 |
Fishing Lake Fork, Texas
Tom Redington
April 11, 2005
Lake Fork - Freshwater Fishing Report
Lake Fork Weekly Report
Bass are in all stages of the spawn at Lake Fork right now. While a number of big fish are prespawn or starting to spawn from the mid-lake region south, there are lots of post spawn and fry guarding bass on the north end of the lake. Spawning action should remain good on many parts of the lake for a couple more weeks, then we’ll start shifting to the post spawn and early summer patterns.
Fork’s water level is up from the recent storms to 402.88’, about 1” below full pool. Continued windy days and the rains have some coves muddied up, but most of the lake is clear to stained. Water temps continue to climb, with the main lake holding right around 60, while coves are as warm as 70+.
Regarding the location pattern, the farther south you head and the closer towards the mouths of creeks you fish, the more prespawn and spawning fish you’ll find, in general. With the warming water, we have also seen some big fish starting to spawn on main lake flats. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some fast action, head to the areas up north where bass were spawning in late February. You’ll find bass on the flats and in nearby deeper water moving into post spawn patterns and starting to feed on a regular basis.
Since we are still in the midst of the spawn, the lure choices remain the same as last week. In areas with spawning fish, throw weightless soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Tackle Zig Zag or Magic Shad and wacky rigged Twitch Worms and Ring Fries in shades of watermelon and green pumpkin. Cast to light spots, holes in the grass, inside and outside weed edges and any wood cover that is about 8’ or shallower and you’ll be in business. For bedding fish, Texas rigged Ring Fries, Craw Tubes and Baby Fork Craws in white make it easy to see the bite; however, these same baits in more natural colors will spook less fish and often get you bit quicker. For the prespawn fish, work inside and outside grass edges on points, tree lines, and creek channels leading into spawning flats with lizards, spinnerbaits and suspending jerkbaits. Finally, in areas with post spawn fish, topwater baits, floating jerkbaits, and weightless soft plastic jerks like the Lake Fork Zig Zag and Magic Shad can produce some fast action for keeper-sized fish. Work these baits over grass beds and especially on inside and outside grass lines.
If you haven’t had a chance to catch one of the big Lake Fork bass while they’re shallow spawning, don’t despair. May, June and July offer steady action for good numbers of slot sized bass and a good shot at a bass from 7 to 10 lbs. By then, the fronts have moderated and fishing becomes consistent with fish to be caught on anything from topwater baits in 2’ to Carolina rigs in 20-30’ and anything in between. The smaller crowds and consistent fishing make early summer one of my favorite times to fish Lake Fork.
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
More Fishing Reports:
|
|
|
|
