rental rates vary by length and whether you want covered or open water. Most slips include water and electric hookups, so you can run a battery charger or keep a livewell circulating while docked.

Seasonal rentals lock in a rate for 12 months, which is cheaper per month than paying daily launch fees if you fish Texoma more than twice a week. The marina also offers month-to-month options if you want to fish heavily in spring and fall but not commit year-round. Call ahead to check slip availability, especially in spring when striped bass season draws anglers from across the region.

Fuel, bait, and tackle availability

The bait shop stocks live shad year-round, which is the primary forage for striped bass on Texoma. They also carry live crawfish during spring and fall, when catfish and largemouths feed heavily on them. The shop keeps basic tackle—hooks, weights, leaders, and line—but it's not a full-service tackle store. If you need specialized gear like topwater plugs or deep-diving crankbaits, bring them from home or stop in Pottsboro before launching.

Fuel is available at the pump near the ramps, and the marina accepts both cash and card. Prices track regional diesel and gasoline rates, so expect to pay more during peak season. The shop also sells ice, snacks, and drinks, which saves you from running back to town mid-day if you forgot supplies.

Fishing the water near Highport

The Red River channel runs directly in front of Highport, making it the primary target for striped bass in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). Stripers hold in the deeper channel during the day and move to shallower flats to feed at dawn and dusk. Live shad worked along the channel ledge or jigged vertically in 30 to 50 feet of water produces consistent results during these windows.

Largemouth bass inhabit the shallow flats and creek arms that branch off the main lake. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, especially around submerged timber and rocky points. Summer fishing slows considerably as the lake warms, but night fishing for catfish picks up. The marina's location gives you quick access to multiple creek systems without a long run across open water.

Hours, contact, and what to bring

Highport Marina operates seven days a week, but hours shift seasonally. Summer hours (May through September) typically run 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while winter hours (November through February) close earlier. Spring and fall hours fall between those ranges. Call the marina directly to confirm hours before planning a pre-dawn launch, especially in winter when sunrise comes late.

Bring your Texas fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or at the marina's bait shop. If you're renting a slip, bring proof of boat registration and insurance. Day-use anglers need only their license and a valid payment method for the launch fee. The marina accepts cash and card at the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe at Highport?

Yes, but the marina is designed for trailer boats, so kayak and canoe access is informal. You can hand-launch from the bank near the ramps without paying a fee, though the marina asks that you stay clear of the boat traffic zone. For a safer experience, consider the public ramp at Eisenhower State Park, which has a dedicated kayak launch.

What's the best time of year to fish Highport?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons for striped bass, when the water temperature triggers aggressive feeding. Summer is slower but offers night catfish opportunities. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience and knowledge of deep-channel structure.

Do I need a slip to launch at Highport?

No. Day-use launch fees allow you to use the ramps without renting a slip. Slip rental is optional and makes sense only if you fish frequently or want covered storage for your boat.

What should I do if the lake level is very low?

Call the marina before launching. During drought years, the ramps still work, but you may need to back farther into the water. The staff can tell you whether conditions are safe for your specific boat type.

Does Highport have a restaurant or lodge?

No. The marina provides launch and slip services only. Restaurants and lodging are available in Pottsboro, about five miles away by road.