Lake Fork is about 7 feet low but still in great shape going into the per-spawn period for the 2015 spawn. For me patterning per-spawn bass will be the primary focus for February and even into early March. This is the time of year that the lake will produce some of the bigger Bass of the year. Big females will be staging in key areas to feed up for their annual migration to the shallows. Finding main lake and secondary points or pockets that are closest to spawning flats, that have good grass or heavy cover on them is ideal. Bass will concentrate in these areas ranging from 3-8 foot. a lip less Crank bait is my bait of choice during this time. Best colors are a variety of reds and oranges, chrome and blues and craw fish colors with a little chartreuse. Different sizes and colors will produce better than others depending on weather conditions, depth of the grass, and the water clarity. I throw 1/2 oz sizes in the shallower grass and opt for a bigger 3/4 oz. for the deeper grass, vary the retrieve of these baits and keep in contact with the top of the grass, letting the bait dip down in it then ripping it free is what will trigger a bite.
Water temperature is important during this time of year. Finding areas that have warmer water than others will give you the best opportunity at catching fish even if it is just a degree or two. I rely on my temp gauge to give me a accurate surface temperature. Right now the water temps have been coming up a little with the last few days of warm weather, and this will trigger more bass to move into staging areas. February and early March we can have some major cold fronts move through and drop the water temperature and fishing will get tough. A go to bait for me at this time is a suspending jerk bait. Jerking the bait down, and then just letting it sit for several seconds then twitching it again can be deadly for a big bite on these cold front days. Right now concentrating on creek channels leading back to the spawning flats is a very productive pattern for these big per-spawn bass. Good places that have been producing some nice bass and always do this time of year, Bell Branch, Little Caney, Wolf Creek, Birch Creek, Long Branch. Running Creek. February is not the time of year to catch numbers but if you are looking to catch a Trophy Bass this is the time the bigger bass start to make there move to the shallows, and you get the jump on the crowd of fisherman that will be here in March..
If you would like to book a spring Guide Trip book now for best available dates February, March, April, May, are prime time and book up very fast, also try to book your trip during the week to avoid the weekend crowd and all the tournaments that are held here on Saturdays and Sundays you will have a much better trip on weekdays!!! If I am booked on the day you would like to go I can book you with one of the full time professional guides that work with me, don't trust your trip with a part time guide. To get in on some great per-spawn and spawning action, contact me at 903-629-5085 cell or 903-629-7699. Check out my Web Site At http://www.lakeforktexasbigbass.com
Good Fishing,
David Vance
