February is big Bass time here at 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 in great shape for another fantastic year of fishing in 2009. The fishing has been good for size the last three days with the water temps dipping into the high 40's. The cooler water temperatures have not affected the bite as much as you would expect. Numbers of quality Bass can be found starting to stage in the grass beds around points, ditches, and creeks near spawning flats. Starting at the mouths of the creeks and working your way back is the best approach to locating Bass this time of year.
Dearing a cold fronts the Bass are 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. Fishing in depths of 3-8 feet has been good and will get better as the water temps rise.
The weather is calling for a warming trend, so expect the bite to be shallow and more consistent. Rattletraps and shallow running Crank baits in red/orange colors have been best. Chartreuse and white or white Spinner 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.
Rigging your baits on the proper equipment this time of year is also a critical factor when looking for a trophy Bass. Make sure you have given some attention to your rods/reels and fishing line that have been sitting around all winter. A little oil, some fresh line, and a quick drag check will make all the difference; there is nothing more disappointing than losing a big fish on your first Spring outing because of equipment failure.
Good areas for me right now have been White Oak Branch, Spring Branch, Big Mustang, and Bobcat Branch; we have had several Bass in the 5 to 7 pound range in these creeks in the last few days. I think this February is going to produce a lot of big Bass with the lake in such good shape also there is very little boat traffic on the lake right now and it really 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.
If you would like to book a Guide Trip and get in on some of this pre-spawn action you can reach me at 903-629-7699 or cell 903-629-5086 my web site http://www.lakeforktexasfishingreports.com
Good Fishing,
David Vance
