February is big Bass time here on Lake Fork. For all you fisherman that have been waiting for those big females to start moving to the shallows, now is the time. Lake Fork is about 6 feet low but still in great shape for another fantastic year of fishing in 2012. The fishing has been good for size the last few days. Numbers of quality Bass can be found starting to stage on the timbered secondary points and ditches, and creeks near spawning flats. Starting at the mouths of the creeks and working your way back is the best approach to locating pre spawn Bass this time of year. Dearing a cold front the Bass will be more active and concentrated on main lake and/or secondary points. On warmer days, you will find that the bite is better at the very back of the creeks. Once you locate a fish or two it is good to make another pass back through the area as there will usually be several more in that location and come back and hit it again later in the day. Fishing in depths of 4-10 feet has been good and will get better as the water temps rise.
The weather this time of year is always up and down, but don't let the cold nasty weather keep you off the water. Because this is the time of year your chances of catching a bass over ten pounds will be the best. I have been guiding on this lake a long time, and Most of the bass I have caught over ten pounds were on nasty cold weather days. Expect the bite to be shallow and more consistent as the month rolls along. Suspending Rouges, ¾ oz Lipless crank baits in red/orange colors have been best also shallow divining crank baits in same colors. Chartreuse and white or white Spinner baits and Chatter Baits will also produce their share of Bass as well. I use a Stanley 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz Spinner bait with double willow leaf blades, Slow Rolling a 3/4oz Spinner bait on the outside edge of the timbered secondary points and flats will produce Big pre spawn bass this time of year.
Good areas for me right now have been White Oak Branch, Leafy Branch, Penson, and Wolfe Creek. These creeks have been producing some nice fish in the last few days. Brad Stevens from Kansas, fished with me yesterday and late in the day we had one over 6 and one that went 10 lbs 12oz in Leafy Branch, Brad caught this big bass on 3/4oz Spinner bait in 11 feet of water, this was the biggest bass he has ever caught he released her back to the lake and is having a replica made great job Brad!! I think this Spring is going to produce a lot of big Bass with the lake low it is going to concentrate the bass and make them easy to locate. February is one of the best months to catch a Trophy Bass on Lake Fork, the weather can be miserable but the rewards can be Big. My spring days are booking fast! So book early for best available dates.
If you would like to book a guide trip and get in on some pre spawn action, give a call on my cell 903-629-5085 or 903-629-7699 web site http://www.lakeforktexasfishingreports.com
Good Fishing,
David Vance