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Fishing Lake Fork, Texas
Tom Redington
September 18, 2005
Lake Fork - Freshwater Fishing Report
Lake Fork Report
September is one of the best months on Lake Fork to catch numbers of bass. While most of the fish caught this time of year aren’t lunkers, the steady action day-in and day-out makes it a favorite of many anglers. September is also tournament season on Lake Fork, so my report will focus on several patterns to help you catch those money fish.
Fork’s water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 400.24’, about 2’9” below full pool. The water clarity is slightly stained and about normal, while the grass beds are greening up around the lake and growing. Water temps are down considerably with our cooler nights, with temps running in the low 80s during day.
Concerning the location pattern, you’ll find bass spread all over the lake as the water temps cool. In contrast to the summer pattern when bass position was predicated on deep structure, many bass are now following shad and are feeding actively along edges of cover and structure. Whereas structure was they key, now the presence of baitfish is the predominate indicator for a productive spot. Once areas with shad are located, seek edges or funnels that allow schooling bass to corral bait and optimize their feeding opportunities. Typical examples or this are where cover and structure meets, like deep grasslines on points, timber along creek channel bends, or treelines along old fencerows. I’ve caught fish recently from the very backs of large creeks as well as suspended over 30’ of water, so pretty much the entire lake is in play right now. Finally, concentrate on windy areas of the lake and your catch rate will be better.
Following are the presentation patterns that have been working best, especially for numbers of keeper-sized fish. Early and late, the topwater bite is hard to beat. Shad colored Pop-R’s and Chug Bugs have produced fast action around pad fields and over grass mats. For a shot at a bigger fish, slow roll a watermelon/pearl Lake Fork Frog just below the surface in pads and around heavy grass on main lake points with deep water nearby. During the day, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch worms in watermelon candy and June bug have been consistent on deep grass lines. ¼ oz finesse jigs in watermelon or black/brown/amber worked along treelines and creek edges are producing some fish as well. On windy or cloudy days, small wide wobbling crankbaits that run 6’ or less, ¼ oz traps and ¼ oz spinnerbaits allow you to cover more water and catch active fish. Shad or chrome color schemes are top producers for these baits. A little deeper, medium running cranks like a Deep Little N fished through timbered flats are catching good numbers, even on sunny calm days. And don’t forget a Carolina rigged Lake Fork Twitch worm in watermelon or red bug in 10’ to 18’ along grasslines and on points. Find these schools with your electronics and you’ll catch a limit of keepers in minutes.
For those of you looking for an over-the-slot fish (24”+), I’d recommend the following patterns. First, Texas & Carolina rigs fished on 15’-25’ deep structure with a 10” Lake Fork Trophy Worm or a Baby Creature are still producing some good fish. Your number of bites on this deep structure will be less than it was in August or will again be in October, but your chances of catching a good fish are usually best on deeper structure during the day. Finding timber and brush piles on deep structure is the key and be sure to leave your bait in the cover until a big bass pulls it out for you. In addition, there are a number of big fish suspended in timber over deep water. Deep diving crankbaits in shad colors brought through the treetops and pitching jigs or Texas rigged creature baits to the timber will produce some giant bass. A great bait to try is the new Lake Fork Tackle Flipper in shades of green or black. You can check it out at the Lake Fork Tackle Pro Shop in Emory. Finally, early and late, Lake Fork Frogs and ½ oz watermelon or black/brown/amber jigs with watermelon red Baby Creature trailers fished around deep grass will produce some lunkers.
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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