Hello, Anglers. I traveled to Lake Fork, located northeast of Dallas, last week to participate in the 15th Annual Skeeter Boat Owners Tournament. Lake Fork is known by thousands of bass addicts for its many trophy bass and of the top 50 biggest bass ever caught in Texas, thirty-four have come from Fork including the current state record of 18.18 pounds caught in 1992.
Currently, the top-seven biggest bass of Texas have all been caught on Lake Fork ranging from 17.08 pounds (7th place) to the state record of 18.18. For comparison, both Toledo and Rayburn each have one in the top 50 and those two bass are the current records of both fisheries as Rayburn is 16.8 pounds, caught in 1993 and Toledo's record is 15.32 pounds caught in 2000. Rayburn's bass ranks 9th while Toledo's comes in at 46th.
Part of the success of Lake Fork is the slot rule where all bass from 16 to 24 inches must be released. It is very common on Fork to catch 25 pounds of bass in a tournament and not be able to weigh in a fish. It is a fun lake to fish where you can catch several 4-5 pound bass on most days.
As far as the 2008 Skeeter Owners Tournament last weekend, a 10.88 pound Lake Fork bass caught by Richard Meyer of Belton, Texas won the first place prize of a 2008 Skeeter ZX200 with 200 h.p. Yamaha valued at $43,000. Because of high gas prices, some major boat manufactures canceled their annual owners tournament but Skeeter/Yamaha decided to plow ahead.
It turned out to be a good decision by the Skeeter execs as a record 1630 anglers and 808 boats took part in the tournament with many traveling hundreds of miles. It does show that anglers have some resilience to high gas prices and will make adjustments in order to spend time on the water with friends and family.
This indicates that fishing is much more than just casting, reeling and catching fish. For millions of us, it is a significant part of our lives where we re-connect with our Creator, renew ties with old friends, make new ones and pass on to our children and grand children the excitement and thrill of being outdoors. Personally, everyday spent on the water is a gift and I try to approach it that way.
LAKE CONDITIONS: Toledo's lake level is excellent at 171.3 feet with both generators running from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Summertime water temps are running from 83 to 87 degrees and all the lake has good water conditions with slightly stained conditions on north Toledo and clear to very clear as you head south. Anglers are taking advantage of the less restrictive boundries along the dam. Night fishermen, especially, are working the area along the dam.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS: Good water levels and increased submerged vegetation in depths from 2 to 14 feet have helped to keep a decent bass population in shallow-to-mid depths. This is especially true the first and last hours of the day as well as during cloudy conditions.
A variety of patterns/baits are proving successful including a small-to-medium spinnerbait worked over the grasses, top water lures (your favorite will work) I suggest Frenzy Popper/Pop R/Chug Bug worked along points as well as small/medium crankbaits. For more bites in clear water this season in 2-14 feet, consider 10-15 pound test Berkley 100% Flourocarbon.
In addition, we are catching bass on wacky worms, light Texas rigs as well as a split shot rigs. On bright days and during middle of the day, move out to 18 to 28 feet and work regular TX and Carolina rigs as well as drop shot.
Deep diving crankbaits such as DD14 and 22 also will catch quality bass in medium to deep depths. Schooling bass are increasing and with current moon phase the schooling activity has been the best in the afternoon. However, as the moon wanes, schooling activity should improve.
CRAPPIE: The main consistant bite has been on deep baited holes with small, live shiners. I am catching a few on spoons while fishing for bass in 20 to 30 feet. The bridge at Pendleton is producing a few at daylight.
STRIPERS: Below the dam at dusk is the best way to catch a good striper. Also, it is getting close to schooling time in the main lake.
AUTHOR INFO: Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.