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 great year of fishing in 2014. 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 these Big Per-Spawn Bass this time of year. Dearing these cold fronts the Bass are more active and concentrated on main lake and 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 4-8 feet has been good and will get better as the water temps rise.
As February rolls along you can expect the bite to be shallow and more consistent. Lip - less and shallow running Crank baits in red/orange colors have been best. Chartreuse and white or white Spinner baits and Chatter baits, will also produce their share of Big Bass. Rigging your baits on the proper equipment this time of year is also a critical when looking for a Trophy Bass, make sure you have given attention to your rods reels and fishing line that have been sitting around all winter. A little oil, some new line, and a quick drag check will make all the difference, there is nothing more disappointing than losing a big fish on your first trip to the lake because of equipment failure, and by all means retie your baits often!!
Good areas right now have been Long Branch, Glade Creek, Birch Creek, Little Caney, Wolf Creek, Big Mustang; these creeks always produce Big Bass this time of year. In the last few days we have had several Bass in the 5 to 7 pound range and one over 9 lbs in these creeks. I think this February is going to produce a lot of big Bass, with the lake in such good shape. If you are looking to catch a Trophy Bass now is the time to spend as much time on the water as you can. I have been guiding on this lake a long time, and some of the best Big Bass days I have had have been on some the worst weather days,so don't let the cold weather keep you off the water this time of year. My March, April, May, days are booking up fast! Book early for best available dates.
If you would like to book a Guide Trip and get in on some of this per-spawn action you can reach me at 903-629-7699 or cell 903-629-5086 Check out my Web Site www.lakeforktexasbigbass.com
Good Fishing,
David Vance
