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Fishing Lake Fork, Texas
Tom Redington
February 21, 2005
Lake Fork - Freshwater Fishing Report
Lake Fork Weekly Fishing Report
The recent warm days have kicked the bass at Lake Fork into high gear. A 13.67, 12.59 and 11.2 were caught in the last few days, plus 8 to 10 lb bass are being reported at the marinas daily. Moreover, we have started seeing a number of fish cruising the shallows and have even spotted a few fish on beds in protected pockets. With the full moon approaching on 2/24, it certainly appears that Lake Fork is about to bust loose.
The lake is still in great shape as we approach the spawn. Fork’s water level has held steady this week at 402.74’, only 3” below full pool. Water temperatures rose the last couple days into the mid 50’s in the main lake while protected pockets have warmed into the low 60’s. And most of the lake remains clear, except for the North ends and areas exposed to the recent high winds.
Due to the warmer water, we’ve seen the location pattern change somewhat this week. While most of the fish were staging on points and in the creek channels about a week ago, many have moved up onto grass-covered flats and into warm protected pockets. Most of the bass are still relating to the grass and the areas in each creek with the warmest water seem to have the most activity. As we’ve had some warmer and some colder days this past week, the bass are up to their usual spring tricks—moving back and forth between the shallow spawning grounds and deeper staging areas. So if you caught a bunch of fish in an area one day and can’t catch any there the next, try moving a little farther in and/or a little farther out of the cove and you should be able to find them again.
Once you’ve found some good looking areas, I’d recommend scouting the spot with a 3/8 or ½ oz white or chartreuse and white spinnerbait and with a crawfish colored lipless crankbait. Both seem to be working best for me early and late in the day or all day on cloudy and windy days. Once you’ve found an area that produces a bite or two on the moving baits, additional fish can usually be caught by fishing the spot thoroughly with a wacky rigged or weightless Texas rigged soft plastic jerkbait like a Magic Shad, Senko and Fluke or by using a suspending jerkbait like a Rogue. Shades of green have been working best with the plastics while the suspending baits in gold/black back/orange belly seem to be best right now. Carolina and Texas rigged plastics and crankbaits are producing some fish, as well. The key right now is finding an area that is holding fish, then trying multiple presentations to mine as many fish out of each spot as possible.
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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