Lake Fork Trophy Bass Report
Submitted January 24, 2008
By Guide James Caldemeyer
The weather conditions have been less than favorable lately for fishing. Since returning home from a tournament, I have only been on the water a couple of days. It has been frigid out on the water. Do not let the cool weather deter you from getting out though. The fishing can be great this time of year when the weather warms up for a couple of days.
Lake Fork is in great shape going into the pre-spawn period for the 2008 spawn. Water levels are currently at 402.71, which is about 3-4 inches below full pool. With the lake levels higher than they have been in some time, I expect the fishing to be excellent again this year.
Patterning pre-spawn fish is the primary focus from now through the month of February and even into early March. This is the time that the lake will produce some real trophies. 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 adjacent to spawning areas and have good grass on them is ideal. The fish will concentrate in these grass beds ranging from 2-8 foot. A rattletrap is my bait of choice during this season. Best colors are a variety reds and oranges, chrome and blues, and crawfish colors with a bit of chartreuse. Different sizes and colors will produce better than others will on a given day depending on the weather conditions, depth of the grass, and the water clarity. I throw a 1/2 oz. sizes in the shallower grass and opt for a bigger 3/4 oz. for the deeper grass. Vary the retrieve of the bait 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 an important element 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 Lowrance electronics to give me a very accurate surface temperature. Right now, the water temps have been cool and have not been rising much during the day. With water temperatures recently dipping into the mid to high 40's, I will throw a suspending jerk bait also. Jerking the bait down to the grass and then just letting it sit for several seconds, then twitching it again can be deadly for a big bite!
Concentrating on the creek channels leading back to the spawning flats is also a very productive pattern for those big pre-spawn females. Flipping timber on the edges of the creek with a 3/8 to 1/2 oz. Talon jig in black/blue or black/brown/blue with a matching trailer is my favorite. I like to focus on hardwoods more as they seem to hold more heat and patches of grass at the base of them. If jig fishing is not your strength, now is the time to start fishing it. After you catch a big one on it, you'll be hooked!
If you would like to book a trip for this spring to get in on the pre-spawn and spawning action, feel free to contact me at (903)736-9888 or send me an email lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com I still have a few dates open for this spring but they are not going to last long. For anyone coming out to the Longview Boat Show at Maude Cobb Jan 25-27th, stop by and say "hello" at my booth. There will be plenty of fun out there for the whole family!
And speaking of boats…If you have not seen or ridden in the new 2008 Ranger Z520, stop by Diamond Sports Marine Hwy 154 on Lake Fork or give them a call (903)383-7829. Ben Hogan and the folks there will take care of you on your next boat purchase. I am running this particular boat and the design & performance is unmatched!
I want to thank the Lord for his provisions and to my sponsors for their continued support. Please pray for our country and for Terri Moon's husband (Jerry) as he recovers from surgery. Read Colossians 3:2
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer
www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com