Stripers spawn in freshwater. All the ocean ones come up into major rivers in spring to spawn in freshwater, then back to the ocean. A few lakes around the country have successful striper spawns. I've heard reports that Cumberland does have a successful spawn on some years. Not often enough, and not enough spawners to keep the lake stocked.

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe Texoma is pure strain stripers. Same as in Cumberland. Some lakes they do not get as big. A variety of reasons for that.

That topwater action sounds like a blast! Run into a few times on Cumberland. My best topwater action has been fishing New England in the fall. You'll run into days where there will be topwater action for 4-5 hours solid, getting hit on almost every cast.

Andrew