The water temps are rising quickly, and the fishing is getting ready to explode on Fork! There are a lot of suspended fish right now with the spike in temps, but there are also some big fish still susceptible to a jig. If you stick with it all day, you will come up with a big one. Overall, the fishing is tough, but now is the time to go for that one big bite. Its there to be had, you just have to keep your confidence up and be alert, because you never know when its coming.
Posts Tagged ‘Lake Fork’
Lake Fork Guide Andrew Grills 2-22-2012 update
February 23, 2012Lake Fork is about to turn on! 2-22-12
February 23, 2012Lake Level 5.47ft low, LAKE FORK MARINA RAMP IS NOW OPERATIONAL We have had people launching the last few days with no issues, we are asking people not power load. Use your winch! We are a tad over 1 foot higher than when we closed our ramp in September of last year.
I have heard reports of males cruising, 61 degree water. Fishing was tough today for most, Lake Fork Guide Rick Carter got into some great fish today. With warm weather in the forecast (highs near 80 the next 2 days)…I think we are about to see some BIG fish being pulled out over the next few days.
This upcoming weekend is going to be fairly light with traffic. Last chance to beat the spring crowds…bring plenty of square bills, red traps and black and blue jigs.
Nice prespawn toad
Nice double
Rick Carter Client FIsh 2-22-12
Spring Cleaning
February 22, 2012Going through the list of guides we link to on LFMFR and determining who is still working and giving us reports. If we have mistakenly deleted your name from the list of guides ( ON RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE) who contribute to the site, please feel free to contact Cameron at the shop.
Thanks
Father & Son
February 22, 2012Bo and Luke enjoying some family time at the lake.
Lake Fork Report Guide Andrew Grills 2-19-12
February 21, 2012Right now the fishing is back on the upswing on Fork. Cold fronts keep coming, but the fishing seems to be getting more consistent. If you have been fishing on Lake Fork recently, you know that its been a tough bite. However, big fish can still be caught. Now is one of the best times of the year to get a big fish, so its definitely worth long days with few bites. I would like to tell you that you can look for a certain depth, but today we caught fish in 2′ and 26′. There are fish in many different depths, but the pattern is the same. I’m still working creek channels with my jig and experimenting with colors and trailers. We only boated 6 bass today, but that is to be expected on some days this time of year.
Water temps haven’t changed much on the lower end of the lake in the past month, but as you get further north the water has cooled off quite a bit from where it was a couple weeks ago. The recent rains haven’t changed the water level much, but it has muddied up the creeks and upper end of the lake. Remember that the shallow, off-colored water will heat up quickly on sunny afternoons, and it looks like we are headed for another warming trend.
Here are some fish from today.
2/ 21/ 2012
February 21, 2012Tue 12:30 pm
Just got off the phone with James Caldemeyer and he said they are fishing a Carolina Rig in 56.3 water temp. Not sure what the numbers are but they seem to be putting a few in the boat and the weather is great!
We’ll be posting more up to the minute content as the spawn approaches.
UPDATE: Sent a text to James to see what depth he is throwing the C-Rig in and he said 12′ – Hope this helps some of you out.
In The News
February 21, 2012In his article “Leschper: Don’t have to go far in Texas to catch record size bass” from Lubbock Avalanche -Journal dated Feb 19, 2012, sports columnist Will Leschper writes:
“The eastern part of the state has some of the largest and most sought-after bass waters, and this region continually produces some of the largest fish. Lake Fork is the most well-known bass fishery in the world and numerous professional bass anglers consider it their home lake. Fork is responsible for more than half of the fish entered into the ShareLunker program and consistently produces a few fish topping 13 pounds each spring.”
To read the rest of the article, click the link HERE
Bruce
February 18, 2012Had so much fun with my friend Bruce tonight.
Blk/Blu Jig in 6′water – Lake Fork.
R
Lake Fork Water Level
February 17, 2012Lake Fork is 5.85 foot low. Rain is in the forecast tonight…cross your fingers!
Lake Fork Trophy Bass Fishing Report February 2012
February 17, 2012Welcome to Lake Fork everyone! February is here. Everyone that has had cabin fever over the winter is heading out to the lake to take advantage of the early spring opportunities to catch a giant Lake Fork bass. This time of year is an exciting time of year because you can catch a giant on any given cast as the big females prepare themselves for their annual spawning activities. Here are a few tips and techniques that will help you in pursuit of a Lake Fork trophy bass…
We have had some recent rains which have brought the lake a good bit but we need a lot more to get it full. That’s okay though because I can assure you the fishing this spring will be amazing even if we do not get a lot of rain. With the low water the fish will be concentrated specific areas and grouped up tighter trying to share the same spawning areas. February is more of a time to target the fish that are in pre-spawn staging patterns though. Look for fish to be holding on main lake points, secondary points (at the mouth of major creeks), or along the creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats.
Water temperature is probably the single most important factor to locating active fish this month. You will want to concentrate on areas where the water is warmer or on a warming trend. Having an accurate temperature gauge is important. I rely on my “New” Lowrance HDS Gen2 units to deliver and they do. This new generation of HDS technology is also amazing as you can view “Structure Map” as an overlay feature not to mention its updated processor that is super fast! Most water temps are going to range in the low to upper 50’s this month but fishing in 57 degree water is more productive than 54 so keep an eye on your electronics for changes.
My go to baits this month are just a few basic ones that are legendary for catching big bass on Lake Fork for years. My first and most productive bait this time of year is a lipless crank bait. I like to use the 1/2-3/4 oz sizes on a 7’ Med Hvy Abu Garcia Veritas or the “New” Villain rod. These new rods are awesome! Super light and sensitive with plenty of backbone still. I am also using my new Revo MGX HS reel spooled with 17 lb Trilene 100 % Fluorocarbon. This reel has a 7.9:1 gear ratio which is great for burning a lipless bait and fishing it all day long. Best depth is the 2-8 feet range. Concentrate on main lake and secondary points at the mouth of the creeks or channel swings that come up flat and make a point off the channel bend. Fish with be congregated at times feeding and preparing for the spawn. My second bait and best suggestion for a big bass is a jig. I like to use a Talon 3/8-1/2 oz black/blue or black/blue/purple flipping jig tipped with a Berkley Powerbait Chigger Craw. Once you have located some fish with a search bait like the lipless crank bait, slow down and back off to the 8-14 foot depths. Flip every tree on the edge of the channel and fish slow. A lot of times the bite will be very faint so watch your line and be prepared to set the hook. Some of the biggest fish in the lake this year will be caught using this method especially with the lack of grass and the fish holding tight to the standing timber. Lastly, when the bit is slow or a cold front has hit, I reach for a suspending jerk bait. You can catch a lot of big fish on these this time of year when they will not bite much else. I like to use the old Smithwick gold/black/orange or clown colored models as well as Talon’s new Shibui 110 jerk baits. I like the Champagne Black, Budas Clown, and Gulf Killifish colors in this bait. They have an amazing paint job that appeals to big bass. Work these baits slowly over shallow water with a twitch & pause technique. If you do more pausing than you do twitching, you get more bites. I hope these tips help you in your
If you are interested in coming out for some big bass action this spring or would like to just take an instructional trip to learn about electronics, seasonal patterns, or some new techniques on Lake Fork, contact me anytime. The fishing last spring was great and I know it will be even better this year. I still have a few dates available and want to remind anyone that is considering spring reservations with me to do it ASAP. I book up extremely fast so get your 2012 date now before my schedule is full. You can reach me by phone at (903)736-9888 or drop me an email at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com You can also visit my website for more information about trophy bass fishing on Lake Forkwww.officiallakeforktrophybass.com
My new 2012 Ranger Z521 Comanche powered with a Mercury 250 Prop XS just arrived and man I’m excited. These boats are awesome! I am currently rigging it up with all the latest and greatest equipment like the new Lowrance HDS Gen2 electronics as well as the Power Pole Blades. If you get a chance while you are here, stop by Diamond Sports Marine on highway 154 and check out the new 2012 Ranger Boats already in stock. Talk to Ben Hogan or Robert Gilliland and they will be glad to help you find the right boat for your needs. Let them show you why they are the #1 Ranger Boat dealership in the country. Or just give them a call at (903)383-7829 for information. If you would like a demo ride in my new boat, feel free to contact me also to schedule your test ride.
Again, a big thanks to all my sponsors: Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, I AM SECOND, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Interstate Batteries, Lowrance, Power Pole, Hamby’s, Talon Lures, Line & Lure Conditioner, BTS Protectant, Navionics, Oakley, and Sure Life.
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
