Lake Fork Trophy Bass Fishing Report
Submitted February 5, 2009
By Guide James Caldemeyer
February is always an exciting month for fishing on Lake Fork! I anticipate this month to produce at least one, if not more, Share A Lunkers (over 13 lbs). Lake Fork always offers the opportunity to catch giant fish but from now through May your odds are greatly increased. These big females are moving shallow to feed regularly in preparation for the spawn. Needless to say, being on the water right now can be very rewarding regardless of the weather conditions!
Lake Fork is in great shape right now. Water levels are currently at 402.08 which is about a foot low. Surface temperatures have been hanging in the high 40's lately and barely breaking 50 degrees in some areas. I expect the current forecast of warm days and nights to get those water temps back up into the 50's and holding steady. This should really get the fish moving up. Water clarity has been stained and off-colored in a lot of areas up north from the wind and clearer mid lake to the south end.
The best patterns for catching one of these Lake Fork monsters have remained relatively the same. Red lipless crank baits are producing best and should be a staple bait for anyone fishing the lake this month. Crawfish patterns are working well in a number of color combinations as long as it has red in it. We have caught some fish lately on shad patterns and the good ole chrome/ blue back trap too so don't count them out. You have to experiment with several different colors and sizes to figure out what they will eat best on any given day. The 1/2 oz. or 5/8 oz. sizes have been best on the shallow grass beds and warmer conditions. When it cools off during these fronts I have been switching over to the bigger and slower rattling 3/4 oz. You can get it down to the top of the deeper grass better and crawl it along when the fish back out during a front. Best depths are 2-8 ft. Main lake and secondary points leading into the creeks are good places to start looking and even into the backs of some the creeks when the water is warmer. Deeper drains and ditches adjacent to spawning areas are key spots to find big fish.
Another great way to catch a giant bass on Lake Fork this time of year is a jig. People always ask me, "If you could only have one bait to fish this lake and catch big fish, what would you throw?" Definitely a "JIG"! Especially during the pre-spawn period. These female bass crave anything that resembles a crawfish this time of year. I use a 3/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. Talon flipping jig in black/blue or black/blue/purple with a matching trailer. Once I've located an area that is holding fish, I like to flip every piece of timber in the area especially those that are close to the deeper creek channel edges in 10-14 ft. Flip every tree, stump, and lay down while focusing on the shady side of the cover. Don't get in a hurry either. Just flip it in there and let it sit with little or no movement. The bite won't feel like much a lot of times but if you pick up on it and it feels mushy, set the hook!
As these water temperatures start warming back up you will want to keep a spinner bait rod handy. I like to throw a Talon 1/2 oz. white, white/chartreuse, white/chart/blue or black/chart spinner bait with double willow leaf or big colorado blades. These will catch some big fish especially during windy days. A Chatter Bait in white, white/chart. or green pumpkin with a Gary Yamamoto Swim Senko as a trailer is a killer too under the same conditions. If conditions get tough on a high blue bird skies day with little or no wind, reach for a suspending jerk bait to get the job done. Twitching this bait over the submerged grass and pausing it will draw some big strikes from the big bass that don't want to move far for a meal. Best colors have been gold/black/orange and clown.
If you are planning to head to Lake Fork this year and would like to book a guided trip, I still have a few dates available. Feel free to shoot me an email at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com or you can reach me by phone at (903)736-9888 to make your reservations. You can also go to my website at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com Don't forget to stop by and see Ben Hogan at Diamond Sports Marine on Hwy 154 at Lake Fork and check out the new 2009 model Ranger Boats while you are at the lake. If you are in the market for a new boat and have not yet ridden in the new Z520, go by and inquire about a test ride. Their service department can also get your boat in and provide any maintenance you'll need to get it "water ready" for spring fishing. I would like to thank the good Lord for His strength and presence in my life as well as all my dedicated 2009 sponsors!
Acts 4:12
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer