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Fishing Lake Fork, Texas
Tom Redington
February 14, 2005
Lake Fork - Freshwater Fishing Report
Lake Fork Weekly Report
Happy Valentine’s Day from Lake Fork! After seeing an increasing number of noticeably pregnant bass, “love is in the air” (or more accurately, in the water) at Lake Fork. And with warm sunny days forecasted for this week and an approaching full moon, you’d best buy your sweetheart something extra special for Valentine’s Day; because if you love those big fat Lake Fork bass like me, she probably won’t be seeing much of you until May 1st.
The lake is still in great shape as we approach the spawn. Fork’s water level is up slightly to 402.73’, about 3” below full pool. Water temperatures rose the last couple days into the low 50’s and most of the lake is clear except for the North ends. Hydrilla, milfoil, and coontail remain abundant over a majority of the lake. And here’s some more good news—the cooler water temps and the rains seem to have increased the amount of water over the vegetation, making it easier to pull your lure over the top of the shallow grass without constantly fouling.
Concerning the location part of the fishing pattern, I’ll repeat myself from last week. Main lake points and secondary points with grass near spawning pockets have been best. In addition, tree and grass lined creek channels leading into flats are also good. Basically, any cove or pocket that attracts a lot of spawning fish will have bass staging on the nearby points and creek channels. Find the good spawning areas and the bass won’t be far away.
While you can look at a map and quickly pinpoint locations where the bass are currently holding, finding the spots where those bass are feeding takes some scouting. First and foremost, a ½ oz lipless crankbait in shades of orange and red covers the grass points quickly in search of active fish, plus it often does the best job of catching additional inactive fish once a productive area is located. The key remains keeping your bait in contact with the grass. If you aren’t tearing your bait free of the grass 4 or 5 times each cast, you’re probably fishing over the top of the bass. On windy, overcast, and rainy days, a 3/8 or ½ oz chartreuse and white tandem spinnerbait has also been an effective search bait. Finally, a ½ oz black and blue jig worked along the grass edge in 6’ to 10’ has been producing some nice kicker fish, plus a couple days it matched the crankbait 1:1 in total number of bites. You’d best be on your toes while fishing the jig though, as the bites have been very light and the bass are quick to drop the bait if they feel any pressure. Conversely, I’ve not had much luck this week working the jig around wood and docks where there was not any grass present. That bite should start any day now, but as of yet, a jig in the wood has not worked for me.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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