Lake Fork
Water Temp: 56 - 64
Water Clarity: Slightly Stained
If you haven't been to Lake Fork you should go! This last week was a little tougher and we had to work a little harder at putting fish in the boat, but we did and the numbers are better than in years past. The size is coming along nicely and should get better with each passing day! This past Friday my customer greeted me with, "Well Jeff, today and tomorrow are suppose to be the toughest days of the month, by looking at my solunar tables." As far as I'm concerned it was definitely tougher…both days, but my customer did put a nice 6 pound 11 ounce fish in the boat. I'll have the pictures up in a couple of days on the "Fat Girls" page on my web site.
Now, if you're heading to Fork and you find yourself with little to no bite at all I suggest that you slow way down and then slow down some more. In fact, if you can leave the bait sitting for a few seconds it will be better. Early in the week red Bandits and Rat-l-traps were working very well, but slowed as the days wore on. That bite still exists so don't put it away just yet. Anyway, if you find that those baits aren't working as well as you would like tie on either a weightless watermelon red fluke or a light weight Carolina-rig with virtually anything watermelon red. Remember, that cover is the key and the more cover you can find the better your bite will be. The bass are very shallow, so you shouldn't have any problems finding them.
There are fish on the beds on the Northern ends of the lake and a few in the mid-lake areas as well. "IF" you are wanting to sight fish please be considerate of those anglers who aren't sight fishing. Most likely you're going to catch larger fish by not sight fishing anyway and you can catch more fish.
Later in the week it looks like we're going to have a pretty good cold front move through so Thursday and Friday could be spectacular days for fishing. The topwater bite is very close and you might find a few that will hit a topwater now. However, later in the month will be better, then April will be better than March and May will be better than the preceding months. June isn't bad either!
Lake Fork is 2' feet low, but don't let that deter you from going fishing there, just be aware that the lake is not at full pool.
• If you are looking to buy a Nitro bass boat or a Nitro fish/ski boat I have Nitro gift certificates that can save you from $250.00 to $500.00. Just let me know you want or need one and I'll see to it that I get it to you.
* I will be holding a beginner "Bassin' Class" June 23, 2007. Please check my web site for more details.
If I can be of more help or assistance regarding a trip or "Bassin' Class" please contact me at 972-636-7022 / 800-965-0350 or by e-mail at jeff@jeffkirkwood.com. My web site, www.fishinwithjeff.com. If your club, organization or church is looking for a guest speaker I'd be happy to come just give me a call and we'll get it on the calendar.
It's that time of year to start looking at your calendar for guide trips for winter and spring. The earlier you book your date the easier it will be to get the date(s) you want. I have dates available if you're looking for a FULL-TIME guide. Available dates through May; May – 3, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24, 28, 29 & 31. So, should you want to become one of my many valued customers and a great group of fishermen give me a call, I'd be honored to be your guide. UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOOD LUCK & TIGHT-LINES!!!
Proud Sponsors of Jeff & his guide service: All Star Rods, Amsoil, Bandit, FGHP.com, J&J Sports, KeelShield, Lake Fork Tackle, Mercury Marine, Nitro, Pflueger Reels, Rat-L-Trap, Scum Frog, Shakespeare Fishing Line, "The" Bass Fishing Forum.com