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Fishing Lake Fork, Texas
Tom Redington
August 11, 2005
Lake Fork - Freshwater Fishing Report
Lake Fork Report
This week at Lake Fork has been fair for both size and numbers. We had a few fish over 7 lbs but none over 8, with numbers averaging 15 to 20 bass for a full day. I have found two different patterns to choose from. For numbers of smaller fish, shallow wood and grass cover early and late and schooling bass during the day are your best option. For big fish, deep diving crankbaits for suspended bass and bass relating to mid-depth structure (10’-18’) and TX or Carolina rigs fished methodically through heavy cover are the best option, although your numbers will usually lower. I’ve mainly concentrated on the bigger fish, so my report will cover that pattern. Beware; these big bass are hitting hard enough to rip the rods out of your hands (see below).
Again this week, we had numerous storms in the area but the lake didn’t receive much rain. The water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 401.12’, about 1’11” below full pool. The water remains a stained green color, due to continued algae blooms. Water temps remain in the upper 80s to low 90s.
The location pattern has stayed the same, although many of the big fish have been suspending instead of holding on the bottom. Many bass are still relating to humps, ridges and points outside spawning bays while others are camped on traditional summertime haunts that are well offshore. With the thermocline effectively creating a deep boundary for the bass at about 28’, I’m concentrating on structure that is 10’ to 28’ deep. Timber, whether it is standing, submerged, or in brush piles, has been the key cover.
Deep diving crankbaits in shad patterns have been generating some strong strikes. As a matter of fact, I had one hit it so hard yesterday that if ripped the rod out of my hands and took my lure, rod, and reel down into the depths. (This bass was last seen heading south towards Ray Branch with a Shimano Curado and a Castaway Soft Touch rod in her possession. Please contact the local authorities if you have any information on her whereabouts.) My customer, Greg, also almost had his rod ripped from his hands a couple times, so hang on tight with these big mommas! Find bass with your electronics on drops and rises in 10’ to 18’ and bump bottom cover with your crank or for suspended fish over 18’ to 30+’, use a stop and go retrieve to trigger these fish. On deep structure from 18’ to 28’, Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creatures in shades of green and Texas rigged Lake Fork 8” worms in Blue Fleck will produce big fish when slowly brought through heavy timber. ½ oz watermelon jigs with Watermelon/Red Baby Creature trailers are also producing some big fish in the timber. Simply pinch the grub tail off of the Baby Creature and you’ll give your jig an irresistible swimming action.
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 http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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