Lake Fork Trophy Bass Report
Submitted February 27, 2008
By Guide James Caldemeyer
February is coming to a close but the pre-spawn bass fishing at Lake Fork is wide open! Now is a great time to be out on the lake pursuing the fish of a lifetime. The big females are making their annual migration toward the shallows in preparation for another spectacular year of spawning activity. I always look forward to this time of year as Lake Fork gets to show all others why it remains the "Bass Capitol" of Texas.
The weather has been like a roller coaster lately, which is typical in February. Stable weather conditions and the front side of cold fronts coming through have been the most productive periods even when the wind is blowing hard. The water level at Lake Fork is sitting at 403.08 which is great. The draw back is that with the recent rains bringing the lake above full pool, it has stained a lot of the water up in the creeks. Finding the areas in the creeks that have clearer water are key places to focus on.
Water temperatures have ranged from 51-55 degrees in recent days depending on the evening air temperatures. With so many fluctuations in weather conditions, it is important to monitor your surface temp gauge in the areas that you are fishing. The most active bass are amongst the warmest water available to them on a given day and sometimes these areas can change overnight or from morning to afternoon. This can definitely make it a challenge to keep up with those "big mamas".
The best approach to locating the fish has been targeting the staging areas such as main lake points, secondary points, creek channels, ditches or drop offs that are adjacent to spawning flats. I will throw "search baits" such as the rattle trap, spinner bait or a chatter bait over the grass beds to entice a reaction strike. The ½ oz. or ¾ oz. rattle trap is my favorite and by far the most productive right now. Red/orange crawfish patterns, white/red, gold, or chrome/blue all have their place. Cranking over the grass and letting it fall down in it then ripping it out will trigger most of your bites so keep it in contact with the grass. Change the colors up also to see which one they want best on a given day. As the days warm up, a double willow Talon spinner bait in chart./white or red will catch them as well. www.talonlures.com
Once you have found an area that is concentrated with fish, slooowww down and fish the area thoroughly! I have been fishing a black/blue Talon ½ oz. to ¾ oz. jig tipped with a matching trailer and backing out to about 10-12 foot of water for some big fish action. The jig bite has been a little bit inconsistent but give it a fair chance because when they get on it, they GET ON IT! Keep the senko/fluke rod handy. Shimano's new Cumara 7'2" Med. Hvy. rod and 50mg reel spooled with 16lb. Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon is the perfect combination and man is it light. A 4/0 wide gap hook, Texas rigged or Mr. Blitz "Pin'Acky" wacky style hook www.mrblitz.com rigged with a Wave Worm Tiki Stick and Tiki Bamboo Stick in black/blue, green pumpkin, watermelon red, or sweet potato pie has produced some good fish lately as well. www.wavefishing.com Dead-sticking this bait from now through spring will be a very productive technique for catching a big bass. Just throw it out there and let it soak!
If springtime has you itching for a new ride out on the water, you need to go by and check out the new line of Rangers at Diamond Sports Marine on Hwy 154 while you are at Lake Fork. I gave two different guys demo rides in my new Z520 on Saturday and they were both so impressed in the boat that each they had to get one. This new boat is that amazing so go by and take a look at one!
If you would like to book a trip to come fish Lake Fork this year, feel free to give me a call (903)736-9888 or you can email me at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com . I do not have any availability in March or April but I do have a few dates open in May and June. These are excellent months to catch late spawning bass and get in on the tremendous post-spawn action!
I would like to thank my proud sponsors for their support and the opportunity to promote the quality products that they produce. A special thanks to my new sponsors, Mr. Blitz and Wave Worm. Please pray for my good friend and fellow guide John Tanner as he recovers from a kidney stone. Read Philippians 4:6
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer
www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com
