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Fishing Lake Fork, Texas
Tom Redington
January 31, 2005
Lake Fork - Freshwater Fishing Report
The cold front last week slowed down the fishing for a couple days, but our recent warm spell combined with the front that moved through yesterday (1/12) and the bright sun today have turned the bass at Lake Fork back on. With or without customers, I’ve been fishing every day since the last cold front and each day has gotten a little better. In the last two days the bigger fish have turned on, with an 8-02 and a 7-05 plus several other 5 pound bass coming in. And just to keep us humble, another bass that was bigger than the 8 pounder jumped off right at the boat in the same spot that produced the 7 pounder.
The recent rains raised Fork slightly over full pool for a couple days but the SRA has been letting water out and it is currently at 402.7’, less than 4” below full pool. After cooling to around 50 degrees, water temperatures increased to the mid-50s in the main lake and up to the upper 50s in the back of protected creeks. With all of the rain and wind, some areas have turned stained to muddy but most of the lake is still pretty clear.
My best baits for this week have remained the same; however, the best locations have changed somewhat from last week. For grass that has grown nearly to the surface, a white tandem blade spinnerbait in ½ oz has done well, as well as around stumps in creek channels. For grass that is about 1’ to 5’ below the surface, a red or orange ½ lipless crankbait has been the ticket. The key with the lipless baits has been to keep in contact with the grass. You can burn it over the tops of the shallowest grass, while you’ll need to slow down and use a stop and go or “yo-yo” retrieve to stay in contact with the deeper grass. Finally, for grass that is growing deeper than 5’ below the surface, a medium running crankbait in a shad pattern has been working well. Of the baits, the crankbaits are producing the most fish while the spinnerbait is producing the biggest fish.
As for location, I’m still keying on grass all over the lake. Prior to last week’s cold front, I was catching a lot of fish in the backs of creeks. Since the front has hit, main lake points have been much better. In addition, wood-lined creek channels in grassy flats have been key areas. Right now, the fish seem to be stacked in channel bends near where the grass starts growing out the edge of the creek channels. Spinnerbaits worked in this zone have been consistently catching big fish. Finally, with all of the bright sun we had today, pockets and backs of creeks that were protected from the north wind warmed up nicely and started producing some good fish again in the afternoon.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 972-635-6027 or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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