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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Jeff Kirkwood (Guide__jeff_kirkwood)
New member
Username: Guide__jeff_kirkwood
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2007 - 6:20 am: | |
Lake Fork
Water Temp: 62 - 68
Water Clarity: Clear
Before I start my report, I have started booking trips for spring 2008 and would be more than happy to be your guide on Lake Fork. So give me a call as I still have many good dates available. Also, I’m having trouble with my www.fishinwithjeff.com site and am trying to figure out why it went down. It should be up soon. All my contact info. is here in this report, but keep checking the site.
Since my last report fishing has been tougher, but with all things given enough time to think and I can usually figure things out. The same baits are still working and in some areas are working well. However, Xcite Baits flukes in watermelon candy are the trick. I thought once I found this that a senko would work but all it got were very light bites. As where the fluke got bit hard and caught fish, these other baits are still working you just have to pick your days for some of them; from on top with Scum Frogs, buzz-baits, pop’rs and the new Injured Minda, to Bandit splatterback, Rat-L-Traps and wacky-rigs using Xcite Bait trick worms. Then there is the ever bottom of the lake throwing Carolina-rigs in 24 to 31 feet of water, focusing on main lake points, humps and creek channels through-out the lake.
The fish are staging for their fall migration even though it still feels like summer here in Texas. We’ve started bass schooling on the surface so keep what you think or what you like to throw ready and available. Right now we’re keying in on main lake and secondary points and that’s where the majority of our fish are coming from. Grass is key and isn’t a hard thing to find.
The pictures of some of our catch are on the 2007 “Fat Girls” page on my site, www.fishinwithjeff.com. All of the fish pictured are of fish over 4 pounds, unless it is a child or woman. However, in a lot of cases those pictures will exceed that barrier throughout the year.
• I’m running a group special right now, two guides, and one night of lodging for $650.00.
If I can be of more help or assistance regarding a trip or “Bassin’ Class” please contact me at 972-853-0949 / 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 fall & winter. 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. 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 Lures, KeelShield, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Pflueger Reels, Rat-L-Trap, Scum Frog, “The” Bass Fishing Forum.com, Xcite Baits. |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 56
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 7:12 am: | |
Many warm and sunny days resulted in a big bass catching spree at Fork and kicked off the spawn in earnest. While numbers were up and down this week, size has been very good most days, including a 10.25 pounder we caught yesterday. In addition, dozens of giant bass have been reported at the local marinas this week, including two 13s and a 15.32! With our cold winter, the spawn is just starting and I’d estimate that only 10% of the bass population is spawning right now. As is usual, lunker bass will be spawning throughout April and into mid-May.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level has remained relatively stable, currently reading 400.89’, about 2’ 1” below full pool. Many areas that were quite stained last week are clearing nicely, while the backs of some creeks remain muddy and most of the lower end of the lake is clear. Water temps continue to rise, with the main lake reading in the mid-50s and protected bays reading into the upper-60s.
Location Pattern: For prespawn bass, concentrate on points, creek channels, treelines, and inside or outside grass lines near shallow spawning flats. In many cases, we’ve caught multiple fish from very small areas, so really work an area over once you’ve caught a fish there. Spawning bass are currently located in protected bays and typically in the very back ends of creeks, with more beds showing up daily. As the water continues to warm, flats and bays nearer the mouths of coves will start holding spawners, too.
Presentation Pattern: For prespawn bass, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits are still catching some big fish, especially on overcast and windy days. On calm days, you’ll typically do better by switching to a suspending jerkbait or pitching a jig and a Texas rig. These baits also produce most of my biggest bass in March. Go with gold jerkbaits on cloudy days, while silver color schemes work better on sunny days. Work these baits with a few twitches and long pauses. For a real prespawn monster, pitching heavy cover along the first breakline and creek channels is the way to go. I go with a 3/8 oz Mega Weight black and blue or green pumpkin jig with a Lake Fork Craw trailer in the blue bruiser or watermelon candy color. For the Texas rig, I’ll pitch a Lake Fork Flipper or Top Dog Lizard in black neon or watermelon/chartreuse with a 1/8 to 3/8 oz bullet weight and slowly work it around cover. For bass that have moved onto spawning flats, weightless Texas rigged or wacky rigged soft plastic jerkbaits like Magic Shads, Live Magic Shads, Twitch Worms, and Ring Frys become your best option. Shades of green pumpkin and watermelon are normally top colors, with watermelon baits with the tail dipped in chartreuse being the top producer lately.
For spawning bass, white or watermelon Dog Lizards, Flippers and Craw Tubes work great. White baits allow you to clearly see your bait on the bed, while more natural shades of green are often needed to catch the more finicky bass. My new favorite is the Lake Fork Baby Craw. Its tiny size and realistic look catch many bass that will run off the bed when bigger baits are pitched in there.
Lake Baccarac Update: With the water on a warming trend, 10 pounders are being caught daily in the shallow water, including some giants on topwaters. There are still a few openings left for May and June (historically one of the best times for trophy bass). I’m starting to plan my group trips for Fall & Winter 2007/2008. Our trip last year was fun and productive for double digit bass; let me know if you want to be part of the lunker action. For more info on a trip to Baccarac, please check out my website: http://www.bigmexicobass.com .
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 55
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 7:11 am: | |
Lake Fork Report & Pics—10, 13, and even 15 pounders are being caught!
Jim from SC caught a 6 pounder on a Top Dog lizard and also caught a 7 lb’er on film while jumping with a red lipless crank in its mouth:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070306jim.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070306actionphoto.jpg[/img]
Chad caught this nice one on Lake Fork Tackle Baby Ring Fry:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070311chad.jpg[/img]
Greg caught his biggest bass ever and Dan caught a lunker too, using a Top Dog Lizard and a Baby Ring Fry:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070309dan.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070309greg.jpg[/img]
A couple of my better bass from this week, including a 10 lb 4 oz trophy:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070311tom104.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/2007pictures/070306tom7.jpg[/img]
Many warm and sunny days resulted in a big bass catching spree at Fork and kicked off the spawn in earnest. While numbers were up and down this week, size has been very good most days, including a 10.25 pounder we caught yesterday. In addition, dozens of giant bass have been reported at the local marinas this week, including two 13s and a 15.32! With our cold winter, the spawn is just starting and I’d estimate that only 10% of the bass population is spawning right now. As is usual, lunker bass will be spawning throughout April and into mid-May.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level has remained relatively stable, currently reading 400.89’, about 2’ 1” below full pool. Many areas that were quite stained last week are clearing nicely, while the backs of some creeks remain muddy and most of the lower end of the lake is clear. Water temps continue to rise, with the main lake reading in the mid-50s and protected bays reading into the upper-60s.
Location Pattern: For prespawn bass, concentrate on points, creek channels, treelines, and inside or outside grass lines near shallow spawning flats. In many cases, we’ve caught multiple fish from very small areas, so really work an area over once you’ve caught a fish there. Spawning bass are currently located in protected bays and typically in the very back ends of creeks, with more beds showing up daily. As the water continues to warm, flats and bays nearer the mouths of coves will start holding spawners, too.
Presentation Pattern: For prespawn bass, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits are still catching some big fish, especially on overcast and windy days. On calm days, you’ll typically do better by switching to a suspending jerkbait or pitching a jig and a Texas rig. These baits also produce most of my biggest bass in March. Go with gold jerkbaits on cloudy days, while silver color schemes work better on sunny days. Work these baits with a few twitches and long pauses. For a real prespawn monster, pitching heavy cover along the first breakline and creek channels is the way to go. I go with a 3/8 oz Mega Weight black and blue or green pumpkin jig with a Lake Fork Craw trailer in the blue bruiser or watermelon candy color. For the Texas rig, I’ll pitch a Lake Fork Flipper or Top Dog Lizard in black neon or watermelon/chartreuse with a 1/8 to 3/8 oz bullet weight and slowly work it around cover. For bass that have moved onto spawning flats, weightless Texas rigged or wacky rigged soft plastic jerkbaits like Magic Shads, Live Magic Shads, Twitch Worms, and Ring Frys become your best option. Shades of green pumpkin and watermelon are normally top colors, with watermelon baits with the tail dipped in chartreuse being the top producer lately.
For spawning bass, white or watermelon Dog Lizards, Flippers and Craw Tubes work great. White baits allow you to clearly see your bait on the bed, while more natural shades of green are often needed to catch the more finicky bass. My new favorite is the Lake Fork Baby Craw. Its tiny size and realistic look catch many bass that will run off the bed when bigger baits are pitched in there.
Lake Baccarac Update: With the water on a warming trend, 10 pounders are being caught daily in the shallow water, including some giants on topwaters. There are still a few openings left for May and June (historically one of the best times for trophy bass). I’m starting to plan my group trips for Fall & Winter 2007/2008. Our trip last year was fun and productive for double digit bass; let me know if you want to be part of the lunker action. For more info on a trip to Baccarac, please check out my website: http://www.bigmexicobass.com .
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 54
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 4:41 pm: | |
A sustained warming trend has the big bass on the move at Fork, with fish up to 10 lbs caught in my boat this week and lots of big fish being reported at local marinas. Typical of this time of year, we’ve had several days with well over 20 bass caught, while a couple days were downright tough. A number of very windy days, including a few days with gusts in the 40s and mid-50s have muddied up large areas of the lake; however, the bite has been best for us on windy days. While some areas are warming very quickly and reading into the upper 50s and low 60s in the afternoons, the boat ramp temp is reading 48 the last couple of mornings and we even found the backs of some creeks reading 49 late in the afternoon. Based on these temps, some spawning will start soon if the warm sunny days continue, while it will be quite some time before the bass spawn in many other areas of the lake. As is the norm, I expect we’ll have fish spawning into early May.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level has remained stable, currently reading 400.97’, about 2’ below full pool. Due to recent strong winds, many areas of the lake are stained to muddy. Water temps are on the rise, reading 48 to 55 in main lake areas and up to the low 60s in some protected pockets late in the day.
Location Pattern: I’m still concentrating on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) for cover will typically have the most active fish. While about any grassy area will hold a few fish, start your search in areas that have lots of spawning fish in March. It stands to reason that the coves that hold the most spawning fish in early spring will have the most prespawn fish in the winter. The specific location of the bass within creeks has seemed to change daily. Check productive coves and creeks from main lake points and flats to the very back to find active fish each day. In many cases, we’ve caught multiple fish from small areas, so really work an area over once you’ve caught a fish there.
Presentation Pattern: My prespawn arsenal is pretty simple for fishing grass flats and creek channels. First and foremost are lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz, in red, orange and crawdad patterns. Slow rolling lipless cranks was best last week in the cold water, but a faster stop and go retrieve is working better now. ½ oz to 1 oz spinnerbaits with double willow or single Colorado blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass as well. With the deeper grass and colder temps, switch to smaller blades and slow your retrieve until the bait is just ticking the top of the grass. On calm days, you’ll typically do better by switching to a suspending jerkbait or pitching a jig and a Texas rig. Go with gold jerkbaits on cloudy days, while silver color schemes work better on sunny days. Work these baits with a few twitches and long pauses. My flipping bite has been slow the last few days, but for a real monster, it’s normally your best option. I go with ½ oz Mega Weight black and blue jigs with a Lake Fork Craw trailer in the blue bruiser color. The Fork Craw has an air pocket in its belly and it stands up on the back of a jig, making a very realistic looking presentation for dead-sticking around cover. For the Texas rig, I’ll pitch a Lake Fork Flipper or Top Dog Lizard in black neon or watermelon/red flake with a 1/8 to 3/8 oz bullet weight and slowly work it around cover. Finally, when the bass move onto the flats, weightless Texas rigged or wacky rigged soft plastic jerkbaits like Magic Shads, Live Magic Shads, Twitch Worms, and Ring Frys become your best option. Shades of green pumpkin and watermelon are normally top colors; work these baits very slowly and pay attention for subtle bites from that big mama!
Lake Baccarac Update: With the water on a warming trend, bass are making a move to the backs of creeks and many big bass up to 13 lbs have been caught shallow in the last few days. There are still a few openings left for March and April and there is good availability for May and June (historically one of the best times for trophy bass). I’m starting to plan my group trips for Fall & Winter 2007/2008. Our trip last year was fun and productive for double digit bass; let me know if you want to be part of the lunker action. For more info on a trip to Baccarac, please check out my website: http://www.bigmexicobass.com .
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 53
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 10:15 am: | |
With the spawn just around the bend, more and more big bass are showing up in prespawn locations on Lake Fork. Recent rains brought up the lake over a foot and muddied up many creeks; however, we’re still catching some good bass by diligently working key staging areas. With warm sunny days forecasted for this week and the clearing water, look for the lunker bite to really get going in the coming weeks.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level is currently reading 398.85’, about 4’2” below full pool. This is 1’ 2” higher than the level was on 12/15 and the ground is very wet right now, so any rains in the near future should help fill the lake. Even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. Due to the rains, the water is stained to muddy in some creeks, while the main lake remains relatively clear. While we haven’t caught many bass in the extremely muddy areas, the bass haven’t seemed to mind the stained water (areas with 6” to 18” of visibility). Water temps are running about normal for early January, reading between 51 and 53 degrees in most areas.
Location Pattern: From now through February, I concentrate on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) for cover will typically have the most active fish. While about any grassy area will hold a few fish, start your search in areas that have lots of spawning fish in late February and through March. It stands to reason that the coves that hold the most spawning fish in early spring will have the most prespawn fish in the winter. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
Keep in mind, too, that the absolute water temperature is not nearly as important now as the recent water temperature trend. For instance, water temps that are showing 52 degrees can result in slow fishing if the temps were 58 a couple days ago. In contrast, fishing can be great if the temps warm up to 50 while they were 44 a few days before. In general, look for bass on the flats and farther back in creeks during warming trends; conversely, drop back to points and main lake grassbeds after cold fronts. Finally, the day of and the day after cold fronts can be absolutely miserable to fish, but these frontal days after a long warming trend are usually the most productive times to fish.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 45’ are still producing some big fish as well. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots. I’m concentrating on the shallow bass, so my presentation pattern will focus on that.
Presentation Pattern: My prespawn arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz. While they are more work to throw, the bigger ¾ oz lipless cranks, with their larger profile and tighter wobbles, have been producing more fish lately in the cold muddy water. Buzz these over the top of the shallowest grass, then slow down and yo-yo them on a lift/fall retrieve over the deeper grass. ½ to 1 oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days after a warming trend. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or pitch a jig and a Texas rig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. For jigs, I go with ½ oz black and blue jigs with a Lake Fork Craw trailer in the blue bruiser color. The Fork Craw has an air pocket in its belly and the craw stands up on the back of a jig, making a very realistic looking presentation for dead-sticking around cover. For the Texas rig, I’ll pitch a Lake Fork Flipper in black neon or blue bruiser with a ¼ to 3/8 oz bullet weight.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the prespawn and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the spawn period as more and more big bass move shallow. Find some good staging spots and you’ll have a milk run of honey holes now through March.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 52
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 10:07 am: | |
Lake Fork Report
After a great trip to Lake Baccarac in Mexico, I’m back to stalking the lunkers at Lake Fork (I’ll have a Baccarac report with pictures up soon). We’re currently having a week of warm weather at Fork and the bass are once again on the feed. As we head into late December, the early stages of prespawn are starting in some areas of the lake. Meanwhile, lunker bass continue to be caught from deep water as well. With big bass smoking jigs, spinnerbaits, and lipless crankbaits now through mid-March, this is my favorite time of the year on Fork. Numbers run lower this time of year; however, the average size of your catch is at its highest for the year, usually in the 4 to 5 lb range, with a good shot at bass 7 lbs or greater.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, currently reading 397.64’, about 5’4” below full pool. Even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. The water is clear in most parts of the lake, especially in areas with submerged vegetation, while the upper ends are somewhat stained. Water temps are on the rise once again, currently reading 53 to 56 degrees in most areas, perfect wintertime temps.
Location Pattern: From late-December through February, I concentrate on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) for cover will typically have the most active fish. While about any grassy area will hold a few fish, start your search in areas that have lots of spawning fish in late February and through March. It stands to reason that the coves that hold the most spawning fish in early spring will have the most prespawn fish in the winter. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
Keep in mind, too, that the absolute water temperature is not nearly as important now as the recent water temperature trend. For instance, water temps that are showing 52 degrees can result in slow fishing if the temps were 58 a couple days ago. In contrast, fishing can be great if the temps warm up to 50 while they were 44 a few days before. In general, look for bass on the flats and farther back in creeks during warming trends; conversely, drop back to points and main lake grassbeds after cold fronts. Finally, the day of and the day after cold fronts can be absolutely miserable to fish, but these frontal days after a long warming trend are usually the most productive times to fish.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 45’ will produce some big fish during the winter months as well. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots. I’m primarily concentrating on the shallow bass, so my presentation pattern will focus on that.
Presentation Pattern: My wintertime arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but after cold fronts, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. For a true giant, try swimming the new Lake Fork Live Magic Shad in the same areas you’d throw a spinnerbait. Rig it on a 4/0 wide gap hook and swim it slowly back to the boat with a few pauses. When the water looks like a toilet just flushed, it’s time to set the hook!! When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or pitch a jig and a Texas rig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. For jigs, I go with ½ oz black and blue jigs with a Lake Fork Craw trailer in the blue bruiser color. For the Texas rig, I’ll pitch a Lake Fork Flipper in black neon or blue bruiser with a ¼ to 3/8 oz bullet weight.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow. Find some good staging spots and you’ll have a milk run of honey holes now through March.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 51
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 - 8:28 am: | |
On most days, good numbers and some big bass are currently being caught at Lake Fork, although the best pattern has changed considerably from day-to-day and often from hour-to-hour. With the bass being spread out from shallow water creeks to deep structure, changing tactics as the conditions dictate has been the key to success. Basically, if what you’re doing isn’t working well, try a different approach until you find what they want. Frequently, it’s as simple as changing lures in the area you’re in and you’ll start catching them. With water temps in the mid-60s and a warming trend forecasted for this week, look for the fall patterns to remain at Fork through November.
While the fishing typically slows in early December, lunker bass will start moving into prespawn patterns in some areas of the lake by later December, and my favorite fishing of the year occurs in January through early March. It’s a really simple pattern—spinnerbaits, lipless cranks, jigs, and suspending jerkbaits fished in staging areas near spawning flats. Numbers run lower this time of year, but the average size of your catch is at its highest for the year, usually in the 4 to 5 lb range, with a good shot at a bass 7 lbs or greater. Don’t get me wrong, March and April are a great time to catch a lunker sight fishing or with a soft plastic jerkbait. For my tastes though, slow rolling a big spinnerbait or flipping a jig around heavy timber for truly giant bass during the prespawn is the best time to be on Fork.
Lake Conditions: After a good soaking rain on Sunday night, Lake Fork’s water level rose about 4”, currently reading 398.01’, just over 5’ below full pool. Even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. After the fall turnover, much of the main lake remains stained brown, while many of the grassy creeks are clear. Water temps are currently reading 63 to 65 degrees in most areas of the main lake, while the backs of some creek were holding in the upper 50s after a few cold nights last week.
Location Pattern: Typical of fall fishing, bass are holding anywhere from the backs of creeks and along main lake shores in literally inches of water as well as setting up camp on deep water structure. For the past week, I’ve found schools of deep bass were holding deeper again, mostly from in 20’ to 33’ of water. When graphing these fish, keep in mind that schools that are relating to the bottom will be the easiest bass to catch normally. The other main pattern will be weed flats on the main lake and in coves with channels or points with deep-water access nearby. These spots produced some fast action for smaller bass and a few big fish. Typically, areas that are holding fish now are holding lots of fish. So if you’re catching fish, stay put and try multiple lures until you’ve caught everything you can. Conversely, if you’re in a good-looking spot but not getting bit, keep moving to other locations until you hit pay dirt.
Presentation Pattern: The topwater bite slowed for me this past week. Instead, small spinnerbaits in white and shallow or medium running shad colored lipped and lipless crankbaits have worked best for the shallow bass. If the bass aren’t in a chasing mood, wacky rigged straight tail worms like a Twitch Worm in June bug or watermelon/red flake have produced some fast action. For bigger bass, pitch ¼ oz white or watermelon jigs with matching Fork Craws to stumps along creek channels and along deep weed lines. Work the jig really slowly for best results. When the deep bite has been on, I’ve been spending most of my time out there. Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys or Magic Shads in watermelon/red flake have produced some good numbers and some big ones once schools are located. Other days, drop shotting Lake Fork Twitch Worms in watermelon/chartreuse pepper or watermelon/red flake has produced big numbers of keeper-sized bass. ½ ounce chrome or gold jigging spoons and ¼ oz white jigs have also caught a lot of bass on several days and these baits will often produce the largest bass of the day.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 50
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 8:08 am: | |
Significant cold fronts rolled through NE Texas every few days, making for an up and down week of fishing on Lake Fork. On the average day we’re getting about 25 bass, consisting mostly of 1 to 3 pounders from both shallow and deep water, with a few 4 to 7 pound fish mixed in. On post-frontal days, numbers have run lower and the big fish have been scarce. On the other hand, the days just before and as the front is moving through have been really good for both numbers and size, with a shot at a real giant bass. With the lake still holding near 70 degrees, look for fall fishing to stay good for numbers until late November and I expect more truly big bass to be caught as the water cools.
Lake Conditions: Once again, Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, currently reading 397.82’, about 5’ 2” below full pool. Even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. After the recent fall turnover, much of the main lake remains stained brown, while many of the creeks are clear. Water temps steadily dropped this week, currently reading in the mid- to upper-60s.
Location Pattern: Typical of fall fishing, bass are holding anywhere from the backs of creeks and along main lake shores in literally inches of water as well as setting up camp on deep water structure. While most of the schools of deep bass were holding in 22’ to 28’ of water last week, most of my structure fishing has taken place much shallower this week, more in the 12’ to 22’ range. When graphing these fish, keep in mind that schools that are relating to the bottom will be the easiest bass to catch normally. The other main pattern will be weed flats on the main lake and in coves with channels or points with deep-water access nearby. These spots produce some fast action early and late or all day on cloudy days. Typically, areas that are holding fish now are holding lots of fish. So, if you’re catching fish, stay put and try multiple lures until you’ve caught everything you can. Conversely, if you’re in a good-looking spot but not getting bit, keep moving to other locations until you hit pay dirt.
Presentation Pattern: Topwaters have been very productive some mornings and evenings. Shad colored poppers and Zara Spooks or black buzzbaits have produced fast action around pad fields and over grass mats. Small spinnerbaits in white and shallow or medium running shad colored crankbaits have also worked early and late or all day on cloudy or windy days. If the bass aren’t in a chasing mood, deadsticking Texas rigged straight tail worms like a Twitch Worm in green pumpkin or watermelon/red flake have produced some nice fish. Fish all of these baits on deep weedlines or along creek channels in the coves. During the middle of the day, I’ve been catching most of my fish out deeper. Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys in watermelon/chartreuse flake or watermelon/chartreuse pepper have produced some good numbers and some big ones once schools are located. Other days, drop shotting Lake Fork Twitch Worms in watermelon/chartreuse pepper or watermelon/red flake has produced fast action for bass. ½ to 1 ½ ounce chrome jigging spoons and ¼ oz white jigs have also caught a lot of bass on several days and these baits will often produce the largest bass of the day.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 49
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - 3:03 pm: | |
Lake Fork Report
After being out of town a couple of weeks on a family vacation, it’s good to be back fishing on Lake Fork. Since my last report, the lake has turned over and fall patterns are starting to come on. Fishing was really good last week, having slowed down a little as of late. Now that temps are cooling after our recent week of hot weather, we should start catching more big bass in addition to the good numbers we’re catching right now. As the temps cools, look for deep bass to form big schools and relate to the bottom while shallow bass gang up in creek channel bends. Add in pleasant days and fall colors to the fast bass action and October and November are great times to fish Fork.
Lake Conditions: As I write this, we’re having a good rain today, but we’ll need a lot more days like it to get the water level back up. Lake Fork’s water level currently sits at 399.98’, over 5’ below pool. Numerous boats, including some guide boats, have hit stumps recently; however, most of the boaters we see aren’t wearing life jackets or even a kill switch. As always, you’ll find my customers and me wearing both and I would encourage you to do the same. In better news, even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. After the recent fall turnover, much of the main lake is stained brown, while many of the creeks are clear. Water temps are holding in the upper 70s and should drop this week.
Location Pattern: With the disappearance of the thermocline, fish will be caught in 6” to over 40’ deep over the next couple of months, on just about every pattern imaginable. Deep structure like humps, roads, flats and points in the main lake and in the mouths of major creeks are starting to hold some big schools and will hold most of the giant bass. Schools that are relating to the bottom will be the easiest bass to catch normally. The other main pattern will be weed flats on the main lake and in coves with channels or points with deep-water access nearby. These spots produce some fast action early and late or all day on cloudy days. Typically, areas that are holding fish now are holding lots of fish. So, if you’re catching fish, stay put and try multiple lures until you’ve caught everything you can. Conversely, if you’re in a good-looking spot but not getting bit, keep moving to other locations until you hit pay dirt.
Presentation Pattern: Topwaters have been very productive some mornings and will be good all day on cloudy days. Shad colored Chug Bugs and Zara Spooks have produced fast action around pad fields and over grass mats. Small spinnerbaits in white and shallow or medium running shad colored crankbaits have also worked early in the morning or all day on cloudy or windy days. During the day, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms in watermelon on sunny days and June bug on cloudy days have caught some bass, as have 3/8 oz jigs in watermelon or white with matching Lake Fork Baby Creature trailers. Fish all of these baits on deep weedlines or along creek channels in the coves. Simply position your boat in the middle of the creek channel and throw your bait to the grass edges and/or stumps near the edge of the creek. Other days, I’ve been catching most of my fish out deeper. Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys in Chartreuse Pepper and Red Bug or Baby Creatures in Killer Craw have produced some good numbers once schools are located. Other days, drop shotting Lake Fork Twitch Worms in Watermelon, shad or bar fish colored swimbaits, and white or silver jigging spoons have been better. Basically, once you graph a deep school, try a variety of baits and you’ll likely catch a lot on a particular bait, and also a number of bonus fish if you mix up your baits.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 48
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
Lake Fork Report
Tournament season is in full swing at Lake Fork, so this week’s report will focus on catching tournament bass (keepers under the 16” slot and lunkers over the 24” end of the slot). Sunday’s big bass tourney was won with a 10.10 lb’er. Look for an 11 or 12 pounder to win the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash. Although these big ones are tough to catch, lots of bass under the slot are being caught right now and your odds of catching a chunky 15.5 incher are good both shallow around grass and on mid-depth structure.
Count on the current pattern to hold up until the lake turns over and Fork settles down in late September. After the thermocline has gone away and things return to normal, the deep bass form big schools and relate to the bottom while shallow bass gang up in creek channel bends. Add in cooler air temps to the fast bass action and October and November are great times to fish Fork.
Lake Conditions: A few showers delivered a little rain & cooled things slightly. Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, currently sitting at 398.51’, about 4’ 6” below full pool. Even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. Fork’s water remains clear in the main lake. Water temps have moderated, holding in the mid-80s.
Location Pattern: With the development of the thermocline, it has effectively created a lake bottom for the bass at about 28’. For the deep bass, many of them no longer relate to the bottom and suspend above the bottom, at or above the thermocline. These bass still actively feed; however, keeping a bait in front of suspended fish is not the easiest proposition, but not impossible. This is often where the largest bass reside in September, so it’s well worth the effort to place a bait in front of them if you’re looking for an over the slot fish.
For numbers of bass, especially under the slot keepers, it is easier to fish for bass that are shallower or relating to cover or the bottom. Here are the 3 main location patterns that fit this category. First, main lake structure like humps and points that top out in 12’ to 22’ are prime candidates. Use your graph and locate these deep schools of bass. Second, weed flats on the main lake and in coves with channels or points with deep-water access nearby produce some fast action early and late or all day on cloudy days. Finally, schooling bass are showing up all over the lake, especially on the flat calm days. Best of all, the bass will often school in the same place at about the same time each day, so once you find a hot spot it will stay good for days and often weeks.
Presentation Pattern: For those lunker suspended bass, deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad patterns fished over points and through treetops works well for actively feeding fish that are suspended about 18’ or shallower. For deeper bass, counting down a spoon or swimbait and yo-yoing it through suspended fish can be deadly. For really big bass in late summer, my favorite technique is using a green pumpkin 10” Lake Fork Worm and yo-yoing it in deep timber. An ultra slow retrieve and 25 lb line are the key to pulling these brutes out of deep heavy cover. Finally, a Lake Fork Magic Shad in watermelon with a chartreuse tail on a ¼ oz weighted hook is your top option some days.
For numbers of keeper-sized bass, following are my top patterns for September. For fish that are on the bottom in 12’-22’, a Carolina rig with a green pumpkin/red & green flake, watermelon/red flake, or red bug colored Baby Ring Fry or a green pumpkin Twitch Worm on a 4’ leader is my staple bait. Other times, a drop shot with a wacky rigged watermelon or green pumpkin Twitch Worm or Finesse Worm works better in these same areas. The key is marking a good school of fish with your electronics. In addition, medium-running crankbaits in shad patterns worked along creek channels in the major creeks will help you find concentrations of bass. For pure numbers of schooling bass though, a ¼ or ½ oz chrome lipless crankbait is hard to beat. Around the grass beds, topwaters, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks and Magic Shads worked over the top of the grass and along the edges will catch good numbers early and late. Shad is the primary forage right now, so chrome and white/shad color schemes will be your top colors on most days. Bass are located around grass beds in the main lake and in the backs of creeks, but the concentrations are usually near deeper water. Key on areas with drops or creek channels nearby and you’ll typically catch more bass.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 47
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 25, 2006 - 10:51 am: | |
Despite hot weather and low water, both good numbers and big bass are still being caught at Lake Fork. With the schooling bass and the annual arrival of Lake Fork keeper-sized bass in the shallows (under the 16” slot limit), those of you looking for fast action or a limit for tournaments will have consistent success as we head into September. If you’re like me and would trade one 8 pounder for 100 15 inchers, fishing for giant suspended bass over deep water is where it’s at. Best of all, these suspended bass receive very little (if any) pressure and they bite extremely aggressively when they’re feeding. Of course, the trick is finding the feeding schools and then keeping a lure in front of them.
Count on the current pattern to hold up until the lake turns over and Fork settles down in later September. After the thermocline has gone away and things return to normal, the deep bass form big schools and relate to the bottom while shallow bass gang up in creek channel bends. Add in cooler air temps to the fast bass action and October and November are great times to fish Fork.
Lake Conditions: A few showers delivered a little rain & cooled things slightly. Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, currently sitting at 398.84’, about 4’ 2” below full pool. Even with the low water, almost all of the main ramps are still useable without any issues. After turning brownish-green earlier in the summer, Fork’s water is now very clear in the main lake. Water temps are running high, consistently 88 to 93 degrees before the rains. I’m still showing the thermocline at about 28’.
Location Pattern: With the development of the thermocline, it has effectively created a lake bottom for the bass at about 28’. For the deep bass, many of them no longer relate to the bottom and suspend above the bottom, at or above the thermocline. These bass still actively feed; however, keeping a bait in front of suspended fish is not the easiest proposition, but not impossible. This is often where the largest bass reside in August & September, so it’s well worth the effort to place a bait in front of them.
For most anglers, it is easier to fish for bass that are shallower and relating to cover or the bottom. Here are the 3 main location patterns that fit this category. First, main lake structure like humps and points that top out in less than 28’ are prime candidates. Use your graph and locate these deep schools of bass. Second, weed flats on the main lake and in coves with channels or points with deep-water access nearby produce some fast action early and late. These places can also hold really big bass during the day if you find deep matted grass clumps. Finally, schooling bass are showing up all over the lake, especially on the flat calm days. While schooling bass are liable to pop up anywhere, bends of creek channels in major creeks are my favorite place to consistently find big groups of fish. Best of all, the bass will often school in the same place at about the same time each day, so once you find a hot spot it will stay good for days and often weeks.
Presentation Pattern: For suspended bass, deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad or bluegill patterns fished over points and through treetops works well for actively feeding fish that are suspended about 18’ or shallower. For deeper bass, counting down a spoon or swimbait and yo-yoing it through suspended fish can be deadly. For really big bass in late summer, my favorite technique is using a green pumpkin 10” Lake Fork Worm and yo-yoing it in deep timber. An ultra slow retrieve and 25 lb line are the key to pulling these brutes out of deep heavy cover. Finally, a Lake Fork Magic Shad in watermelon with a chartreuse tail on a ¼ oz weighted hook is your top option some days.
For fish that are on the bottom in 12’-28’, a Carolina rig with a green pumpkin/red & green flake, watermelon/red flake, or red bug colored Baby Ring Fry or a green pumpkin Twitch Worm on a 4’ leader is my staple bait. In brushier areas and creek channel bends where the bass school, I’ll go with a bulky ringed worm like an 8” or 10” Lake Fork Worm in green pumpkin or red shad. In addition, medium-running crankbaits in shad patterns worked along creek channels in the major creeks will help you find concentrations of bass and will catch some big ones when they come up schooling. For pure numbers of schooling bass though, a ¼ or ½ oz chrome lipless crankbait is hard to beat. Around the grass beds, topwaters, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks and Magic Shads worked over the top of the grass and along the edges will catch good numbers early and late. For bigger bass, I especially like to pitch matted grass and isolated grass clumps with big jigs or heavy Texas rigs. Use a ¾ or 1 oz jig in black/blue or watermelon with a matching Fork Craw on the back or Texas rig a watermelon red Craw Tube with a ¾ oz or larger bullet weight to punch through the tops of the hydrilla. Jiggle your bait to get it to break through the mat, then yo-yo it in the open water under the mat for 5 to 10 seconds in each spot. Braided line and a heavy rod are essential to pull these big fish out. Bites will feel like anything from a tiny bit of extra weight to the thunk of running a concrete block through your lawnmower, so stay alert and hang on!
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 46
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 29, 2006 - 10:19 am: | |
After being out of town for almost the entire month of July, it’s good to be back chasing the lunkers on Lake Fork. Unfortunately, I’m heading back out of town for another tournament, so I won’t be able to flirt with those big Lake Fork females very long. For those of you lucky enough to be heading to Lake Fork in August, the lake is receiving very little pressure and the big ones will still bite during the day or at night. With the annual arrival of the thermocline in about 28’, the patterns will be different for August, and I describe below how to go about catching them.
With the summer heat, I’m really starting to look forward to October and November fishing. After the thermocline goes away and the lake turns over some time in September, fish will be schooling and actively feeding all fall. It’s usually the best time of the year to take kids fishing, as numbers run high. It’s also the time of year when you can catch fish on about any technique, depending on the conditions that day. For example, we had one over 9 pounds on a topwater in 2’ last October and the next day had another bass that went almost 11 pounds in 38’!
Lake Conditions: Last week’s tropical system delivered very little rain but did cool things slightly and brought some refreshing winds. Lake Fork’s water level keeps dropping, currently sitting at 399.38’, about 3’ 7” below full pool. As we are heading into our dry season, Fork will likely be very low by the end of the summer. Although this makes for tougher navigation, the bass will be consolidated and easier to catch once you get to them. The water is clear in many places, although some areas are a stained brown green due to algae blooms and wave action. Water temps dropped to the mid-80s following the cooler days. As anticipated, the thermocline appears to have developed in about 28’.
Location Pattern: With the development of the thermocline, it has effectively created a lake bottom for the bass at about 28’. For the bass that were living shallower than 28’ during June, there’s no change to those patterns. For the deepest bass, many of them no longer relate to the bottom and suspend above the bottom, at or above the thermocline. These bass still actively feed; however, keeping a bait in front of suspended fish is not the easiest proposition, but not impossible. This is often where the largest bass reside in August, so it’s well worth the effort to place a bait in front of them.
For most anglers, it is easier to fish for bass that are shallower and relating to cover or the bottom. Here are the 3 main location patterns for August that fit this category. First, main lake structure like humps and points that top out in less than 28’ are prime candidates. Use your graph and locate these deep schools of bass. Second, main lake weed flats produce some fast action early and late and can also hold really big bass during the day if you find deep matted grass clumps. Finally, schooling bass get going in August, especially on the flat calm days. While schooling bass are liable to pop up anywhere, bends of creek channels in major creeks are my favorite place to consistently find big groups of fish.
Presentation Pattern: For suspended bass, deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad or bluegill patterns fished over points and through treetops is your best weapon for actively feeding fish. For less aggressive bass, counting down a spoon or swimbait and yo-yoing it through suspended fish can be deadly. For really big bass in late summer, my favorite technique is using a green pumpkin 10” Lake Fork Worm and yo-yoing it in deep timber. An ultra slow retrieve and 25 lb line are the key to pulling these brutes out of deep heavy cover.
For fish that are on the bottom in 12’-28’, a Carolina rig with a green pumpkin/red & green flake, watermelon/red flake, or red bug colored Baby Fork Creature or a green pumpkin Twitch Worm on a 4’ leader is my staple bait. In brushier areas and creek channel bends where the bass school, I’ll go with a bulky ringed worm like an 8” or 10” Lake Fork Worm in green pumpkin or red shad. In addition, medium-running crankbaits in shad patterns worked along creek channels in the major creeks will help you find concentrations of bass and will catch some big ones when they come up schooling. For pure numbers of schooling bass though, a ¼ or ½ oz chrome lipless crankbait is hard to beat. Around the main lake grass, topwaters, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks and Magic Shads worked over the top of the grass and along the edges will catch good numbers early and late. For bigger bass, I especially like to pitch matted grass and isolated grass clumps with big jigs or heavy Texas rigs. Use a ¾ or 1 oz jig in black/blue or watermelon with a matching Fork Craw on the back or Texas rig a watermelon red Craw Tube with a ¾ oz or larger bullet weight to punch through the tops of the hydrilla. Jiggle your bait to get it to break through the mat, then yo-yo it in the open water under the mat for 5 to 10 seconds in each spot. Braided line and a heavy rod are essential to pull these big fish out. Bites will feel like anything from a tiny bit of extra weight to the thunk of running a concrete block through your lawnmower, so stay alert and hang on!
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 45
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 2:47 pm: | |
Debi with a deep water Lake Fork lunker:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060624debi.jpg[/img]
Jim and Sandy from South Carolina smoked the Texas bass with Texas rigs and drop shots:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060619jim2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060619sandy.jpg[/img]
On the other hand, Richard from Texas caught this big one on a Carolina Rig:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060627richard6.25.jpg[/img]
Adam, a dental student, practiced his training on removing hooks from bass mouths:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060628adam.jpg[/img]
Carolina rigger extraordinaire Mark and I caught these twins. I still say mine was 0.00001 lbs bigger ;)
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060628mark.jpg[/img]
Some of my better ones from last week, including an 8 lb’er on a crank and an 8.5 on a Lake Fork Baby Creature:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060619tom8.jpg[/img][img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060628tom8.5.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060627tom6.25.jpg[/img]
The summertime fishing at Lake Fork continues to be very good most days for size and numbers. Depending on your preference, you can catch over 30 keeper-sized fish most days on a drop shot, or catch good numbers of slot fish and some real hogs on Carolina rigs, Texas rigs and crankbaits, no matter how hot and sunny the days are. My customers and I have added lots of pictures of 5, 6, 7, and 8 lb bass in the past two weeks. Check them out for yourself at www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com . For numbers of quality fish and a shot at a true trophy, it’s hard to beat structure fishing on Lake Fork in the summertime.
Lake Conditions: Another round of storms on Friday and Saturday brought cooler temps and some wind, but once again did very little to stop the dropping water levels. Lake Fork’s water level is currently 399.99, or 3’ below full pool. As we are heading into our dry season, Fork will likely be very low by the end of the summer. Although this makes for tougher navigation, the bass will be consolidated and easier to catch once you get to them. The water is clear in many places, although some areas are a stained brown green due to algae blooms and wave action. Water temps cooled down to the low 80s following the storms, climbing back into the mid-80s once again by midweek. Submerged vegetation, including hydrilla, milfoil and coontail, is growing rapidly in many new areas and already starting to canopy in some areas, which will make for some great jig flippin’ later this summer. Finally, there are still no signs of a thermocline, and as a result, we’ve been catching some fish in very deep water. Look for it to develop in about 28’ around mid-July.
Location Pattern: Until the thermocline develops, my location and presentation patterns will remain the same. As bass move farther away from postspawn patterns and solidly into summertime ones, I’m concentrating on main lake points and main lake humps, ridges, ledges, and roads. Big bass can still be caught in the creeks around grass and wood cover early and late; however, during most of the day, I prefer to fish deep structure for schools of big bass. Structure fishing is simply a matter of using your graph to find deep cover like brushpiles or timber, then working over the cover thoroughly. For faster action, find areas with schools of bass and bait around the cover and get the net handy. Even big schools of bass sometimes take coaxing to get a bite, so being able to interpret your electronics accurately is the key. Keep in mind that a lot of fish are suspended right now, further making electronics interpretation essential to good catches.
Presentation Pattern: I’ve been concentrating on the deep bite, so my presentation pattern reflects this. For suspended bass, deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad or bluegill patterns fished over points, bounced over cover, and through treetops have been very productive. I rig one rod with 10 lb test to hit deep cover, to about 18’, while another cranking rod is rigged with 20 lb test for heavier cover that tops out closer to 10’. After I’ve cranked the area thoroughly, I’ll switch to a swimbait, jig and/or a spoon. Either count down these lures to the depth of the fish and swim them through the schools or aggressively rip them off the bottom to catch the suspenders. If your graph is showing bass on or near the bottom, Texas and Carolina rigs, as well as drop shot rigs are catching lots of big fish in 12’ to 38’. For the Texas rig, I’ll go with a bulky ringed worm like a 10” Lake Fork Worm for aggressive bass, while a 6” Twitch Worm will work better for inactive bass. Watermelon red, green pumpkin and blue fleck have been our top colors. The Texas rig has worked best in heavy cover, fished very slowly and twitched in place. For more open areas, the Carolina rig with a green pumpkin/red & green flake, watermelon/red flake, or green pumpkin colored Baby Fork Creature on a 4’ leader has been our staple bait. Work these baits along the bottom at a steady pace until you come across a piece of cover, then slow way down and leave it there as long as possible. Often, a big bass will do you a favor and pull it out for you! Finally, for big numbers of keeper sized bass, go with a drop shot rig. I’m using a Twitch Worm in any shade of green, rigged on a 1/0 hook about 2’ above a ½ oz sinker. For active bass, a constantly quivering wacky rigged Twitch Worm works best. Conversely, if the bass are sluggish, a weedless Texas rigged drop shot held almost motionless around cover is too much for even the most finicky bass to withstand. On 10 lb test and a medium action spinning rod, a 4 lb bass in 30’ deep timber is quite an exciting challenge.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 44
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 18, 2006 - 11:19 am: | |
Chad’s lucky hat and a crankbait produced a 7 lb 3 oz lunker, while Ryan didn’t need a lucky charm, only a big worm, to catch his big bass:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060616chad.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060616ryan.jpg[/img]
Wayne and Ron both caught their biggest bass ever with the help of Lake Fork Baby Creatures:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060522wayne.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060522ron.jpg[/img]
Mike & Jerome from IL caught lots of slot fish like these on deep diving crankbaits and jigs:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060612mike.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060612jerome.jpg[/img]
A few in the 7 pound class fell to my crankbaits and Carolina rigs on Friday & Saturday:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060616tom77ii.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060617tom.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060617tomii.jpg[/img]
June and July are a couple of the best months of the year on Lake Fork, often during the hottest part of the day. While numbers of 3 to 8 pound bass are at their peak during June and July, many lunkers are being caught right now, too. The top 4 places in a big bass tourney last weekend went 12.9, 11.14, 10.36 and 10.24 pounds. In addition, a 14.59 lb’er was caught since my last report. And the recent cool down and storms don’t seem to have slowed down the fishing. Friday, we boated 2 bass over 7 lbs and another that weighed 6.81. Yesterday, Saturday, the small fish were biting like crazy and we lost one well over 8 lbs at the boat. Day or night fishing, it’s an awesome time to be on Fork right now!
Lake Conditions: A few storms on Friday and Saturday brought cooler temps and some wind, but did very little to stop the dropping water levels. Lake Fork’s water level is currently 400.09’, or 2’11” below full pool. Without some significant rains in June, Fork will be very low by the end of the summer. Although this makes for tougher navigation, the bass will be consolidated and easier to catch once you get to them. The water is clear in many areas, although some areas are a stained brown green due to algae blooms and wave action. Water temps cooled down to the low 80s following the storms, after reaching the upper 80s earlier in the week. Submerged vegetation, including hydrilla, milfoil and coontail, is growing rapidly in many new areas and already starting to canopy in some areas, which will make for some great jig flippin’ later this summer. Finally, I checked for a thermocline on Thursday with my temperature probe and so far it hasn’t developed. Look for it to develop in about 28’ around mid-July.
Location Pattern: As bass move farther away from postspawn patterns and solidly into summertime ones, I’m concentrating on main lake points and main lake humps, ridges, ledges, and roads. Big bass can still be caught in the creeks around grass and wood cover early and late; however, during most of the day, I prefer to fish deep structure for schools of big bass. Structure fishing is simply a matter of using your graph to find deep cover like brushpiles or timber, then working over the cover thoroughly. For faster action, find areas with schools of bass and bait around the cover and get the net handy. Even big schools of bass sometimes take coaxing to get a bite, so being able to interpret your electronics accurately is the key. Keep in mind that a lot of fish are suspended right now, further making electronics interpretation essential to good catches.
Presentation Pattern: I’ve been concentrating on the deep bite, so my presentation pattern reflects this. For suspended bass, deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad or bluegill patterns fished over points, bounced over cover, and through treetops have been very productive. I rig one rod with 10 lb test to hit deep cover, to about 18’, while another cranking rod is rigged with 20 lb test for heavier cover that tops out closer to 10’. After I’ve cranked the area thoroughly, I’ll switch to a swimbait, jig and/or a spoon. Either count down these lures to the depth of the fish and swim them through the schools or aggressively rip them off the bottom to catch the suspenders. If your graph is showing bass on or near the bottom, Texas and Carolina rigs, as well as drop shot rigs are catching lots of big fish in 12’ to 28’. For the Texas rig, I’ll go with a bulky ringed worm like a 10” Lake Fork Worm for aggressive bass, while a 6” Twitch Worm will work better for inactive bass. Watermelon red, green pumpkin and blue fleck have been our top colors. The Texas rig has worked best in heavy cover, fished very slowly and twitched in place. For more open areas, the Carolina rig with a green pumpkin/red & green flake, killer craw, or watermelon candy colored Baby Fork Creature on a 4’ leader has been our staple bait. Work these baits along the bottom at a steady pace until you come across a piece of cover, then slow way down and leave it there as long as possible. Often, a big bass will do you a favor and pull it out for you! Finally, for big numbers of keeper sized bass, go with a drop shot rig. I’m using a Twitch Worm in any shade of green, rigged on a 1/0 hook about 2’ above a ½ oz sinker. For active bass, a constantly quivering wacky rigged Twitch Worm works best. Conversely, if the bass are sluggish, a weedless Texas rigged drop shot held almost motionless around cover is too much for even the most finicky bass to withstand. On 10 lb test and a medium action spinning rod, a 4 lb bass in 30’ deep timber is quite an exciting challenge.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 43
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 11:33 am: | |
Big bass continue to be caught at Lake Fork, including several 10 to 11+ lb bass coming into Lake Fork Marina in recent days. While my customers and I didn’t catch any tens last week, most days we are catching good numbers of bass along with some big fish mixed in. The bass are scattered right now, with some still shallow in the very backs of creeks, while others are setting up in deep summertime locations in the main lake. Versatility has remained the key. In general, we’ve done better in the shallows on windy and cloudy days, while the deep bite has been best on sunny and calmer days, especially in the afternoons. As the heat builds and more bass move deep, June is shaping up to be its usual structure fishing big bass whack-a-thon. If you want to learn how to use your graph to read deep structure and then catch big bass with Carolina rigs, worms, swimbaits and crankbaits, now’s the time to head to Lake Fork.
Lake Conditions: The past week has been dry and hot, dropping Lake Fork’s water level to 400.48’, or 2’6” below full pool. Without some significant rains in June, Fork will probably be very low by the end of the summer. Although this makes for tougher navigation, the bass will be consolidated and easier to catch once you get to them. The water is currently clear in most areas, except for wind blown locations. Water temps continue to rise, with readings in the upper 70s to mid 80s. Submerged vegetation, including hydrilla, milfoil and coontail, is growing rapidly in many areas and spreading in coverage and height. In addition, the lily pads are really starting to pop up and increase in density on the south end of Fork.
Location Pattern: My location and presentation patterns haven’t changed much from my last report. I’m concentrating on coves and creeks that had the largest populations of spawning fish and starting there on the flats, creek channels, and points just outside the beds. I’m working out progressively deeper inside productive coves and fishing all of the cover and structure options from the backs of the creek out to the main lake summertime holes. Keep in mind that a lot of fish are suspended right now, so fish bottom bouncing lures while also checking for suspended fish with baits like jerkbaits and crankbaits. Once you try a few productive spawning creeks, you should have caught some fish and determined what types of cover, structure, and depths are holding the most fish. At that point, look for similar water around the lake and run the pattern. The fish are pretty scattered right now, so you’ll normally do better by fishing lots of good areas instead of camping on an area where you’ve caught a couple good fish. Again, with the fish being in a transition mode, you’ll need to repeat this process most days to stay in contact with the most active fish.
Presentation Pattern: As for your lure, let the cover, conditions, and the depth of the bass you are fishing dictate your choice. With the fish being so spread out, virtually everything in your tackle box will catch fish at some point during early June, so stay flexible. Following are the baits that have been working best for us this week. Topwaters have been sporadic lately, so I’ve been doing better early with shallow running cranks over the grass. Depending on the depth of the grass, select one in a shad or bluegill pattern that will occasionally hit the top of the grass. In addition, around shallow vegetation and pads, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms and Magic Shads in green pumpkin and watermelon candy are working well early and during the day. Texas rigged baits like Lake Fork Flippers in black neon or watermelon/red are also producing big bass when flipped to wood cover near grass or pads. Deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad or bluegill patterns fished for suspended bass on deep points or dug into the tops of 10’ to 16’ points and ridges are producing some big fish and good numbers. Go with 10 lb test and hang on after you come through submerged brush. Finally, Texas rigged and Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creatures and Baby Ring Frys in watermelon red & green flake and green pumpkin are catching bass in 12’ to 33’.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 42
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 3:18 pm: | |
Tim with his biggest bass ever, a 7.5 lb 23.75” post spawn lunker:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060503tim7.5.jpg[/img]
How’s this for doubles? Two customers named Travis and both caught their biggest bass ever, 6.5 lb’ers. They even teamed up for a nice Lake Fork crankbait double:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060506travisx2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060505travis.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060506travis.jpg[/img]
Big bass up to 13.76 lbs continue to be caught at Lake Fork. With some bass in a post spawn pattern and others starting to settle into summer patterns, covering lots of water and trying a variety of patterns has been critical to catching fish. From topwaters in shallow grass to Carolina rigs in 30’, just about everything in your tackle box could work right now. The trick is quickly figuring out which of those baits will work best, and where. Similar to the prespawn patterns we fished just a couple months ago, bass are on the move, so where you catch them today may not hold many fish tomorrow. Find the most productive pattern each day, then fish similar areas around the lake. The quicker you figure out the pattern and the more productive water you fish, the better you’ll do.
Lake Conditions: After numerous showers and storms, Lake Fork’s water level is up slightly, currently reading 400.75’, or 2’3” below full pool. The water clarity is very clear in grassy areas, whereas some areas without submerged vegetation are slightly stained due to recent rains. Water temps continue to rise, with readings in the low to upper 70s, depending on the area. Submerged vegetation, including hydrilla, milfoil and coontail, is growing rapidly in many areas and spreading in coverage and height. In addition, the lily pads are really starting to pop up and increase in density on the south end of Fork.
Location Pattern: I’m concentrating on coves and creeks that had the largest populations of spawning fish and starting there on the flats, creek channels, and points just outside the beds. I’m working out progressively deeper inside productive coves and fishing all of the cover and structure options from the backs of the creek out to the main lake summertime holes. Keep in mind that a lot of fish are suspended right now, so fish bottom bouncing lures while also checking for suspended fish with baits like jerkbaits and crankbaits. Once you try a few productive spawning creeks, you should have caught some fish and determined what types of cover, structure, and depths are holding the most fish. At that point, look for similar water around the lake and run the pattern. The fish are pretty scattered right now, so you’ll normally do better by fishing lots of good areas instead of camping on an area where you’ve caught a couple good fish. Again, with the fish being in a transition mode, you’ll need to repeat this process most days to stay in contact with the most active fish.
Presentation Pattern: As for your lure, let the cover and the depth of the bass you are fishing dictate your choice. With the fish being so spread out, virtually everything in your tackle box will catch fish at some point during May, so stay flexible. Following are the baits that have been working best for us this week. Early and late and on cloudy days, topwater baits like poppers and walking baits like a Zara Spook in shad colors will produce big fish and good numbers many days. Around shallow vegetation and pads, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms and Magic Shads in green pumpkin and watermelon candy are working well. Texas rigged baits like Lake Fork Flippers in black neon or watermelon/red are also producing big bass when flipped to wood cover near grass or pads. Deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad or bluegill patterns fished for suspended bass on points are producing some big fish and good numbers. Go with 10 lb test and hang on after you come through submerged treetops. Finally, Texas rigged and Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creatures and Baby Ring Frys in watermelon and green pumpkin are catching bass in 12’ to 30’.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
JamesIII (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 7:13 am: | |
Fishing Report for
Lake Fork, Texas
May 8, 2006 by James Caldemeyer
May is a great month for fishing Lake Fork. Hard to
believe it is here again! Time flies when you're having fun (or catching lots of big fish). May is one of my favorite months here
at Lake Fork, as you can catch lots of fish and BIG
ONES, at that. What a combination!!! It's the time big females
that have spawned, pull out of the
spawning areas and start gorging themselves on just
about everything that passes by.
Water clarity has been clear to stained, due to
the recent bit of rains. Water levels have been low,
still at 2'6" from full pool. Temps are in the mid
70's in most areas with some warmer water in the
shallow flats.
Fishing lately, has been fair to good for catching
quality fish, if the wind and rain doesn't hamper your
efforts. To start out, you'll want to try your top water baits
early. A yellow magic will usually get things going. I
am also throwing a frog over the grass and dipping it
down into the holes. The top water bite is just getting
started, so don't be disappointed if you don't catch
them in the area you are fishing.
As the month rolls on, you'll be able to get a bite on top just about
anywhere you go. Right now, I am also keying on main
lake points, with timber, and flipping every tree or
stick-up with a Grande Bass 3" Cannibal, in Watermelon
Red or Green Pumpkin/Watermelon. These little dudes
are deadly, in and around the trees! I'm rigging these
on my "flippin rod" with 20 lb Fluorocarbon, a 1/4 oz.
or 5/16 oz. weight, and a 3/0 hook in 5 to 12 ft of
water. Working this rig fairly slow, will also, get
you hooked up. Don't hesitate to put a Grande
Bass "Mutant" on this same rig...as a Share-a-Lunker
was taken two weeks ago on this amazing new bait. You
can see pics of this HAWG and the bait that caught it
at www.grandebass.com ----WOW what a fish!!!
Don't forget your wacky worms either. A 6" Squirm
Worm in shades of watermelon or green pumpkin and a 5"
Grande Stick rigged Texas style (weightless) on a 4/0
hook, will do the job in these same areas mentioned.
The deep bite, is also getting started for all you
deep structure fisherman. Carolina Rigging deeper
humps, points and road beds, can produce some lunkers
and will get going even better, as summer approaches. You'll
find me throwing a "Mutant" out there to catch these
deep fish. If you've had an opportunity to use this
bait this spring, wait until you see how it
does deep...WOOAH! "Get the Net!!" I prefer a 7ft Medium
Heavy rod for this type of fishing. I will rig it with 20 to 25 lb monofilament line and a 3 to 4 foot 17 lb. fluorocarbon leader. This helps get the bait up a little and gives the Mutant some great
action. I also like the 6" Squirm Worm rigged this way
and the (soon to be out) fry bait. It is going to be
AWESOME! Best colors right now are watermelon red, green
pumpkin or June bug.
If you are planning, or thinking about coming down
to tackle these lunkers, feel free to give me a call
at (903) 736-9888. You can also email me @
lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com or the website
www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com
I enjoy seeing my clients catch fish of a lifetime and
sharing together this beautiful lake that God has
created. I would like to thank God for making "all
things possible" and many thanks to my sponsors. I
wish everyone the best out there on the water and be
safe...
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer III
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no
other name under heaven given to men by which we must
be saved." Acts 4:12 |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 41
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 2:33 pm: | |
A spawned out female that weighed over 8 lbs fell to a crankbait:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060417tom8.jpg[/img]
Linda and I had almost matching 6 lb bass. This was her biggest ever. Unfortunately, we both jumped off considerably larger fish after we caught these:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060416linda.jpg[/img][img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060416tom.jpg[/img]
Matt with a big bass that was full of shad:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060424matt.jpg[/img]
When you start getting doubles, you’ve found the right spot!:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060424tom.jpg[/img]
From prespawn to postspawn and from shallow to deep, big bass are being caught all over Lake Fork right now. Trophy bass up to 14+ lbs have been coming into the marinas in good numbers this past week, as another wave of big bass moved up to spawn. Overall, the spawn is starting to near an end and the bass are beginning their transition towards postspawn and early summer patterns. Aggressive fry guarding males and big females that are feeding heavily to regain body weight make May and June fishing the favorite period for many Lake Fork regulars. The best patterns and locations change daily and often hourly, so stay versatile and keep experimenting until you find them.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level is up slightly, currently reading 400.65’, or 2’4” below full pool. The water clarity is very clear in grassy areas, whereas some areas without submerged vegetation are slightly stained due to recent winds. Water temps continue to rise, with readings in the low to upper 70s, depending on the area. Submerged vegetation, including hydrilla, milfoil and coontail, is growing rapidly in many areas and spreading in coverage and height. In addition, the lily pads are really starting to pop up and increase in density on the south end of Fork.
Location Pattern: I’m finding good fish anywhere from 1’ to 18’ currently and from the backs of creeks to the main lake points and humps nearby spawning areas. Key on areas that had or still have large populations of spawning bass. After spawning, bass typically hold in grass and timber along the creek channels leading out of spawning flats as well as on secondary points that are nearby. As the season progresses, some bass continue to move towards the main lake along creek channels and points while on their way to main lake summertime spots. Meanwhile, some bass continue to spend their entire lives in the backs of creeks, especially areas with abundant cover. Start in the backs of creeks and systematically work your way out to deep water and sooner or later you’ll come in contact with the bass.
Presentation Pattern: I’ll use just about everything in my tackle box this time of year, but here are the baits that have been producing best for my customers and me in the past week. For sight fish, Texas rigged Lake Fork Tackle Top Dog Lizards in watermelon or green pumpkin have been catching these fish quickly. Lizards are also producing a lot of good bass by slowly working shallow wood cover. Early in the day and on cloudy days, topwaters like Zara Spooks and Pop-R’s in shad patterns are producing big numbers of bass if the conditions are right. If the bass won’t quite come to the surface, weightless rigged Magic Shads in watermelon candy or bull bream colors and hard plastic jerkbaits in silver or gold are working well. While the spinnerbait bite has been slow; shallow, medium, and deep running crankbaits in shad colors have been producing good numbers and big bass on windy days. Chose a crank that runs just deep enough to tick the bottom or the cover you’re fishing and use a stop and go retrieve. Anytime the crankbait stops vibrating, do a sweep hookset and tell your partner to grab the net.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 40
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 9:11 am: | |
Dean with a big bass on a Lake Fork Magic Shad:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060413dean.jpg[/img]
Rob with another Magic Shad lunker:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060404rob.jpg[/img]
Grayson with his biggest bass ever:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060404grayson.jpg[/img]
Wayne lost a monster but still managed to catch his biggest bass ever while fishing with his grandson Spencer:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060414dean.jpg[/img]
The spawn continues to roll on at Lake Fork, with a stable weather pattern of warm and sunny days. While the spawn is wrapping up in many protected shallow areas, many new beds are showing up in deeper and more main lake areas. Although sight fishing is the best bet for these lunkers if conditions are right, backing off and slowly working deeper cover is the way to go on windy and overcast days. Based on past years, look for the spawn to continue until mid-May.
In areas where the spawn is winding down, female bass will soon be shaking off their post spawn hangovers and will start feeding heavily. In addition, fry guarding males will be chasing away marauding bluegill with a vengeance. Look for the fast action topwater, crankbait and Carolina rig bite to start in late April and last through June. Shallow or deep, the post spawn and early summer patterns offer the best fishing of the year for numbers of 3 to 7 pound bass and a good shot at a true lunker.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level is once again slowly dropping, currently reading 400.57’, or 2’5” below full pool. The water clarity is very clear in grassy areas, whereas the areas without submerged vegetation are slightly stained due to recent winds. Water temps are on the rise, with readings in the upper 60s in the main lake and into the mid 70s in the creeks.
Location Pattern: For spawning bass, fish 8’ and shallower flats in creeks and out in the main lake are holding bass. Many males have been moving up daily in new places, so keep moving until you find an area holding females and pairs of bass. Areas with a hard bottom and ample grass or wood cover will usually hold the most bass. For a shot at true lunker, concentrate on any drop-offs, creek channels, or points around spawning bays. Females will stack up on these deep water sanctuaries until conditions are right to spawn. After spawning, those same lunkers retreat quickly to those same areas.
Presentation Pattern: For fish on the bed, white or watermelon Lake Fork Tackle Top Dog Lizards, Flippers and Craw Tubes are my mainstays. White baits allow you to clearly see your bait on the bed, while more natural shades of green are often needed to catch the more finicky bass. My new favorite is the Lake Fork Baby Craw in white or watermelon. When conditions don’t allow you to see the beds, in water that is too deep to locate spawners, and around staging areas, soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Magic Shad and Twitch Worm rigged weightless in watermelon red, watermelon candy and sour melon are often catching the most and biggest bass. Fish these slowly with a couple twitches and a slow fall to the bottom on slack line. For true lunkers, repeated pitches to heavy cover on and around spawning flats with Texas rigged Top Dog lizards and creature baits like Lake Fork Creatures in green pumpkin, watermelon candy or black neon are a great option. Finally, on windy and overcast days, moving baits like white spinnerbaits can produce big bass, as well.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 39
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 02, 2006 - 10:57 am: | |
Mike caught this 7.6 lb hog on a bed:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060330mike7.5.jpg[/img]
His brother Brent caught good numbers of bass on his “secret colored” Magic Shads:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060331brent.jpg[/img]
Matt from Idaho showing off a couple Texas spuds, including one over 7 lbs:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060328matt.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060329matt.jpg[/img]
Turner looked like a younger version of Bassmaster pro Alton Jones and fished like him, too:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060315turner.jpg[/img]
This one was close to 8 lbs:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060330tom7.75.jpg[/img]
After a couple freezing cold nights early last week resulted in some tough days, the recent warming trend has lots of big bass moving back on beds at Lake Fork. The majority of the bass are yet to spawn, so prespawn patterns are producing really big bass in many areas of the lake, as well. Fish weightless or Texas rigged soft plastics in 12’ or less around spawning areas now through mid-May and your odds of catching a Lake Fork hog are pretty good!
My location and presentation patterns will pretty much remain the same until the spawn winds down in mid-May. Although the general patterns stay the same, the specific best location and top bait & color often changes daily. This time of year, small adjustments in presentation or location often result in tremendous changes of fortune.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level is currently holding steady at 400.71’, or 2’12” below full pool, our highest water level since August ‘05. Many bass are relating to the newly flooded cover and the inside weedline, so don’t rule out the shallows. The water clarity is clear to stained in most areas, although some areas are still pretty muddy due to runoff and the wind. Water temps are once again on the rise, with readings in the low 60s main lake and into the low 70s in some shallow areas.
Location Pattern: For spawning bass, fish 8’ and shallower flats in the backs of protected bays and creeks. Spots with large areas of shallow flats that are blocked off from the cooler main lake water have been holding the most fish. Waves of new fish have been moving up daily in many places and spawning fish are starting to show up in new areas of the lake every day, not necessarily all in the North end of the lake. Areas with a hard bottom and ample grass or wood cover will usually hold the most bass. For a shot at true lunker, concentrate on any drop-offs, creek channels, or points around spawning bays. Females will stack up on these deep water sanctuaries until conditions are right to spawn. After spawning, those same lunkers retreat quickly to those same areas.
Presentation Pattern: For fish on the bed, white or watermelon Lake Fork Tackle Top Dog Lizards, Flippers and Craw Tubes are my mainstays. White baits allow you to clearly see your bait on the bed, while more natural shades of green are often needed to catch the more finicky bass. My new favorite is the Lake Fork Baby Craw in white or watermelon. Rig this little bait with a stout 2/0 or 3/0 hook like the Gamakatsu EWG Superline hook on 25 lb fluorocarbon or 65 lb braid and you’ll be ready for even the shyest bedding lunkers. When conditions don’t allow you to see the beds, in water that is too deep to locate spawners, and around staging areas, soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Magic Shad and Twitch Worm rigged weightless in shades of watermelon are often catching the most and biggest bass. Fish these slowly with a couple twitches and a slow fall to the bottom on slack line. For true lunkers, repeated pitches to heavy cover on and around spawning flats with Texas rigged Top Dog lizards and creature baits like Flippers in watermelon or black neon are a great option. Finally, on windy and overcast days, moving baits like white spinnerbaits can produce big bass, as well.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 38
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 9:56 am: | |
Fred caught this 9-1/2 lb lunker on the 9th. We had two more over 7 lbs, too:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060309fred9.5.jpg[/img]
Ron showing off an 8 and a 5 lb’er on the 7th:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060307ron.jpg[/img]
Mark with one of our better ones on the 8th, with almost 40 bass in the boat total:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060308mark.jpg[/img]
Greg with a good chunk, all smiles before the “big one” got away:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060302greg.jpg[/img]
A couple of my better ones from last week, an 8 lb 1 ounce chunk and a 7-07:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060307tom.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060310tom77.jpg[/img]
I’m not sure if this is the punch line to a Jeff Foxworthy “you might be a redneck” joke or if this is from an upcoming Lake Fork edition of “Fear Factor.” Either way, the spawn is obviously on at Fork.
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/sight%20boat.jpg[/img]
A long string of warm and sunny days has started the spawn in earnest in many areas of Lake Fork. As a result, our numbers and size has been outstanding on many days this week. The nastiest days, with winds up to 40 mph, have been the best fishing days for us, while the sunny and calm days have made for slow fishing unless you’re sight fishing. Meanwhile, the vast majority of bass have not spawned yet, although the warming trend has moved many fish along in their prespawn progression into shallower staging areas.
My Location and Presentation Patterns will focus on the spawning and late prespawn bass. For chasing around those big and often less pressured prespawn bass, refer to my previous report. We’ve caught bass on topwaters and deep diving crankbaits last week and about everything in between, so keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to experiment with different lures and patterns if you’re not getting bit.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level has stayed about the same this past week, currently sitting at 399.11’, or 3’11” below full pool. The water clarity is clear to stained in most areas, although the wind has muddied some spots. The main lake water temps are holding in the upper 50s to the lower 60s, while the backs of protected creeks were reading as warm as 71 yesterday. While these surface temps are high, remember that the water temperature at bedding depth (generally 2’ to 8’ on Fork) determines when the bass spawn. Many areas likely won’t sustain the approximately 62 degree temps needed for spawning for quite a while, so look for the spawn to continue into May, as usual.
Location Pattern: For spawning bass, fish 8’ and shallower flats in the backs of protected bays and creeks. Spots with large areas of shallow flats that are blocked off from the cooler main lake water have been holding the most fish. Waves of new fish have been moving up daily in many places and spawning fish are starting to show up in new areas of the lake every day, not necessarily all in the North end of the lake. Areas with a hard bottom and ample grass or wood cover will usually hold the most bass. For a shot a true lunker, concentrate on any drop-offs, creek channels, or points around spawning bays. Females will stack up on these deep water sanctuaries until conditions are right to spawn. After spawning, those same lunkers retreat quickly to those same areas.
Presentation Pattern: For late prespawn and spawning fish, I have four main patterns. For fish on the bed, white or watermelon Lake Fork Tackle Top Dog Lizards, Flippers and Craw Tubes are my mainstays. White baits allow you to clearly see your bait on the bed, while more natural shades of green are often needed to catch the more finicky bass. My new favorite is the Lake Fork Baby Craw in white or watermelon. In fact, Eric Nethery just let the secret out last week when he won the Bassmaster Southern Open on Sam Rayburn using the Fork Baby Craw in Killer Craw color, catching almost 68 lbs of bedding bass in 3 days. Rig this little bait with a stout 2/0 or 3/0 hook like the Gamakatsu EWG Superline hook on 25 lb fluorocarbon or 65 lb braid and you’ll be ready for even the shyest bedding lunkers. When conditions don’t allow you to see the beds, in water that is too deep to locate spawners, and around staging areas, soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Magic Shad and Twitch Worm rigged weightless in shades of watermelon are often catching the most and biggest bass. Fish these slowly with a couple twitches and a slow fall to the bottom on slack line. For true lunkers, repeated pitches to heavy cover on and around spawning flats with Texas rigged Top Dog lizards and creature baits like Flippers in watermelon or black neon are a great option. Finally, on windy and overcast days, moving baits like white spinnerbaits and ½ oz lipless crankbaits in shades of orange are producing some big bass, including a 9.5 lb’er this week.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 37
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:11 am: | |
Jeff from IL quickly learned a couple new techniques and promptly landed his two biggest bass ever, 6 lbs 10 oz and 6 lbs 4 oz
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060225jeff610.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060226jeff64.jpg[/img]
Aaron from MN caught his biggest bass ever, 6 lb 12 oz:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060221aaron612.jpg[/img]
Terry from MN got into the action with this nice chunk:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060221terry.jpg[/img]
Dave must have been frightened looking down the big mouth of this bass:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060218dave.jpg[/img]
On the good days, even I can catch a decent bass:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060223tom.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060218tom.jpg[/img]
Despite a weather roller coaster over the past week, many big bass over 10 lbs were caught at Lake Fork, including a 15.5 lb brute. After an ice storm and a couple days with highs in the low 40s, we received another front accompanied by a big rainstorm on Saturday. Amazingly, the bass continued to bite well with the water temps in the low 40s, especially in the shallows. The bite slowed for us over the weekend after the front moved through with no clouds and no wind; however, the sunny 70-80 degree days forecast for this week should have the lunkers smokin’ baits and likely scoping out beds shortly.
Last year, I caught my first bass off a bed on February 17th and my last one on May 13th. As a result, I believe that as soon as the water warms up a little, our spawn will begin and it will continue well into May, depending on what part of the lake you’re fishing. Soon, you’ll be able to chase chunky prespawn females, catch spawning fish in the shallows, or throw topwaters and crankbaits to actively feeding post spawners. It’s the Lake Fork version of the “Seafood Trio” lunch special for bass fishermen. If that isn’t enough, once mid-May rolls around, the best fishing of the year for numbers of 3 to 8 lb bass with an occasional 10 pounders occurs, with topwaters in the shallows and worms and crankbaits on points and humps for deep schools of big bass. Any time from now through July is an excellent time to visit Lake Fork.
My Location and Presentation Patterns remain largely unchanged this week. If the water heats up considerably this week, as expected, look for both to change considerably in next week’s report.
Lake Conditions: After big storms on Saturday, Lake Fork’s water rose to 399.08’, or 3’11” below full pool. The water clarity is clear to stained in most areas, although the runoff from the rain has muddied some areas. After water temps bottomed out in the low 40s last week, the warm runoff and Sunday’s sun have main lake temps around 50, with the backs of some creeks near 55 degrees. The bass have not necessarily been in the warmest or clearest water many days, so keep an open mind and you might be surprised where you’ll find fish.
Location Pattern: As I’ve done for the last two months, I’m concentrating on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) or wood cover will typically have the most active fish; however, don’t overlook coverless points and channel bends as we approach the spawn. Key on stumps, docks, and laydowns within the grassbeds or on any irregular places along the edge of the grass. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
Presentation Pattern: My prespawn arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red or orange lipless crankbaits in ¼ to ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. ¼ oz traps work well on the shallowest grass. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but after cold fronts, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or a jig/Texas rig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. The jig bite is good on some days, especially for big bass. ½ oz black and blue jigs with Lake Fork Tackle Fork Craws in the Blue Bruiser color have been working best for me. Other days, Texas rigged Lake Fork Tackle Flippers and Fork Craws in Blue Bruiser, Black Neon, and Watermelon/Red are working better than the jig. The bass are typically holding the Texas rig longer, giving you more time to set the hook. If the wind allows, work a wacky rigged Twitch Worm or Magic Shad in the areas where you caught fish with the other baits. Shades of watermelon are a sure bet for the plastics.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 36
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 8:55 am: | |
Bernie from MN, a former linebacker equipped with 50 lb braid, had no problems landing this long and strong 8 lb 2 oz lunker on Feb 13th, his biggest ever!
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060213bernie82.jpg[/img]
Our biggest 5 bass on the 13th weighed over 34 lbs, including these 7lb 2oz and 7lb 9 oz toads:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060213tom72.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060213tom79.jpg[/img]
Bob from CT with a couple 6 lb bass on rainy and windy days, Feb 10 & 11:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060210bobfay.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060211bobfay602.jpg[/img]
Greetings earthlings. Me or Beldar Conehead with a 7 lb 12 oz lunker on Feb 12?
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060212tom712.jpg[/img]
This 7 lb 9 oz hawg was one of many chunks Bernie & I caught in the 40 mph gusts on Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, the BIG one got away for Bernie:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060214tom79.jpg[/img]
The conditions have been brutal for fishermen over the past week at Lake Fork. However, the bass don’t seem to mind and we’re catching a number of 7+ pound bass as they feed up before the spawn. I’ve fished full day guide trips each day for the past 7 days, including temps in the low 40s and cold rain driven by 30 mph North winds on 2/10, a high of 43 and North winds to 35 on 2/11, South winds to 35 mph on 2/12, 22 degree temps and ice in the guides on the morning of 2/13, topped off by South winds up to 40 on 2/14. Considering the lake looked like a washing mashing on spin cycle, I was certainly thankful to be fishing out of a smooth riding Ranger Z21 bass boat on those days.
The fishing is typical of February for Lake Fork, with numbers running low but most of the fish are solid 3 to 6 pounders, with fish over 7 pounds many days (check out the pictures page on my website to see our lunkers from last week). With the exception of one day last week when 3 of us struggled to put 4 fish in the boat, most days we’re landing 10 to 15 fish, with a high of 19. Because we’re fishing a lot of heavy cover and many fish are just slapping at the baits, we’re also losing a lot of fish each day as well as missing a number of strikes. Unfortunately, some of the biggest fish we hooked this week were the ones we lost, but those are the risks you take when fishing for big bass in heavy cover.
A number of fish are holding shallow right now and a prolonged warming period could result in a few fish in protected areas trying to spawn. From now through early May, we’ll have literally thousands of lunkers in the shallows getting ready to spawn or on beds. Wow, I can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow!
Lake Conditions: After a rain last week, Lake Fork’s water sits at 398.84’, or 4’2” below full pool. The water clarity is clear to stained in most areas, although the high winds have muddied some areas. The warm sun has offset several nights well below freezing. Water temps are holding in the low 50s in the main lake, while the backs of creeks ranged anywhere from 43 to 57 degrees yesterday. The bass have not necessarily been in the warmest or clearest water many days, so keep an open mind and you might be surprised where you’ll find fish.
Location Pattern: As I’ve done for the last two months, I’m concentrating on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) or wood cover will typically have the most active fish; however, don’t overlook coverless points and channel bends as we approach the spawn. Key on stumps, docks, and laydowns within the grassbeds or on any irregular places along the edge of the grass. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 45’ will produce some big fish well into the spring. Since many big bass on Fork don’t spawn until early May, these late bloomers won’t be moving shallow for quite a while. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots. I personally prefer fishing shallow in the spring, so my presentation pattern will focus on that.
Presentation Pattern: My prespawn arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red or orange lipless crankbaits in ¼ to ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. ¼ oz traps work well on the shallowest grass. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but after cold fronts, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or a jig/Texas rig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. The jig bite is good on some days, especially for big bass. ½ oz black and blue jigs with Lake Fork Tackle Fork Craws in the Blue Bruiser color have been working best for me. Other days, Texas rigged Lake Fork Tackle Flippers and Fork Craws in Blue Bruiser, Black Neon, and Watermelon/Red are working better than the jig. The bass are typically holding the Texas rig longer, giving you more time to set the hook. If the wind allows, work a wacky rigged Twitch Worm or Magic Shad in the areas where you caught fish with the other baits. Shades of watermelon are a sure bet for the plastics.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 11:11 am: | |
This 12.3 lb lunker came on a jig with a Blue Bruiser Lake Fork Tackle Fork Craw on Feb 4th
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060204tom12.3ii.jpg[/img]
Michael braved the cold and 30 mph winds before catching his biggest bass ever, 6 lb 8 oz, on Feb 5th
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060205michael6.5.jpg[/img]
A couple bass over 7 lbs on Jan 31st:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060131tom7.5.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060131tom7.jpg[/img]
A week of warm sunny days has the big ones biting at Lake Fork. We had a number of big bass this past week, including a 12.3 lb lunker on Saturday. The big bass came on a day of fun fishing with my brother—what a rush! You can check her out and a bunch of other good fish we’ve caught lately on the pictures section of my website.
We’ve been catching a lot more bass near shallow spawning areas, although the cold front and cool-down this week will likely push many fish back to the points and creek channels. Although the fish likely won’t be as active after the cold front, the bass will be consolidated in key areas. Methodically work these staging areas and your chances of catching multiple big bass will be very good at Lake Fork in February. Meanwhile, a number of big bass over 7 pounds were caught in 25’ to 40’ last week on deep structure. Shallow or deep, it’s hard to pick a bad time to catch a lunker on Lake Fork for now until mid-summer.
Lake Conditions: After another good rain last week, Lake Fork’s water level rose 3” to 398.97’, or 4’0” below full pool. The water clarity is clear to stained in most areas, although the high winds and runoff have muddied some areas. Water temps are running from 50-56 degrees in most locations, perfect temperatures for prespawn bassin’.
Location Pattern: As I’ve done for the last 45 days, I’m concentrating on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) or wood cover will typically have the most active fish; however, don’t overlook coverless points and channel bends as we approach the spawn. Key on stumps, docks, and laydowns within the grassbeds or on any irregular places along the edge of the grass. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 45’ will produce some big fish well into the spring. Since many big bass on Fork don’t spawn until early May, these late bloomers won’t be moving shallow for quite a while. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots. I personally prefer fishing shallow in the spring, so my presentation pattern will focus on that.
Presentation Pattern: My prespawn arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red or orange lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. ¼ oz traps work well on the shallowest grass. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but after cold fronts, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or a jig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. The jig bite is good on some days, especially for big bass. ½ oz black and blue jigs with Lake Fork Tackle Fork Craws in the Blue Bruiser color have been working best for me. For a few bonus fish, work a wacky rigged Twitch Worm or Magic Shad in the areas where you caught fish with the other baits. Shades of watermelon are a sure bet for the plastics.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 34
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 11:56 am: | |
Justin with a 7 lb 10 oz Rat-L-Trap lunker on 1/24
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060122justin710.jpg[/img]
Justin with another fish over 6 lbs. He had one over 7 lbs, two over 6 lbs and another two over 5 lbs, giving him a “5-fish limit” of over 30 lbs.
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060122justin6.jpg[/img]
This 8-1/2 pounder fell to my spinnerbait on 1/20:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060120tom8.5ii.jpg[/img]
Dave kept warm on 1/22 with Big Mama of almost 7 lbs:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060122dave.jpg[/img]
Another spinnerbait lunker on 1/22, this one weighed 7 lb 7 oz:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060122tom.jpg[/img]
Although we’ve had a few downright tough days, January bass fishing on Lake Fork has been awesome on most days. I’m eagerly anticipating February, as more and more big bass move shallow to stage for spawning. Unless things cool dramatically, we will have some large bass spawning in less than 30 days from now.
Our warm and dry weather pattern, resulting in higher than normal water temps, combined with a lot of fish consolidated in small places due to the low water, has resulted in good numbers and good size most days. For example, fishing the day of the cold front on 1/20, we had over 25 bass, including an 8.5 pounder and only 3 fish were under 3 pounds. On 1/24, I did an instructional trip with Justin Hunley, on a sunny and calm post-frontal day. Man, is he a quick study! He put 5 fish in the boat over 5 pounds, including a 7 lb 10 oz lunker and two more over 6 lbs, giving him a “5-fish limit” of over 30 lbs. The two of us finished with 8 bass over 5 lbs, not bad for a cold front bite in January!
We’re still catching our bass on classic staging areas—points and creek channels near or inside spawning coves and pockets. Most of my best areas have grass; however, as we move closer to the spawn, key structure becomes more important than the cover. I was finding a lot of good fish in the backs of creeks last week before the cold front, now most of our fish are coming nearer or in the main lake. As things warm back up, look for the bass to turn back on in creeks once again. Until the pattern changes, usually around mid-February, my location and presentation patterns will remain largely the same.
Lake Conditions: After a good rain last week, Lake Fork’s water level is currently at 398.78’, or 4’3” below full pool. The water clarity is clear in most areas, although the high winds and runoff have muddied some areas. Water temps are running from 50-55 degrees in most locations, perfect temperatures for winter bassin’. The recent very windy days have uprooted a considerable amount of aquatic vegetation, nearly eliminating it in some areas. The good news is that there are still a number of good grassbeds on the lake and the points and creeks you find with grass are holding lots of fish.
Location Pattern: From late-December through February, I concentrate on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) or wood for cover will typically have the most active fish; however, don’t overlook coverless points and channel bends as we approach the spawn. Key on stumps, docks, and laydowns within the grassbeds or on any irregular places along the edge of the grass. Start your search in areas that have lots of spawning fish in late February and through March. It stands to reason that the coves that hold the most spawning fish in early spring will have the most prespawn fish in the winter. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 45’ will produce some big fish during the winter months as well. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots. I personally prefer fishing shallow in the spring, so my presentation pattern will focus on that.
Presentation Pattern: My wintertime arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but after cold fronts, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or a jig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. The jig bite started picking up for me last week, both flipping creek channel ledges and also working the edges of grass points. ½ oz black and blue jigs with Lake Fork Tackle Fork Craws have been working best for me.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow. Find some good staging spots and you’ll have a milk run of honey holes now through February.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
David Vance (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 5:21 am: | |
David Vance’s Lake Fork Fishing Report
Week Of 1/17/06
The fishing this week Continues to be good with all this warm weather, it has been windy this past week but I will take this kind of weather in January anytime. In the last three days my main baits have been lipless crank baits spinner baits and a Wacko worm. The best water depth for me has been five to eight feet of water. On Monday we had seventeen with two over seven and one that weighed 9lbs 11oz.Twelve of these bass came on lipless crank baits, and five on the 6 ½ inch Wacko worm in June bug the big fish hit the Wacko worm in in 5 feet of water. Out of all the big weightless worms that are on the market the Wacko worm is the best one I have found, you can catch 5 or six bass on one worm and it is full of salt and they don’t cost a ridiculous amount of money for a pack. My bigger bass are still coming from main lake and secondary points, good creeks to try are big mustang, Williams, Penson.
These creeks always produce big bass this time of year. The best bite for me has still been 10am until dark. Right now the water temp is in the mid fifties. with this cold front The wind is the big factor today it was 25+ all day and cold, by the end of the week the weather is suppose to warm back up. The lake is 4 feet low so be careful running the lake.
I am now booking spring dates. Book early to get the best available dates! Call 903-629-7699 or 903-629-5085 cell or check out my website at http://www.lakeforktexasfishingreports.com Until next time.
Good Fishing!
David Vance’s Lake Fork Guide Service and Lodging |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 33
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 10:50 am: | |
10 lb 6 oz Lake Fork beauty caught on 1/16
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/060116tom1006iii.jpg[/img]
8.5 pounder caught on Lake Comedero in Mexico:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/comedero%208.5%20lb%20%20ii.jpg[/img]
After a wonderful Christmas and New Years with my family and a fabulous bass fishing trip to Mexico, I’m back to fishing at Lake Fork and I’m happy to report the big ones are biting. Yesterday, 1/16, was my first day back on the lake and with a front moving in, conditions were perfect. In 5 hours in the afternoon, I was able to land 16 fish that all were 3 pounds or better. 16 bass aren’t a lot of fish for the summertime, but during the winter and fishing alone, I consider 16 fish a fantastic half day. Even better, 3 of the fish were over 7 lbs, including one monster that weighed in at 10 lbs 6 oz. All were caught on lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits, using the patterns I outline below. While most days the conditions aren’t so perfect and you can expect closer to 12 to 15 bass for a full day, lots of fish over 5 pounds are being caught and your chances for a giant bass are best now through April.
For those of you considering taking a trip to Mexico bass fishing, I’d definitely recommend it. I’ve been going to El Salto and Comedero for 5 years and have always had awesome fishing. This year, a buddy and I went to Comedero for 7 days and we crushed them on spinnerbaits. We didn’t have any giants, but we did have over 700 bass, with hundreds of fish in the 3 to 8.5 lb range. Topwaters and Texas rigged Lake Fork Creatures in Watermelon Red or Watermelon Chartreuse caught lots of big fish, too. Mucho grandes!
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, sitting at 398.75’, or 4’3” below full pool; however, almost all ramps are still open. The water clarity is clear in most areas, although the backs of some creeks are muddy due to a couple small rains. Water temps are holding in the low to mid-50s, perfect temperatures for winter bassin’. The height and coverage of grass has been reduced during the draw down, but the grassy areas you find are still holding a lot of fish.
Location Pattern: From late-December through February, I concentrate on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) for cover will typically have the most active fish. Key on stumps, docks, and laydowns within the grassbeds or on any irregular places along the edge of the grass. While about any grassy area will hold a few fish, start your search in areas that have lots of spawning fish in late February and through March. It stands to reason that the coves that hold the most spawning fish in early spring will have the most prespawn fish in the winter. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
Keep in mind, too, that the absolute water temperature is not nearly as important now as the recent water temperature trend. For instance, water temps that are showing 52 degrees can result in slow fishing if the temps were 58 a couple days ago. In contrast, fishing can be great if the temps warm up to 50 while they were 44 a few days before. In general, look for bass on the flats and farther back in creeks during warming trends; conversely, drop back to points and main lake grassbeds after cold fronts. Finally, the day of and the day after cold fronts can be absolutely miserable to fish, but these frontal days after a long warming trend are usually the most productive times to fish. Yesterday was a great example of this.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 45’ will produce some big fish during the winter months as well. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots. I personally prefer fishing shallow in the spring, so my presentation pattern will focus on that.
Presentation Pattern: My wintertime arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but after cold fronts, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or a jig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. For jigs, I go with the lightest weight I can use for the conditions, from 1/8th or ¼ oz on calm days to ½ oz on windy ones. Black and blue or watermelon jigs with matching Lake Fork Pig Claws or Fork Craws will do the job.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow. Find some good staging spots and you’ll have a milk run of honey holes now through February.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 32
Registered: 1-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 8:16 am: | |
Ann’s Winter Law of Bass Fishing: Red Coat + Red Hat + Red Rat-L-Trap = 7 pounder
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/051221ann7.jpg[/img]
Kevin treated himself to a couple early Christmas presents:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/051210kevindavis6.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/051210kevindavis.jpg[/img]
As I wrap up a wonderful year on Lake Fork, I would first like to give a big thanks to all of my customers in 2005. Best wishes to all in the coming New Year and may the blessings of good health, prosperity, and big bass be visited upon you in 2006.
If you’re like me, you’ll be greedily trying to cram a few more big bass memories into your memory bank for ‘05. I’m happy to report that although winter officially arrived yesterday, the bass are feeding on a regular basis and big fish are already starting to show up shallow on Lake Fork. Most bass are in a winter pattern now and a few are showing up in early prespawn staging areas. Numbers run lower this time of year; however, now through February is an excellent time to catch a lunker prespawn bass.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, sitting at 398.89’, or 4’1” below full pool. The water clarity is clear and water temps were registering from 47 to 50 degrees yesterday afternoon, with the south end of the lake being the warmest. The height and coverage of grass has been reduced during the draw down, but the grassy areas you find are still holding a lot of fish.
Location Pattern: From late-December through February, I concentrate on prespawn and staging fish on points and along edges of flats or creek channels. Areas with submerged vegetation (primarily hydrilla, milfoil or coontail) for cover will typically have the most active fish. Key on stumps, docks, and laydowns within the grassbeds or on any irregular places along the edge of the grass. While about any grassy area will hold a few fish, start your search in areas that have lots of spawning fish in late February and through March. It stands to reason that the coves that hold the most spawning fish in early spring will have the most prespawn fish in the winter. Main lake grass beds near the mouths of these coves are holding a lot of fish now, as are main and secondary points inside the coves, provided there is deep water nearby. During warming trends, follow bass back into the creeks and check the edges of grass flats and creek channels.
Keep in mind, too, that the absolute water temperature is not nearly as important now as the recent water temperature trend. For instance, water temps that are showing 52 degrees can result in slow fishing if the temps were 58 a couple days ago. In contrast, fishing can be great if the temps warm up to 50 while they were 44 a few days before. In general, look for bass on the flats and farther back in creeks during warming trends; conversely, drop back to points and main lake grassbeds after cold fronts. Finally, the day of and the day after cold fronts can be absolutely miserable to fish, but these frontal days after a long warming trend are usually the most productive times to fish.
For deep structure enthusiasts, points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 40’ will produce some big fish during the winter months as well. Use your electronics to find the schools of bass and baitfish and work them over with spoons and dropshots.
Presentation Pattern: My wintertime arsenal is pretty simple for fishing along grasslines and creek channels. First and foremost are red lipless crankbaits in ½ or ¾ oz. Stick with the ½ for grass that is near the surface and go with the ¾ for grass that is deeper. Buzzing these over the top of the grass on a quick retrieve is working best now, but once the water cools a little more, letting the trap fall and ripping these out of the grass will trigger most of the bites. ¼ to ½ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in white, red, or chartreuse and white will produce some really large bass in the same areas that the lipless cranks work, especially on windy and cloudy days. When the bite slows or the conditions are sunny and calm, I’ll switch to a suspending jerkbait or a jig. Gold jerkbaits with orange bellies and black backs are my primary color. Work these with long pauses over the grass and along the edges. For jigs, I go with the lightest weight I can use for the conditions, from 1/8th or ¼ oz on calm days to ½ oz on windy ones. Black and blue or watermelon jigs with matching Lake Fork Pig Claws or Fork Craws will do the job.
Cover lots of water until you get bit. Once you catch one, work the area over thoroughly with multiple passes, employing several different baits. Fish tend to stack up in key staging areas during the winter and these spots will replenish themselves with more fish during the prespawn as more and more big bass move shallow. Find some good staging spots and you’ll have a milk run of honey holes now through February.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 31
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 2:30 pm: | |
With a cold front rolling over Lake Fork seemingly every other day, the pattern has continued to change. Some days the deep bite has been best, other days shallow has been the way to go, while both have worked on a number of days and neither were very hot on a couple days. The bass should remain pretty aggressive while the water temps stay above 50 degrees and numbers have been good most days. When the deep bite is on, we’re still catching big numbers of fish on drop shots and spoons but most of these fish are running small. Meanwhile, we’re starting to catch more quality bass, up to 8.6 lbs, on shallow points and creek channels. Best of all, the lake is an absolute ghost town on weekdays, so head on out and you’ll have the rarest of pleasures on Lake Fork—enjoying your favorite spots all to yourself.
Lake Conditions: Lake Fork’s water level continues to drop, sitting at 399.07’, or 3’11” below full pool. The water clarity is still slightly stained in the main lake from the turnover while it is crystal clear in coves with abundant vegetation. Water temps dropped significantly in the past week, down to the mid-50s in the main lake to as low as the upper-40s in the backs of creeks. The height and coverage of grass has been reduced during the draw down, but the grassy areas you find are still holding a lot of fish.
Location Pattern: The cold fronts slowed the creek channel bite in the very backs of creeks for me. Since the cool down, I’m finding a lot more bass on points and main lake grassbeds. Look for grass with deep-water access nearby and you’ll find bigger fish. Personally, I’ve never found a connection between greener grass and concentrations of fish. Find grass cover, dormant or alive, on key structure, and you’re in business. Creek channels running through grass and timber covered flats with 8’-20’ of depth are also holding some good fish. As the lake level continues to drop, the bass will only become more concentrated in these key areas.
The location on deep structure hasn’t changed much. Points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 18’ to 32’ have produced big numbers of keeper-sized bass. With the bass liable to be about anywhere out deep right now, just pulling up to your favorite honey hole and fishing is a shot in the dark. Dropping a buoy at the first place you mark a school of bait is about as unproductive. Wait to find schools of bait, crappie, & yellow bass with signatures from bass chasing them and you’ll catch a lot more. And don’t be afraid to check really deep water. Once winter sets in, I catch some good bass in 40’+ each year.
Presentation Pattern: I’ve been switching back and forth between the shallows and deep water throughout the day to determine what bite is better. I’ve done really well early and late up shallow on some days, while others, the deep bite was great at low light. Same goes for the middle of the day. For grass beds and along creek channels, I’m using 5 primary baits and the most productive bait seems to change daily. The first two are lipless crankbaits and 2’-5’ running shallow crankbaits with tight wobbles in shad colors or chrome finishes. Ripping these out of the grass and banging them into stumps are triggering most of the bites. 3/8 oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in shad colors on clear days and chartreuse and white on cloudy days have also done well. Finally, a TX rigged Lake Fork Flipper in green pumpkin or black neon or a wacky rigged Twitch Worm in pumpkin chartreuse or junebug have picked up fish holding tight to stumps and grass clumps. In addition, the TX and wacky rigs have produced bonus fish once schools are located with the spinnerbait and crankbait.
Out deeper, I’ve narrowed my baits to a drop shot and spoons. On the drop shot, a watermelon or green pumpkin Twitch Worm is catching big numbers of small fish, along with the occasional fish over 4 lbs. Long casts and shaking the rig while working it back to the boat has been best. Productive areas typically have a lot of active yellow bass as well, so don’t set the hook when the yellows peck at your weight or lure, wait for a bass to take it. For bass that are suspended or feeding up while chasing shad and yellow bass, jigging spoons have been catching good numbers and the occasional toad. As the water continues to cool, I typically find a less active spoon presentation works better. Often, lifting the spoon a foot above the bottom and holding it there is the best technique in the winter, especially for lunkers.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 30
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 2:01 pm: | |
What a great week I’ve had here at Lake Fork. Fishing for numbers of bass has continued to be great with some big fished mixed in. If that wasn’t enough, my wife and I were blessed with a healthy little boy, Nathan, our first child. I’m easy to spot on the lake these days—I’m the one grinning from ear-to-ear! The patterns are basically the same as last week, as the conditions have stayed the same. The big cold front coming through today will likely reposition the bass a little, but if anything, I expect the cooler temps will have more big fish showing up in the coming weeks. Look for fish to stack up in creek channel bends in the coves and look for tightly schooled concentrations of bass on deep structure. Find one of these post-frontal honey holes and you’d better have the camera batteries fully charged. With the fall colors, mild days and biting bass, it’s a wonderful time to be on Lake Fork.
Lake Conditions: Fork is still low but about the same elevation as last week, sitting at 399.40’, or 3’7” below full pool. The water clarity is still slightly stained in the main lake from the turnover while it is crystal clear in coves with abundant vegetation. Water temps warmed up to almost 70 in the main lake with the warm sunny days this week, but look for them to fall considerably with the coming cool nights. The height and coverage of grass has been reduced during the draw down, but the grassy areas you find are still holding a lot of fish.
Location Pattern: We’ve been catching both numbers and size from shallow and deep water in the past week. In the shallows, the presence of grass in most any area is holding at least some small fish. To catch big fish, deep water access nearby has been the key. Creek channels running through grass and timber covered flats and main lake and secondary points with grass are the top examples. As the lake level continues to drop, the bass will only become more concentrated in these key areas.
While we have been catching good numbers of fish up to 8 lbs in the shallows, deep water is your best shot right now for a true lunker. Points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 14’ to 32’ have produced fish in the last couple of weeks. With the bass liable to be about anywhere out deep right now, just pulling up to your favorite honey hole and fishing is a shot in the dark. Dropping a buoy at the first place you mark a school of bait is about as unproductive. Wait to find schools of bait & yellow bass with signatures from bass chasing them and you’ll catch a lot more.
Presentation Pattern: At first light and late in the evening, wacky rigged baits like Lake Fork Twitch Worms in shades of watermelon have produced some nice bass around main lake weedbeds. Once the sun comes up, I’m focusing on creek channels and points until mid-morning. Position your boat in the middle of the creek channel and throw your bait to the grass edges and/or stumps near the edge of the creek, while working the middle of the creek as well. After the cold front, expect to find the bass either holding very tight to cover or sitting on the bottom of the creek channel. Small shad colored spinnerbaits and crankbaits have produced best on most days, while a slowly worked ¼ oz black/blue jig or a Texas rigged Lake Fork Baby Creature in Blue Bruiser color has also picked up a few fish.
Out deeper, I’ve been using two different categories of baits, depending if the bass are feeding on the bottom or feeding up chasing shad. For those on the bottom, Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys or Twitch Worms in watermelon on sunny days and green pumpkin on cloudy days are my first option. If the C-rig isn’t working, a watermelon or green pumpkin Twitch Worm on a drop shot rig is catching big numbers of small fish, along with the occasional fish over 4 lbs. Productive areas typically have a lot of active yellow bass as well, so don’t set the hook when the yellows peck at your weight or lure, wait for a bass to take it. For bass that are suspended or feeding up while chasing shad and yellow bass, jigging spoons, tail spinners and swimbaits will catch big numbers of bass and some true giants as well. Experiment with your retrieve with these lures. Productive retrieves range from dragging along the bottom or holding a bait in place several feet over the bottom to vigorously snapping the bait off the bottom or counting it down to the proper depth and swimming the bait through the bass. Once you get the correct retrieve down for a given area, you’ll typically reduce the number of barfish hooked and primarily start catching bass.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
David Vance (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 8:07 am: | |
David Vance’s Lake Fork Fishing Report
Week Of 11/5/05
The fishing this week Continues to be great, the wind has made it hard to stay on the deep fish. The last two days the spinner bait bite has been good on windy points, yesterday all of our bass came on a spinner bait by the end of the day we had 27 with two over seven pounds. The spinner bait we used was a ½ oz Colorado willow with nickel and gold blades and a chartreuse and white skirt. We had most of our hits fishing the bait fast, and when they hit your spinner bait they would almost take the rod out of your hand. The deep bite is steal good but with this wind it has made it hard to fish the open water, the jigging spoon and Carolina rig has worked best for me to catch the deeper bass. With this warm weather the bass fishing has stayed consistent on lake fork. The forecast for next week looks like more warm weather, and the patterns will stay the same. The water temp is in the mid 60’s right now. When the next cold front comes in that is when the deep jigging spoon bite will be on. In November a spoon is one of the best baits you can have in the boat. When these bass get bunched up in deep water on lake fork you can catch them all day long, and a spoon is a easy way to fish and it will produce good numbers of big bass this time of year. The lake is 3 ½ feet low so be careful running the lake.
I am now booking fall and spring dates. Book early to get the best available dates! Call 903-629-7699 or 903-629-5085 cell or check out my website at http://www.lakeforktexasfishingreports.com Until next time.
Good Fishing!
David Vance |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 29
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 03, 2005 - 8:50 am: | |
With a relatively stable weather pattern for the last several weeks, the fishing at Lake Fork is very predictable. Bass are following the shad and feeding up before winter, so the location and depth changes slightly from day-to-day, but the how to’s and when’s are at their most consistent levels since early summer. With sunny days and light to moderate winds forecasted again for the coming week, look for fishing patterns to remain the same.
Lake Conditions: Halloween’s storms only brought Fork’s level up 2.5” and now it has returned to slowly dropping, sitting at 399.46’, about 3’6” below full pool. The water clarity is still slightly stained in the main lake from the turnover while it is crystal clear in coves with abundant vegetation. Water temps are down again with the cooler nights, now sitting in the mid-60’s but are on the rise with our latest warming trend. The height and coverage of grass has been reduced during the draw down, but the grassy areas you find are still holding a lot of fish.
Location Pattern: We’ve been catching both numbers and size from shallow and deep water in the past week. In the shallows, the presence of grass in most any area is holding at least some small fish. To catch big fish, deep water access nearby has been the key. Creek channels running through grass and timber covered flats and main lake and secondary points with grass are the top examples. As the lake level continues to drop, the bass will only become more concentrated in these key areas.
While we have been catching good numbers of fish up to 7 lbs in the shallows, deep water is your best shot right now for a true lunker. Points, roadbeds, humps, flats and ledges in 14’ to 38’ have produced fish in the last couple of weeks. With the bass liable to be about anywhere out deep right now, just pulling up to your favorite honey hole and fishing is a shot in the dark. Dropping a buoy at the first place you mark a school of bait is about as unproductive. Wait to find schools of bait with signatures from bass chasing them and you’ll catch a lot more.
Presentation Pattern: At first light and late in the evening, wacky rigged baits like Lake Fork Twitch Worms in shades of watermelon have produced some nice bass around main lake weedbeds. Once the sun comes up, I’m focusing on creek channels and points until mid-morning. Position your boat in the middle of the creek channel and throw your bait to the grass edges and/or stumps near the edge of the creek, while working the middle of the creek as well. Some days they’ll be on the edge and others they’ll be in the middle of the creek. Small shad colored spinnerbaits and crankbaits have produced best on most days, while a slowly worked ¼ oz black/blue jig or a Texas rigged Lake Fork Baby Creature in Blue Bruiser color has also picked up a few fish. The same baits, along with a Carolina rigged Baby Ring Fry in Watermelon Chartreuse, will work on main lake and secondary points in 6’ to 15’. Again, points with grass have been most productive, although the fish are not necessarily always holding in the grass on these points.
Out deeper, I’ve been using two different categories of baits, depending if the bass are feeding on the bottom or feeding up chasing shad. For those on the bottom, Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys in Chartreuse Fire and Purple Haze or Baby Creatures in Chartreuse Pepper is my first option. If the C-rig isn’t working, a watermelon Twitch Worm on a drop shot rig is catching big numbers of small fish, along with the occasional 5 to 8 lb bass. Productive areas typically have a lot of active yellow bass as well, so don’t set the hook when the yellows peck at your weight or lure, wait for a bass to take it. For bass that are suspended or feeding up while chasing shad and yellow bass, jigging spoons, tail spinners and swimbaits will catch big numbers of bass and some true giants as well. Experiment with your retrieve with these lures. Productive retrieves range from dragging along the bottom or holding a bait in place several feet over the bottom to vigorously snapping the bait off the bottom or counting it down to the proper depth and swimming the bait through the bass. Once you get the correct retrieve down for a given area, you’ll typically reduce the number of barfish hooked and primarily start catching bass.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 28
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 11:51 am: | |
This 10.68 lb beauty is the best remedy I’ve found so far for my fall allergies:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/051014tom1068.jpg[/img]
Andrew with a nice bass on a Lake Fork Baby Ring Fry:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/051013andrewsanchez.jpg[/img]
Only 22.24 lbs short of the world record:
[img]http://www.lakeforkpictures.com/051013randal.jpg[/img]
The bass at Lake Fork remain scattered from the backs of creeks in inches of water to deep main lake points and humps. We’re also starting to catch big fish on a more regular basis again, including a 10.68 lb lunker on Friday. The recent warm days with little wind have caused us to change our presentation from last week’s patterns for windy and cloudy cool days; however, the bass are still in about the same general locations as they have been for the last couple of weeks.
Fork’s water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 399.77’, about 3’3” below full pool. The water clarity is still slightly stained in the main lake from the turnover while it is crystal clear in many coves. Water temps have warmed up to the mid to upper 70s. The height and coverage of grass has been reduced during the draw down, but the grassy areas you find are holding a lot of fish.
Topwaters have been very productive some mornings and all day on cloudy days. Shad colored Chug Bugs and Zara Spooks have produced fast action around pad fields and over grass mats. Small spinnerbaits in white and shallow or medium running crankbaits have also worked early in the morning or all day on cloudy or windy days. During the day, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms in watermelon on sunny days and June bug on cloudy ones have been consistent, as have 3/8 oz jigs in watermelon or white with matching Lake Fork Baby Creature trailers. Fish all of these baits on deep weedlines or along creek channels in the coves. Simply position your boat in the middle of the creek channel and throw your bait to the grass edges and/or stumps near the edge of the creek. Out deeper, Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys in Chartreuse Pepper and Red Bug or Baby Creatures in Killer Craw have produced some good numbers once schools are located. Other days, drop shotting Lake Fork Twitch Worms in Watermelon or ¾ oz white or silver jigging spoons have been better. Find the schools of yellow bass and the largemouth will be there as well. Good electronics and experience with them is the key to finding these bonanzas of fish.
Both shallow and deep, fish have been moving in and out of coves and up and down on structure daily and even hourly, following the baitfish. Cover water until you catch a fish, then work that area over thoroughly, as most of our fish have come in bunches in small areas.
And don’t let the high fuel costs keep you from fishing. Bass are holding in all areas of the lake right now. Launch from one of the many ramps at Lake Fork that has a couple large creeks and deep water nearby and you’ll be able to catch fish shallow and deep without making a long run. Or for those of you that like to see more of the lake, swing by the new Ranger Boats dealer at Lake Fork, Diamond Sports Marine. The new Yamaha High Pressure Direct Injection 2-strokes and quiet and clean 4-strokes are much more efficient than traditional 2-stroke outboards. And when paired with a new Z Comanche Ranger, you’ll be able to fish in comfort, even on the windiest and nastiest of days (which, of course, will be your next day off).
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 27
Registered: 1-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 09, 2005 - 10:18 am: | |
After a long awaited cool down, Lake Fork has slept off its hangover-like effects of the fall turnover and great numbers of bass are being caught in depths of 3” to 30’. Small fish are dominating the catch right now; however, with the cooler temps, big fish are being caught now on a more regular basis. Best of all, you can catch bass on just about any lure or technique during October. You name it—from topwaters all day on cloudy days, schooling bass, spinnerbaits and crankbaits in the shallows to Carolina rigs, drop shots, and jigging spoons for deep bass—numbers of bass will be caught on all of these techniques this month.
Fork’s water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 399.89’, about 3’1” below full pool. The water clarity is still slightly stained in the main lake from the turnover while it is crystal clear in most coves. Water temps are down considerably after the recent cold front, with temps sitting in the mid-70s.
For the bass’ location pattern, you’ll find our green friends spread all over the lake. In contrast to the summer pattern when bass position was predicated on deep structure, many bass are now following shad and are feeding actively along edges of cover and structure. Whereas deep structure was they key, now the presence of baitfish is the predominate indicator for a productive spot. Once areas with shad are located, seek edges or funnels that allow schooling bass to corral bait and optimize their feeding opportunities. Typical examples or this are where cover and structure meets, like deep grasslines on points, timber along creek channel bends, or treelines along old fencerows. Out deeper, points, humps, and ridges are starting to hold good concentrations of bass that are grouping up with the shad and yellow bass in anywhere from 14’ to 30’. I typically find the schools shallower on cloudy days and deeper on sunny days, although there are frequent exceptions to this rule.
Once fish are located, the depth of the bass and the cover present has dictated the presentation pattern. For example, in areas where bass are feeding over grass that is 2’ or less below the surface, topwaters, burning spinnerbaits, and lipless crankbaits have excelled. In areas where the grass is deeper, say 6’ below the surface, medium running crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastic jerkbaits have worked better. The key lure has changed daily, depending on the conditions, so experiment with your presentation until you hook up. Having issued that disclaimer, following are the baits that have been working best this past week. Early and late, the topwater bite is hard to beat. Shad colored Pop-R’s and Chug Bugs have produced fast action around pad fields and over grass mats. For a shot at a bigger fish, slow roll a watermelon/pearl Lake Fork Frog just below the surface in pads and around heavy grass on main lake points with deep water nearby. During the day, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms in watermelon on sunny days and June bug on cloudy ones have been consistent on deep grass lines, as have shad colored Magic Shad soft plastic jerkbaits. On windy or cloudy days, ¼ oz spinnerbaits with double willow blades in shad colors have excelled. Out deeper, Carolina rigged Baby Ring Frys in Purple Haze or Chartreuse Fire and ½ oz silver jigging spoons are producing big numbers and some lunkers once schools are located. Find the schools of yellow bass and the largemouth will be there as well. Trust your electronics, as I’ve watched a number of fish come up and strike my bait on my Lowrance X-25 graphs this week.
And don’t let the high fuel costs keep you from fishing. Bass are holding in all areas of the lake right now. Launch from one of the many ramps at Lake Fork that has a couple large creeks and deep water nearby and you’ll be able to catch fish shallow and deep without making a long run. Or for those of you that like to see more of the lake, swing by the new Ranger Boats dealer at Lake Fork, Diamond Sports Marine. The new Yamaha High Pressure Direct Injection 2-strokes and quiet and clean 4-strokes are much more efficient than traditional 2-stroke outboards. And when paired with a new Z Comanche Ranger, you’ll be able to fish in comfort, even on the windiest and nastiest of days (which, of course, will be your next day off).
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com , where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 26
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 10:12 am: | |
September is one of the best months on Lake Fork to catch numbers of bass. While most of the fish caught this time of year aren’t lunkers, the steady action day-in and day-out makes it a favorite of many anglers. September is also tournament season on Lake Fork, so my report will focus on several patterns to help you catch those money fish.
Fork’s water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 400.24’, about 2’9” below full pool. The water clarity is slightly stained and about normal, while the grass beds are greening up around the lake and growing. Water temps are down considerably with our cooler nights, with temps running in the low 80s during day.
Concerning the location pattern, you’ll find bass spread all over the lake as the water temps cool. In contrast to the summer pattern when bass position was predicated on deep structure, many bass are now following shad and are feeding actively along edges of cover and structure. Whereas structure was they key, now the presence of baitfish is the predominate indicator for a productive spot. Once areas with shad are located, seek edges or funnels that allow schooling bass to corral bait and optimize their feeding opportunities. Typical examples or this are where cover and structure meets, like deep grasslines on points, timber along creek channel bends, or treelines along old fencerows. I’ve caught fish recently from the very backs of large creeks as well as suspended over 30’ of water, so pretty much the entire lake is in play right now. Finally, concentrate on windy areas of the lake and your catch rate will be better.
Following are the presentation patterns that have been working best, especially for numbers of keeper-sized fish. Early and late, the topwater bite is hard to beat. Shad colored Pop-R’s and Chug Bugs have produced fast action around pad fields and over grass mats. For a shot at a bigger fish, slow roll a watermelon/pearl Lake Fork Frog just below the surface in pads and around heavy grass on main lake points with deep water nearby. During the day, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch worms in watermelon candy and June bug have been consistent on deep grass lines. ¼ oz finesse jigs in watermelon or black/brown/amber worked along treelines and creek edges are producing some fish as well. On windy or cloudy days, small wide wobbling crankbaits that run 6’ or less, ¼ oz traps and ¼ oz spinnerbaits allow you to cover more water and catch active fish. Shad or chrome color schemes are top producers for these baits. A little deeper, medium running cranks like a Deep Little N fished through timbered flats are catching good numbers, even on sunny calm days. And don’t forget a Carolina rigged Lake Fork Twitch worm in watermelon or red bug in 10’ to 18’ along grasslines and on points. Find these schools with your electronics and you’ll catch a limit of keepers in minutes.
For those of you looking for an over-the-slot fish (24”+), I’d recommend the following patterns. First, Texas & Carolina rigs fished on 15’-25’ deep structure with a 10” Lake Fork Trophy Worm or a Baby Creature are still producing some good fish. Your number of bites on this deep structure will be less than it was in August or will again be in October, but your chances of catching a good fish are usually best on deeper structure during the day. Finding timber and brush piles on deep structure is the key and be sure to leave your bait in the cover until a big bass pulls it out for you. In addition, there are a number of big fish suspended in timber over deep water. Deep diving crankbaits in shad colors brought through the treetops and pitching jigs or Texas rigged creature baits to the timber will produce some giant bass. A great bait to try is the new Lake Fork Tackle Flipper in shades of green or black. You can check it out at the Lake Fork Tackle Pro Shop in Emory. Finally, early and late, Lake Fork Frogs and ½ oz watermelon or black/brown/amber jigs with watermelon red Baby Creature trailers fished around deep grass will produce some lunkers.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 25
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 9:52 am: | |
This week at Lake Fork remains fair for both size and numbers. Almost all of the good fish we caught in the past week have been suspended in timber or in schools over open water. These suspended fish will bite, but consistently presenting a lure in front of them can be a challenge. Meanwhile, fishing shallow early and late with wacky rigged baits like a Lake Fork Twitch Worm and suspending jerkbaits to schooling fish will catch good numbers on some days, but most of these fish are small. The deep portion of my fishing report remains basically the same, as the method hasn’t changed. The key remains to use your graph to find the schools of bigger fish.
Fork’s water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 400.69’, about 2’4” below full pool. The water remains a stained green color, due to algae blooms. Water temps are still in the upper 80s and low 90s in the main lake.
The location pattern has stayed the same, with many of the big fish suspended instead of holding on the bottom. Many bass are still relating to humps, ridges and points outside large creeks while others are camped on traditional summertime haunts that are well offshore. With the thermocline effectively creating a deep boundary for the bass at about 28’, I’m concentrating on structure that is 15’ to 28’ deep. Structure that tops out near the thermocline has been especially good. Timber, whether it is standing, submerged, or in brush piles, has been the key cover.
Deep diving crankbaits in shad patterns have been the best bait many days. Find bass with your electronics on drops and rises in 10’ to 18’ and bump bottom cover with your crank or for suspended fish over 18’ to 30+’, use a stop and go retrieve to trigger these fish. On deep structure from 15’ to 28’, Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creatures in shades of watermelon will produce big fish when slowly brought through heavy timber. For bass suspended deeper than 15’, vertically jigging spoons and jigs has caught a few good fish.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 24
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 22, 2005 - 8:46 am: | |
This week at Lake Fork remains fair for both size and numbers, although it seemed to be improving late in the week. The fishing patterns have basically remained the same, so much of this report is a repeat. Numbers are still averaging around 20, depending on what pattern you concentrate on. For numbers of fish, shallow cover early and late and schooling bass during the day are your best option. For bigger fish, deep diving crankbaits for suspended bass and bass relating to mid-depth structure (10’-18’) or Texas & Carolina rigs fished methodically through heavy cover in deeper water (15’-28’) are the best options. I’ve mainly concentrated on the bigger fish out deep, so my report will cover that pattern.
Fork’s water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 400.90’, about 2’1” below full pool. The water remains a stained green color, due to algae blooms. Water temps cooled to the mid-80s last week but were back into the upper 80s and low 90s over the weekend.
The location pattern has stayed the same, although many of the big fish have been suspending instead of holding on the bottom. Many bass are still relating to humps, ridges and points outside spawning bays while others are camped on traditional summertime haunts that are well offshore. With the thermocline effectively creating a deep boundary for the bass at about 28’, I’m concentrating on structure that is 15’ to 28’ deep. Structure that tops out near the thermocline has been especially good. Timber, whether it is standing, submerged, or in brush piles, has been the key cover.
Deep diving crankbaits in shad patterns have been generating some strong strikes. Find bass with your electronics on drops and rises in 10’ to 18’ and bump bottom cover with your crank or for suspended fish over 18’ to 30+’, use a stop and go retrieve to trigger these fish. On deep structure from 15’ to 28’, Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creatures in shades of green and Texas rigged Lake Fork 8” worms in Blue Fleck or Watermelon/Red will produce big fish when slowly brought through heavy timber.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 23
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 12:41 pm: | |
This week at Lake Fork has been fair for both size and numbers. We had a few fish over 7 lbs but none over 8, with numbers averaging 15 to 20 bass for a full day. I have found two different patterns to choose from. For numbers of smaller fish, shallow wood and grass cover early and late and schooling bass during the day are your best option. For big fish, deep diving crankbaits for suspended bass and bass relating to mid-depth structure (10’-18’) and TX or Carolina rigs fished methodically through heavy cover are the best option, although your numbers will usually lower. I’ve mainly concentrated on the bigger fish, so my report will cover that pattern. Beware; these big bass are hitting hard enough to rip the rods out of your hands (see below).
Again this week, we had numerous storms in the area but the lake didn’t receive much rain. The water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 401.12’, about 1’11” below full pool. The water remains a stained green color, due to continued algae blooms. Water temps remain in the upper 80s to low 90s.
The location pattern has stayed the same, although many of the big fish have been suspending instead of holding on the bottom. Many bass are still relating to humps, ridges and points outside spawning bays while others are camped on traditional summertime haunts that are well offshore. With the thermocline effectively creating a deep boundary for the bass at about 28’, I’m concentrating on structure that is 10’ to 28’ deep. Timber, whether it is standing, submerged, or in brush piles, has been the key cover.
Deep diving crankbaits in shad patterns have been generating some strong strikes. As a matter of fact, I had one hit it so hard yesterday that if ripped the rod out of my hands and took my lure, rod, and reel down into the depths. (This bass was last seen heading south towards Ray Branch with a Shimano Curado and a Castaway Soft Touch rod in her possession. Please contact the local authorities if you have any information on her whereabouts.) My customer, Greg, also almost had his rod ripped from his hands a couple times, so hang on tight with these big mommas! Find bass with your electronics on drops and rises in 10’ to 18’ and bump bottom cover with your crank or for suspended fish over 18’ to 30+’, use a stop and go retrieve to trigger these fish. On deep structure from 18’ to 28’, Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creatures in shades of green and Texas rigged Lake Fork 8” worms in Blue Fleck will produce big fish when slowly brought through heavy timber. ½ oz watermelon jigs with Watermelon/Red Baby Creature trailers are also producing some big fish in the timber. Simply pinch the grub tail off of the Baby Creature and you’ll give your jig an irresistible swimming action.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Mike R. (Silverfish)
New member
Username: Silverfish
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 3:42 pm: | |
New Book on Big-Game Fishing History Coming Soon! The International Game Fish Association has just announced the pending release of "Big-Game Fishing Headquarters - A History of the IGFA" by Mike Rivkin. The book is a fascinating review of the emergence of big-game fishing and the IGFA's pivotal role in same. Also featured are more than 200 never-before-published photos and documents from the IGFA's extensive archives. Quantities most limited, so order NOW. Contact the IGFA's Crystal Carey (ccarey@igfa.org) or call 954-924-4310 to order. Price: $49.95 |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 22
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 2:14 pm: | |
Fishing has been up and down for us the past week at Lake Fork, primarily due to a couple of changes to the fish’s environment. First, the thermocline has set in about 28’ deep. The presence of the thermocline, combined with a rare July cold front left a lot of big fish suspended. As of yesterday, 7/29, the heat was back on and we were marking many more schools relating to the bottom. While 2 to 5 lb fish dominated our catch last week, we did catch a few in the 7 to 8 lb range, just not near as many as we had been catching for most of June and July. For those seeking numbers of fish, finesse baits along the edge of the grass and drop shot rigs out deep produced well, but most of these fish were 3 lbs and less. Conversely, almost every big fish we caught was suspended in treetops or over structure in open water. With the heat returning and dark moon phases returning (new moon 8/5), I expect lots of big females will be caught during the day in the next two weeks.
Although the recent cold front produced a few nice cool days with clouds and north winds, Lake Fork didn’t receive a significant amount of rain. The water level has continued to slowly drop, currently sitting at 401.39’, about 1’7” below full pool. While the water remains clear, it now has a decidedly green tint, due to algae blooms. After falling into the mid-80s, water temps are now reaching the low 90s again in the afternoons.
The location pattern has stayed the same; however, as noted before, some of the big fish have been suspending instead of holding on the bottom. Many bass are still relating to humps, ridges and points outside spawning bays while others are camped on traditional summertime haunts that are well offshore and not anywhere close to spawning areas. With the thermocline effectively creating a deep boundary for the bass at about 28’, I’m concentrating on structure that is 15’ to 28’ deep. This time of year, my best spot usually changes daily and is determined by the presence of schooling bass. You’ve heard it a thousand times before but it is certainly true—graph deep structure and don’t fish an area unless you mark a school of bass there. Sure, you can certainly catch a few bass on those old reliable holes if you anchor up and methodically fish them or just wait there until the fish start feeding. However, you’ll find the fishing a lot more productive if you fish around those deep schools of bass.
Once I’ve found a school of fish on deep structure, lure selection has been dictated by the bass’ position in the water column. For fish relating to the bottom, a Carolina rig with a 1 oz weight and a 4’ leader has been our weapon of choice. Lake Fork Tackle’s Baby Creatures, Twitch Worms, Ring Frys & Trophy Worms have all produced fish this week. Top colors are shades of green for all of these soft plastics, like Killer Craw, Watermelon Red, Fork Secret, Watermelon Candy, and Green Pumpkin, while some days Merthiolate has been best. Trying different bait colors and shapes after catching several fish in a school has often resulted in a few bonus fish. For numbers of fish, using the same baits as noted above, often cut down a little to create a smaller bait, have been successful fished on a drop shot rig. Fished along the edge of grass points early or late or on deep spots during the day with the bait suspend about 3’ above the hook has worked best for me. Finally, crawling a deep diving crankbait through stumps and brush on points topping out in the 14’ to 18’ range has caught some nice fish. Think of them as the deep-water equivalent of the Rat-L-Trap. Shad colored cranks worked best on windy days, with most bites occurring right after deflecting off of wood or the bottom.
For schools of bass that are suspended, deep diving crankbaits and 4” swimbaits in shad colors are producing some big fish. Again, most crankbait bites are coming right after contact with wood. In open water, hop swimbaits way off the bottom with an overhand hook setting motion and let them fall on a taut line, or count down the baits to the level of the fish and swim it through the school. In brushy areas, white jigs can be hopped or swam through dense cover that you wouldn’t dare send a swimbait.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 21
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2005 - 9:50 am: | |
Brian Troutman may need to change his name to Bassman after catching a bunch of big ones on July 14th
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/troutman.jpg[/img]
Fishing has remained great at Lake Fork and should continue to be great until the temps start cooling in September. While your chance at a 13+ lb bass are best during the spawn, summer bass fishing at Lake Fork offers consistent action for numbers of 2 to 7 pounders and 7 to 12 pound bass are coming into the marinas on a regular basis. Fishing reports are also really easy to write this time of year, because the pattern has been the same now for a while and will remain that way through the summer, with a few variations. Consequently, my report for this week basically remains unchanged from last week.
We’ve had storms off and on at Fork all week; however, the ground is so dry that the lake level only came up a little bit and Fork is now dropping again. The water level is currently reading at 401.69’, about 1’4” below full pool. While the water remains clear, it now has a decidedly green tint, due to algae blooms. Water temps have remained relatively stable in the upper 80s in the main lake.
Concerning the location pattern, many bass are still relating to humps, ridges and points outside spawning bays. Meanwhile, I’m starting to see good schools of bass show up on many traditional summertime haunts that are well offshore and not anywhere close to spawning areas. As the water continues to warm and until the thermocline creates a deep boundary for the bass, almost any structure that tops out at 15’ to 35’ deep is capable of holding fish. This time of year, my best spot usually changes daily and is determined by the presence of schooling bass. You’ve heard it a thousand times before but it is certainly true—graph deep structure and don’t fish an area unless you mark a school of bass there. Sure, you can certainly catch a few bass on those old reliable holes if you anchor up and methodically fish them or just wait there until the fish start feeding. However, you’ll find the fishing a lot more productive if you fish around those deep schools of bass though, where doubles in the boat are common and catching a bass on 4,6, and even sometimes 10 casts in a row are a sure indication you’re in the right spot!
Once I’ve found a school of fish on deep structure, lure selection has been dictated by the bass’ position in the water column. For fish relating to the bottom, a Carolina rig with a 1 oz weight and a 4’ leader has been our weapon of choice. Lake Fork Tackle’s Baby Creature has been the top performer on the C-rig. With its two arms and grub tail, this diminutive bait has been producing both numbers and big fish. In addition, we’re catching some fish on Lake Fork Ring Frys and Twitch Worms. Top colors are shades of green for all of these soft plastics, like Killer Craw, Watermelon Red, Fork Secret, Watermelon Candy, and Green Pumpkin. Depending on the mood and the position of the bass, it has taken several different styles of retrieves to trigger the fish with our C-rigs.
On some days, we’re not marking many fish on the bottom and if you only fished the Carolina rig, you’d swear fishing was off that day. These are typically the days we are marking a lot of suspended fish. For schools of bass that are suspended, deep diving crankbaits and 4” swimbaits in shad colors are producing fast action for big fish. Swimming Lake Fork Tackle Magic Shads on 1/8 oz weighted hooks, jigging spoons, or jigs through these schools will also get you bit. In many locations, you’ll mark a number of bass schooling on the bottom, while others are suspended, and you’ll see shad and bass swirling and breaking on the surface. Cover the water column from top to bottom and you’ll surely catch more fish.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 20
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2005 - 12:35 pm: | |
25-3/4” 10 pounder on a Lake Fork Baby Creature Carolina rigged:
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/tom10-0-6-20.jpg[/img]
Steve Rutherford with a 7.5 pounder:
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/steve-rutherford-7.5-lb.jpg[/img]
Jay Gulley with a 7 pounder:
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/jay-gulley-7-lb.jpg[/img]
Scott Rutherford with a good one:
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/scott-rutherford-6-lb.jpg[/img]
Bob Noel with another nice Lake Fork bass:
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/bobnoel6-20.jpg[/img]
A 7 lb 9 oz bass that fell victim to a Lake Fork Baby Creature:
[img]http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/tom-7-9-lb-6-23.jpg[/img]
The deep bite at Lake Fork is often some of our best fishing of the year and the summer of 2005 is off to a great start. In the week from 6/18 to 6/25, we had a 10-06, 10-00, 9-02, and six other fish between 7 and 8 pounds, not including the good fish we are losing to the timber each day. Numbers have been good on most days as well, with a couple days of over 30 bass. When you figure in the overall size, numbers, and the tenacity of the bass’ fight, this is truly one of the best times to be on Fork. Most of the fish we are catching are stuffed full of shad and look like prespawn footballs. The extra food seems to be giving the bass the strength to fight like freshwater marlins.
Mainly due to evaporation, Fork’s water level continues to drop slowly, currently reading at 401.95’, about 13” below full pool. The water remains clear in most of the lake and has not turned green yet from summertime plankton blooms. Water temps are up a few more degree to the upper 80s, with readings as high as 90.5 in the main lake yesterday. Although the days have been hot and fairly still, I have not observed a thermocline yet (it typically sets up around 30’ at Fork).
Once again, structures with deep water nearby like main lake points, secondary points, and creek channels were the key locations this week. Look for structure that is situated between good spawning coves and deep summertime locations. Structures that top out around 15’ to 22’ and drop off quickly seem to be the top areas. Deep summertime spots, in 20’-35’ in main lake areas, are starting to hold some schools of bass as well. I’m checking a lot of spots during the day with my Lowrance X-25 color graph and if I don’t see fish on the graph, you can rest assured the fish aren’t there. Check likely areas several times during the day and once you mark a good school, drop a marker buoy and get the net handy.
With such a strong deep bite, I’ve been starting deep and staying deep all day. The topwater bite had been producing some fish, but the bite was dying as soon as the sun came up and the size of bass was decreasing—a sure sign that the deep bite is getting good. My primary bait all day has been a Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Creature. I’m using a standard 1 oz weight and a 4' leader. Shades of green, like Watermelon Candy, Watermelon Red, Killer Craw and Green Pumpkin have been top producers for me. In addition, we’ve caught a few fish on Baby Ring Frys and Twitch Worms in the same colors on the Carolina Rig, but the Baby Creature seems to be the deal for us. Working the bait slowly, especially around any wood cover, will generate more bites. Once we’ve caught some fish in an area with the rig, we’ve been catching some bonus fish on 3” to 5” swimbaits and a few on Texas rigged 8” Lake Fork Worms. Slowly working shad colored swimbaits along the bottom like a worm has produced some bites, while other times you’ll need to hop it back in like a jigging spoon. With the worm, work it along until you hit brush, then shake it around in the wood until a bass pulls it out for you. Red Shad or Green Pumpkin worms will get you bit.
If you want to learn how to fish deep water, now is the time. The fish are feeding so you’ll quickly know if you’re doing it right. And to think that you might catch a 10 pounder while learning—if not for the heat and high gas prices, men might come to Fork and not be heard of again until September.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 19
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 3:40 pm: | |
Patrick Veltman of BassFan caught a number of fish into the 7 lb range, including these two lunkers.
http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/pat-veltman-6-8.jpg
http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/photos/pat-veltman-6-7.jpg
Lake Fork continues to crank out lunkers, with a 13+, 12+, and a number of other double-digit bass being reported this week. Bass remain spread all over the lake from the shallows to deep water. However, this week had more sunshine and less wind, so the top patterns changed slightly from the prior week.
Fork’s water level dropped slowly this week to 402.26’, about 9” below full pool. The water remains very clear, even in most of the upper ends of the lake and it’s especially clear in weedy areas. Water temps are up a few degrees, with the main lake holding around 82 to 84 degrees.
Structures with deep water nearby like main lake points, secondary points, and creek channels have been the key locations again this week. Look for structure that is situated between good spawning coves and deep summertime locations. We are still catching some good fish way back in spawning coves, provided there is deep-water access nearby. Areas with grass cover typically have bass relating shallow to the grass (3’ to 12’), while in areas devoid of grass cover the bass are a little deeper and often suspended in the timber (8’ to 15’).
Based on the current conditions, following are the baits that have been working best for us this week. Topwater fishing has produced 10 or more bites in the first hour of almost every day. For fast action, we’ve been staying with the topwaters until the sun gets bright or the clouds go away. In calm areas, use a shad colored popper and let it sit for long pauses. In windier areas, “walking the dog” with Zara Spooks or slow rolling chartreuse and white buzzbaits have produced some bigger fish. Once the sun gets up, ½ oz chartreuse and white double willow spinnerbaits and ½ oz shad colored lipless crankbaits have worked well over windblown grass points. In addition, ½ oz black/brown/amber jigs with watermelon trailers have produced some big fish. Pitch the jig to stumps along the edge of the grass and hop it a few times before pitching to the next one. Out deeper, deep diving cranks like a DD 22 in shad colors remain my most productive bait. We are fishing the crankbait two ways, both with 10 lb line. First, banging it along the bottom on humps and points that top out at 10’ to 18’ is a great way to locate schools of fish. Secondly, fishing the deep divers through fish suspended down 10’ to 20’ in submerged treetops or chasing schools of bait in open water has produced our biggest fish. Finally, the deep bite started to pick up a little last week. Carolina rigged Lake Fork Baby Ring Frys in watermelon candy are catching bass in 18’ to 28’ on humps and ridges where we’ve graphed schools of bass on the bottom. For fish suspended off the bottom, drop shotting Baby Ring Frys in watermelon has produced numbers of smaller bass.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.lakeforkguidetrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 18
Registered: 1-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 4:13 pm: | |
While the heat is starting to set in at Lake Fork for us anglers, the water temps remain relatively cool and the best bass fishing is still in the shallows and mid-depth areas. We’ve been able to graph and catch some fish on deep humps; however, the majority of fish are suspending about 20’ down off to the sides of deep structure. As you might expect, with so many fish still shallow (I even saw 3 fresh beds with one big bass on the nest in Elm creek on 6/5) and many windy and cloudy days recently, the topwater fishing has been great. For those of you looking for a big fish this weekend in the Skeeter tournament, we’ve been consistently hooking our biggest fish on deep diving crankbait worked through treetops down 10’ to 18’ over 20’ to 30’ of water.
Even with a few showers, Fork’s water level slowly dropped this week to 402.44’, about 7” below full pool. The water is now very clear, even in most of the upper ends of the lake and it’s especially clear in weedy areas. Water temps are still moderate, with the main lake holding around 78 and the coves sitting in the 80s.
Structures like main lake points, secondary points, and creek channels have been the key locations this week. Look for structure that is situated between good spawning coves and deep summertime locations. We are still catching some good fish way back in spawning coves, provided there is deep-water access nearby. Areas with grass cover typically have bass relating shallow to the grass (3’ to 12’), while in areas devoid of grass cover the bass are a little deeper and often suspended in the timber (8’ to 15’).
Based on the conditions and the locations, following are the baits that have been working best for us this week. Topwater fishing has been very good, lasting all day on cloudy and windy days. In calm areas, use a shad colored popper and let it sit for long pauses. In windier areas, “walking the dog” with Zara Spooks or slow rolling chartreuse and white buzzbaits have produced some bigger fish. On windy shores, try ¼ oz white spinnerbaits with double willow blades over the grass beds, while watermelon wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms are working better on the deep edges of the grass in calmer areas. Out deeper, deep diving cranks like a DD 22 in shad colors are producing good fish. We are fishing the crankbait two ways, both with 10 lb line. First, banging it along the bottom on humps and points that top out at 10’ to 15’ is a great way to locate schools of fish. Secondly, fishing the deep divers through fish suspended down 10’ to 20’ in submerged treetops or chasing schools of bait in open water has produced fish over 8 lbs. I personally prefer fluorocarbon line for my deep diving crankbaits because its low stretch allows a lot more feel on long casts while coming through timber. Finally, Carolina rigged Lake Fork Creatures and Baby Ring Frys in watermelon candy are catching bass in 18’ to 28’ on humps and ridges where we’ve graphed schools of bass.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.lakeforkguidetrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 17
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 9:31 am: | |
The lunkers at Lake Fork remain spread all over the lake. A number of fish are finishing up their spawn and the abundant submerged vegetation is keeping many bass shallow. Conversely, for those fish that have already headed to deep water, the thermocline hasn’t established yet and we caught bass as deep as 38’ last week. Before the heat wave arrived late this week, we’d been catching bass most of the day on topwaters and crankbaits under cloudy and windy conditions. With the current bright sunshine and calm conditions, fishing for deep and suspended bass has been better.
Fork’s water level slowly dropped this week, currently sitting at 402.56’, about 5” below full pool. With a lack of wind or rain and lots of aquatic vegetation, the water is now very clear, even in most of the upper ends of the lake. Water temps continue to climb, with temps from the upper 70s to the upper 80s.
My locations pattern remains the same as last week. I’m concentrating on coves and creeks that had the largest populations of spawning fish and starting there on the flats, creek channels, and points just outside the beds. I’m working out progressively deeper inside productive coves and fishing all of the cover and structure options from the backs of the creek out to the main lake summertime holes. Keep in mind that a lot of fish are suspended right now, so fish bottom bouncing lures while also checking for suspended fish with baits like jerkbaits and crankbaits. Once you try a few productive spawning creeks, you should have caught some fish and determined what types of cover, structure, and depths are holding the most fish. At that point, look for similar water around the lake and run the pattern. The fish are pretty scattered right now, so you’ll normally do better by fishing lots of good areas instead of camping on an area where you’ve caught a couple good fish. Again, with the fish being in a transition mode, you’ll need to repeat this process most days to stay in contact with the most active fish.
Based on the conditions and the locations, following are the baits that have been working best for us this week. Topwater fishing has been very good, lasting all day on cloudy and windy days. In calm areas, use a shad colored popper and let it sit for long pauses. In windier areas, “walking the dog” with Zara Spooks has produced some bigger fish. My soft plastic stickbait and wacky worm bite around shallow grass slowed last week but we were able to catch some nice bass by fishing a 3/8 oz neon pumpkin jig with a watermelon Lake Fork Baby Creature trailer (pinch off the grub tail for a faster fall or leave it on when you want a better swimming action) along the deep weed edge and in holes in the grass. Concentrate your efforts with the jig around points and drop offs. Deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad patterns remain my best bait for big fish and it is also producing good numbers of fish. We are fishing the crankbait two ways, both with 10 lb line. First, banging it along the bottom on humps and points that top out at 10’ to 15’ is a great way to locate schools of fish. Secondly, fishing the deep divers through fish suspended down 10’ to 20’ in submerged treetops or chasing schools of bait in open water has produced fish over 8 lbs. I personally prefer fluorocarbon line for my deep diving crankbaits because its low stretch allows a lot more feel on long casts while coming through timber. Finally, Texas rigged and Carolina rigged Lake Fork Creatures and Baby Ring Frys in watermelon and green pumpkin are catching bass in 18’ to 38’ on humps and ridges where we’ve graphed schools of bass.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.lakeforkguidetrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 16
Registered: 1-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:04 am: | |
For the past week on Lake Fork, covering lots of water and trying a variety of patterns has been critical to catching fish. We boated fish up to 8 lb and jumped off a couple larger ones by fishing everything from Carolina rigs in 30’ to topwaters and sight fishing in 2’. Similar to the prespawn patterns we fished just a couple months ago, bass are on the move, so where you catch them today may not hold many fish tomorrow. The key is to find the most productive pattern each day, then fish similar areas around the lake. The quicker you figure out the pattern and the more productive water you fish, the better you’ll do.
Fork’s water level came up a little late last week and is now slowly dropping to its current level of 402.65’, about 4” below full pool. The water remains very clear down south and only mildly stained in windblown areas of the lake. Water temps continue to climb, with the main lake holding around 70 and coves well into the 70s.
For the location pattern, I’m concentrating on coves and creeks that had the largest populations of spawning fish and starting there on the flats, creek channels, and points just outside the beds. I’m working out progressively deeper inside productive coves and fishing all of the cover and structure options from the backs of the creek out to the main lake summertime holes. Keep in mind that a lot of fish are suspended right now, so fish bottom bouncing lures while also checking for suspended fish with baits like jerkbaits and crankbaits. Once you try a few productive spawning creeks, you should have caught some fish and determined what types of cover, structure, and depths are holding the most fish. At that point, look for similar water around the lake and run the pattern. The fish are pretty scattered right now, so you’ll normally do better by fishing lots of good areas instead of camping on an area where you’ve caught a couple good fish. Again, with the fish being in a transition mode, you’ll need to repeat this process most days to stay in contact with the most active fish.
As for your lure, let the cover and the depth of the bass you are fishing dictate your choice. With the fish being so spread out, virtually everything in your tackle box will catch fish at some point during May, so stay flexible. Following are the baits that have been working best for us this week. Early and late and on cloudy days, topwater baits like a Pop-R or buzzbait in shad colors will produce some really big fish. Around shallow vegetation and pads, wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch Worms and Zig Zags in green pumpkin and watermelon candy are working well. Deep diving crankbaits like a Norman DD 22 in shad patterns fished for suspended bass on points is producing some big fish and good numbers. Go with 10 lb test and hang on after you come through submerged treetops. Finally, Texas rigged and Carolina rigged Lake Fork Creatures and Baby Ring Frys in watermelon and green pumpkin are catching bass in 12’ to 30’.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through http://www.lakeforkguidetrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 15
Registered: 1-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 10:29 am: | |
Early May is a transition period on Lake Fork. As is typical of this time of year, we caught fish up to 9 lbs this week on everything from sight fishing to deep diving crankbaits. We’ve been finding some big bass schooling in the mornings, resulting in some great topwater days, while other days the topwater bite is almost nonexistent. Meanwhile, good populations of bass are inhabiting grass and timber flats, points, and creek channel bends on their migration to deep summertime holes.
Fork’s water level has been slowly dropping this week and it currently sits at 402.68’, about 4” below full pool. The water remains very clear down south and only mildly stained in windblown areas of the lake. Water temps continue to climb, with the main lake holding in the upper 60s, while some coves are warming into the 70s. Best of all, hydrilla, milfoil, coontail, and lily pads are starting to grow rapidly—providing great cover for bass fingerlings and feeding lunkers.
I’ll repeat my location and lure patterns from last week, as the overall patterns remain the same. However, the best location and the best lure has been changing on a daily basis, so check a few different patterns each day and find the one that is working best for the current conditions.
Regarding the location pattern, the farther south you head and the closer towards the mouths of creeks you fish, the more prespawn and spawning fish you’ll find, in general. Main lake flats are also holding a lot of spawning fish right now. To find the post spawn fish, it is just the reverse of the locations that held prespawn bass in February and March. Concentrate on cover along drops and creek channels adjacent to spawning flats. Working your way out of the coves, work secondary points and main lake points. Soon, humps and ledges near coves with big populations of spawning bass will be loading up. And since the North end of the lake spawns first, more fish will be on summertime patterns up there than will the bass on the southern end of the lake.
Concerning your lure choice, let the bass tell you what they want. Early and late and on cloudy days, topwater baits like a Pop-R or buzzbait will produce some really big fish. Shallow, lipless, and medium running crankbaits and spinnerbaits work well over grass and around wood cover on points and creeks. Shad and bluegill color patterns usually work best. For numbers, it is hard to beat wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch worms and Zig Zags in shades of watermelon fished in grass beds and pad fields. Concentrate on holes in the grass and especially on wood cover and you’ll be in business. And speaking of cover, a Lake Fork Tube or jig pitched around stumps and outside grass lines on points is a great way to catch a trophy bass. For fish on main lake humps and points, a 1-2 combo of a deep diving crankbait like a Norman’s DD22 in shad colors and a Carolina rigged Lake Fork Ring Fry in watermelon will produce fish fast, once you locate a school of bass. Finally, for the bedding fish, Texas rigged Lake Fork Tackle Baby Fork Craws and Tom Dog lizards in white or watermelon are working well.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 14
Registered: 1-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 2:40 pm: | |
Greg from Southlake with a bass just under 9 lbs, caught on a watermelon Top Dog Lizard:
http://www.ets-systems.com/lakefork/images/greg8-13lb4-25.jpg
While we are still seeing some big females on spawning beds, the majority of bass on Lake Fork are currently moving into post spawn and early summer patterns. In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to catch bass about any way you want to fish for them. There will still be some spawning fish in May, while others feed up on spawning bluegills in the shallows. Meanwhile, many bass have already moved out to secondary and main lake points on their transition back to deep humps and ledges. While February through April offer your best opportunity to catch a 10+ lb bass on Fork, May through July usually provide the most consistent fishing of the year for 3 to 6 lb bass, with a good shot at a 7 lb or bigger bass.
Lake Fork is heading into summer in great condition. Fork’s water level is almost at full 402.84’, only 2” below full pool. A couple storms and some windy days brought up the lake level again and stained the water in a few creeks but most of the lake remains clear. Water temps continue to climb, with the main lake holding in the low 60s, while some coves are warming into the 70s. Best of all, hydrilla, milfoil, coontail, and lily pads are starting to grow rapidly—providing great cover for bass fingerlings and feeding lunkers.
Regarding the location pattern, the farther south you head and the closer towards the mouths of creeks you fish, the more prespawn and spawning fish you’ll find, in general. Main lake flats are also holding a lot of spawning fish right now. To find the post spawn fish, it is just the reverse of the locations that held prespawn bass in February and March. Concentrate on cover along drops and creek channels adjacent to spawning flats. Working your way out of the coves, work secondary points and main lake points. Soon, humps and ledges near coves with big populations of spawning bass will be loading up. And since the North end of the lake spawns first, more fish will be on summertime patterns up there than will the bass on the southern end of the lake.
Concerning your lure choice, let the bass tell you what they want. Early and late and on cloudy days, topwater baits like a Pop-R or buzzbait will produce some really big fish. Shallow, lipless, and medium running crankbaits and spinnerbaits work well over grass and around wood cover on points and creeks. Shad and bluegill color patterns usually work best. For numbers, it is hard to beat wacky rigged Lake Fork Twitch worms and Zig Zags in shades of watermelon fished in grass beds and pad fields. Concentrate on holes in the grass and especially on wood cover and you’ll be in business. And speaking of cover, a Lake Fork Tube or jig pitched around stumps and outside grass lines on points is a great way to catch a trophy bass. For fish on main lake humps and points, a 1-2 combo of a deep diving crankbait like a Norman’s DD22 in shad colors and a Carolina rigged Lake Fork Ring Fry in watermelon will produce fish fast, once you locate a school of bass. Finally, for the bedding fish, Texas rigged Lake Fork Tackle Baby Fork Craws and Tom Dog lizards in white or watermelon are working well.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom |
Jimbo (Unregistered Guest)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 11:24 am: | |
go to this website http://fishinmd.blogspot.com |
Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 13
Registered: 1-2005
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 11, 2005 - 10:00 am: | |
Bass are in all stages of the spawn at Lake Fork right now. While a number of big fish are prespawn or starting to spawn from the mid-lake region south, there are lots of post spawn and fry guarding bass on the north end of the lake. Spawning action should remain good on many parts of the lake for a couple more weeks, then we’ll start shifting to the post spawn and early summer patterns.
Fork’s water level is up from the recent storms to 402.88’, about 1” below full pool. Continued windy days and the rains have some coves muddied up, but most of the lake is clear to stained. Water temps continue to climb, with the main lake holding right around 60, while coves are as warm as 70+.
Regarding the location pattern, the farther south you head and the closer towards the mouths of creeks you fish, the more prespawn and spawning fish you’ll find, in general. With the warming water, we have also seen some big fish starting to spawn on main lake flats. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some fast action, head to the areas up north where bass were spawning in late February. You’ll find bass on the flats and in nearby deeper water moving into post spawn patterns and starting to feed on a regular basis.
Since we are still in the midst of the spawn, the lure choices remain the same as last week. In areas with spawning fish, throw weightless soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Tackle Zig Zag or Magic Shad and wacky rigged Twitch Worms and Ring Fries in shades of watermelon and green pumpkin. Cast to light spots, holes in the grass, inside and outside weed edges and any wood cover that is about 8’ or shallower and you’ll be in business. For bedding fish, Texas rigged Ring Fries, Craw Tubes and Baby Fork Craws in white make it easy to see the bite; however, these same baits in more natural colors will spook less fish and often get you bit quicker. For the prespawn fish, work inside and outside grass edges on points, tree lines, and creek channels leading into spawning flats with lizards, spinnerbaits and suspending jerkbaits. Finally, in areas with post spawn fish, topwater baits, floating jerkbaits, and weightless soft plastic jerks like the Lake Fork Zig Zag and Magic Shad can produce some fast action for keeper-sized fish. Work these baits over grass beds and especially on inside and outside grass lines.
If you haven’t had a chance to catch one of the big Lake Fork bass while they’re shallow spawning, don’t despair. May, June and July offer steady action for good numbers of slot sized bass and a good shot at a bass from 7 to 10 lbs. By then, the fronts have moderated and fishing becomes consistent with fish to be caught on anything from topwater baits in 2’ to Carolina rigs in 20-30’ and anything in between. The smaller crowds and consistent fishing make early summer one of my favorite times to fish Lake Fork.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
|
Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
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Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 78
Registered: 8-2003
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 4:21 am: | |
Well, the wind has been the biggest governing factor where you fished. 25 to 30 has been the speed. This makes sight fishing tough as most banks where you can see anything has boats shoulder to shoulder. The fish are stacking on the banks everywhere. There are some big fish showing up this week on beds so keep and eye out. I am starting with a spinner bait on points that I can stay on with wind blowing across them. Small crank baits or lipless crank baits will also work in these cases. Wave Tiki Sticks, flukes, Lake Fork Tackle Ring Fries, and wacky rigs fished weightless have been productive around the shallow water. The new moon has the fish on the move for the spawning areas so get ready.
The crappie have made their way into the shallows. We had a good day last week fishing around stumps in 3 to 5 foot of water. Small minnows fished under slip corks was the best way to catch the fish. The slip cork works better than a clip on cork unless you are using a cane pole but they still work good on them to. The rig is a lot easier to cast.
Remember on your bass to CPR Catch Picture Release as soon as possible.
One thing I would like to mention is to the boaters. If you are not sure where to run take it easy as we are having a lot of boaters putting holes in there boats from running across areas they don’t see stumps or standing timber. Lake Fork has many areas where there is nothing but stumps just under the surface. Please be careful. With the windy days it is best to trailer to a fishing area rather than take a chance out on the big water. Lake Fork can get very rough.
I still have some open days in April and May if you want to book a trip give me a call.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 12
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 04, 2005 - 4:35 pm: | |
With the full moon last week and plenty of warm sunny days, a major wave of spawners moved up on Lake Fork. Lots of big fish are being caught right now and we caught two 9.5s (on a day with wind gusts to 38 mph) and several fish in the 7 lb range in the last few days. With the New Moon on 4/8, we should see another big wave of spawning fish, especially on the south end and on main lake spawning flats.
Fork’s water level is holding steady at 402.74’, about 3” below full pool. The recent windy days and rain has some coves stained but most of the lake is clear to lightly stained. Water temps are holding in the upper 50s with protected pockets warming into the low to mid-60s on sunny afternoons.
Some of the coves on the north end of Lake Fork already have post spawn fish that are feeding regularly, while most of the fish on the south end are still prespawn. Meanwhile, there are a lot of spawning fish in the mid to north end of the lake, but the number of fish on bed varies by cove and seems to be effected daily by the weather. For those of you looking for bed fish, I’d suggest starting in the backs of coves and checking protected pockets as well. If you are looking for an oversized prespawn fish, concentrate your efforts on points and creek channels on the southern half of the lake and fish around any grass or wood cover you can find.
Since the pattern is pretty much the same as last week, the lure choices remain similar as well. In areas with spawning fish, throw weightless soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Tackle Zig Zag or Magic Shad and wacky rigged Twitch Worms and Ring Fries in shades of watermelon and green pumpkin. Cast to light spots, holes in the grass, inside and outside weed edges and any wood cover that is about 8’ or shallower and you’ll be in business. For bedding fish, Texas rigged Ring Fries, Craw Tubes and Baby Fork Craws in white make it easy to see the bite; however, these same baits in more natural colors will spook less fish and often get you bit quicker. For the prespawn fish, work inside and outside grass edges on points, tree lines, and creek channels leading into spawning flats with lizards, spinnerbaits and suspending jerkbaits. Some days the bass will be tight to the bottom and other times they will be suspended near cover. Texas rig a Lake Fork Tackle Top Dog lizard in watermelon or black neon and pitch it to any cover available for those fish on the bottom. For the suspended bass, go with a ½ oz white or white and chartreuse double willow spinnerbait on overcast days or suspending jerkbaits in gold or chrome the sunny days. Finally, in areas with post spawn fish, topwater baits and floating jerkbaits worked over the grass can produce some fast action for keeper-sized fish.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
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Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 77
Registered: 8-2003
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2005 - 5:53 pm: | |
Well, Mother nature want let the fish get the spawning get into full swing. The cold fronts keep coming down. There are some fish moving up but not the big push we expected with the full moon. The cold rain and cool nights have kept the water temp in the upper fifties and very low sixties. The DEAD STICK approach has been the best presentation. This is on all baits. Wave Tiki Sticks fished weightless or with a small split shot moved very slowly, the Lake Fork Tackle Ring fry fished the same way, flukes, and any other weightless bait fished the same way very slowly. The north end and some creeks have been off color but he fish are there. Fish the above mentioned baits in the same way in the off color water.
There are some fish on beds and with a little persuasion they can be caught. Watch and see how the fish relate to the bed and keep your bait in that spot and the fish will grab it after a while and can be caught.
The crappie are slowly moving to the shallow water. They are slow but are starting to show up. Small jigs and minnows fished under corks in the shallows are producing some nice fish.
I still have some April dates if you want to fish give me a call.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 11
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2005 - 10:46 am: | |
March has been a great month on Lake Fork and with the full moon on Good Friday, tons of big fish have moved shallow. We are now at the time where the majority of bass on Fork will spawn and hundreds of lunkers will be caught in the coming weeks. At the Lake Fork Marina alone, by early last week over 6 pages of fish over 7 lbs had been reported in the monthly lunker survey and big fish are coming in daily. If you like fishing shallow for big bass, this is as good as it gets!
Fork’s water level is down slightly to 402.57’, about 5” below full pool but it will likely rise with this weekend’s rains. The recent windy days and rain has some coves stained but most of the lake is clear to lightly stained. Water temps are holding in the upper 50s with protected pockets warming into the low to mid-60s on sunny afternoons.
Whereas the spawn had been confined to the North end of Fork over the past several weeks, there are now also good numbers of spawning fish in most mid-lake coves while some are showing up in the backs of larger creeks on the south end. For those of you looking for bed fish, I’d suggest starting in the backs of coves and checking protected pockets as well. If you are looking for an oversized prespawn fish, concentrate your efforts on points and creek channels on the southern half of the lake and fish around any grass or wood cover you can find.
In areas with spawning fish, throw weightless soft plastic jerkbaits like the Lake Fork Tackle Zig Zag or Magic Shad and wacky rigged Twitch Worms and Ring Fries in shades of watermelon and green pumpkin. Cast to light spots, holes in the grass, inside and outside weed edges and any wood cover that is about 8’ or shallower and you’ll be in business. For bedding fish, Texas rigged Ring Fries, Craw Tubes and Baby Fork Craws in white make it easy to see the bite; however, these same baits in more natural colors will spook less fish and often get you bit quicker. For the prespawn fish, work inside and outside grass edges on points, tree lines, and creek channels leading into spawning flats with lizards, spinnerbaits and suspending jerkbaits. Some days the bass will be tight to the bottom and other times they will be suspended near cover. Texas rig a Lake Fork Tackle Top Dog lizard in watermelon or black neon and pitch it to any cover available for those fish on the bottom. For the suspended bass, go with a ½ oz white or white and chartreuse double willow spinnerbait on overcast days or suspending jerkbaits in gold or chrome the sunny days.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 76
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 3:42 am: | |
Well, the full moon is almost up on us. Tomorrow will bring spawn into full view. The males have invaded the shallows and are setting up house keeping. The recent cold front has had the fishermen scratching their heads. Including me. The water temp is holding around 60 but that can change is different areas. Soft plastic from Wave Tiki Sticks, Craw dudes, and lizards to spinner baits, small crank baits, Lipless crank baits, Lake Fork Tackle ring fries, fished weightless or with a split shot six inches or so up the line has been very popular with the fishermen. I know everyone thinks the fish are gone but with the weather the bite is on again and off again. Warm weather is all we need and the banks will be covered up with fish. There are some males locked on the beds and if sight fishing is your thing a lizard or bright colored tube rigged Texas style with a quarter or bigger weight is all you need.
The crappie are starting to show up as we are catching them on Bass fishing tackle. I have seen several crappie fishermen casting small jigs and slow reeling them back and catching quite a few fish. Small bobbers with split shot and a minnow will also work around the timber in shallow water.
Take care to release all fish carefully as they will be caught many times. Over the next several weeks. CPR Catch Picture Release
I still have some April dates open if you want to call and set a trip.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 10
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 21, 2005 - 3:55 pm: | |
This past week on Lake Fork ran the gamut. It ranged from some really good spinnerbait and jerkbait days in the clouds and wind, to tough days with cold mornings and calm sunny conditions, and ended with a major move to the beds on Sunday. With warm days and a full moon on this coming Friday, I expect a major wave of spawning fish to hit the shallows at Lake Fork this week.
We did catch a number of nice fish this week but we managed to lose our biggest fish of the day almost every day this week. Call it “The Curse of the Bassino”. Larry Arnold of Alabama and JD Delle of Texas both had big fish get away right by the boat. Fork was especially cold to JD, who went back to Fork this weekend and fished the same pattern, only to lose a double-digit fish right at the boat, while Larry settled the score with his local bass by catching a 7.5 pounder on Saturday. Former NFL great Autry Beamon brought down many running backs and wide receivers in his career but even he couldn’t wrestle out a Lake Fork lunker that we could see after it tangled him up in a tree directly beneath our boat. Meanwhile, Kelly from Minnesota went from a Yankee basser to a full blown redneck fisherman in two days, swinging 5 lb bass into the boat like Denny Brauer; however, he missed a monster bass that looked like the Goodyear blimp while dwarfing her 5 lb male bed companion. And the bad luck extended to me, as I wasn’t paying attention and pulled a jerkbait away from an 8+ right at the boat. What can I say, that’s Lake Fork for you—where it’s often easier to hook a big fish than to land it, but it’s sure fun trying! Hey, if the Red Sox can finally win one, maybe there is hope for the rest of us.
Concerning the current conditions, Fork’s water level is down slightly to 402.57’, about 5” below full pool. Strong winds and runoff from today’s rain have some areas stained but much of the lake is still pretty clear. Water temps dropped into the low 50s midweek with some mornings in the low 30s until the warm sun over the weekend brought main lake temps into the mid-50s and we found some pockets up to 66 degrees on Sunday.
Most of the fish are still relating to the grass, so concentrate on grass along creeks, drains, points and outside edges on cooler days and hit the inside edge, sandy spots, and brush in shallow grass during warming trends. The most productive spots have areas of clear water and are generally in the Northern section of Lake Fork. Cloudy and windy days have been best for fishing white and chartreuse spinnerbaits in 3/8 oz and gold or silver suspending jerkbaits. On sunny and calm days, we have been slowing down and fishing weightless Texas rigged or wacky rigged Lake Fork Tackle Magic Shads, Zig Zags and Twitch Worms in shades of watermelon and green pumpkin. In addition, Lake Fork Top Dog lizards in black neon or watermelon with light sinkers, about 1/8 oz, have been producing a few fish in the grass and around wood.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 75
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 4:12 pm: | |
Well, mother nature has once again stepped up and stalled the spawn for a while. The water was getting over 60 degrees. The stage was getting set for a bunch of fish to show up around the banks. There were some nice fish already on the beds and being caught. The blast will only last a couple of days. The water should start warming up as soon as the sun gets out. The water temp has dropped 5 degrees and more in other areas. I would start the mornings out a little deeper and fish very slowly. Primary and second dairy points would be a good starting area with Carolina and Texas rigs. Big crank baits would be another good choice in these same areas. Look on the outside of the deeper grass and flip jigs and the above mentioned baits. Wave Tiki sticks fished wacky and Texas rigged are good baits fished around the banks floating vegetation.
Lake Fork Tackle ring fries and twitch worms are another good choice in the above mention areas. It is hard to write a report this time of year as everything sounds just like last week. The crappie are moving into the 10 to 15 water on the out side of coves. This would be a good area to use minnows as jigs would get tangled in the wood. Start your search on the first row of trees in 10 to 15 foot. Drop the bait to the bottom and reel up slowly.
I still have some days open in March and April so give me a call and we can get a trip going.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
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Username: Tredington
Post Number: 9
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 9:20 am: | |
This past week brought numerous sunny and warm days plus three continuous days of winds in the 20-30 mph range. As the water temps rose, we caught lots of good fish on and around beds in the Northern sections of Lake Fork while we struggled to catch prespawn fish in other sections of the lake. With the cold front coming through today, the bite for staging prespawn fish should turn on again this coming week.
Fork’s water level is down slightly to 402.62’, about 4” below full pool. While we haven’t had any substantial rain in a couple weeks, strong winds from the North, South, and West have really muddied up large portions of the lake. Some cool mornings in the mid-30s have kept the water temperatures from getting really warm but we do have main lake readings in the mid-50s with protected pockets rising as high as 63.5 in the afternoons.
The location pattern has remained the same as last week’s for my clients and me. While a large portion of Fork’s bass are still staging on points and along creek channels, our catch rates have been much better on grassy flats in the backs of spawning bays. The most productive spots have areas of clear water and are generally in the Northern section of Lake Fork, although we have found some groups of bedding fish in the backs of larger coves on the Southern end.
The best lures on the grass flats in the past week have been soft plastics. Texas rigged lizards, tubes, and craws pitched to beds, holes in grass, and timber have produced the majority of our fish. In addition, we also caught a number of fish on soft plastic jerkbaits fished slowly, including the Senko, Fluke and Twitch Worms. Shades of green like watermelon and green pumpkin have continued to be our primary choice of color. Until our next warm spell, spinnerbaits and suspending jerkbaits fished around staging areas like points and creek channels should pick up some good fish. Moreover, heavy cover in the first deeper water near spawning areas will be a great spot to pick up a lunker. Fish these spots methodically with a jig or a Texas rig and set the hook if you feel any resistance.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 74
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 5:28 pm: | |
Well the spawn is almost in full swing. The males and females are doing their thing as I write this. The coming front may slow things down for a day or so but not long. The beds are full of males and the females are all over the place. If sight fishing is your thing this week end will be the start. The fish will be on beds two by two. Patience and the right color bait will be the best bait. Wave tiki sticks and Tiki dudes, Wacky worms, flukes, Lake Fork Tackle Ring Fries and twitch worms, and some type of lizard bait will get you a bite. The backs of coves and feeder creeks are stacking up with beds. Remember to CPR catch picture and release all fish and be very careful with them.
I will see you on the lake I still have a few dates left in March and April. Give me a call if I can set something up with you.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 8
Registered: 1-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 9:48 am: | |
In the areas of Lake Fork that my customers and I fished this week, the bass seem to be stuck in their own version of Purgatory, somewhere between Prespawn and Spawn. After a lot of fish moved up onto beds the prior week, the cooler and cloudy days last week resulted in a drop of water temps of 6 to 12 degrees, depending on the area. As a result, there are a lot of males hanging around the spawning areas and we’re seeing a number of really big females suspended near deeper cover. With a little sunshine and the New Moon this week, I expect a lot of big fish to start moving up. Meanwhile, we’re catching mostly males with an occasional big female, up to 9 lb 2 oz, mixed in.
The lake conditions have remained pretty stable for the last few days. Fork’s water level remains at 402.68’, about 4” below full pool. We’ve had little wind and rain in the past week, so the backs of creeks are mostly clear again. Water temperatures bottomed out around 52 degrees and have started to climb to the mid-50s with temps in the backs of protected pockets reaching as high as 60.5 Sunday afternoon.
While a large portion of Fork’s bass are still staging on points and along creek channels, our catch rates have been much better on grassy flats in the backs of spawning bays. Productive areas are easy to find by looking for spots with a lot of vacant beds. Put on your Polarized glasses or run your trolling motor on high and you’ll see a lot of fish cruising around in these places. And if you can find places like this with the wind blowing into them, our catch rates have been higher.
While we did catch a few big fish on a red lipless crankbait, soft plastics and jerkbaits were by far our best producers. #1 with a bullet were soft plastic jerkbaits like the Fluke, Magic Shad and Senko. Wacky rigged trick worms also caught a lot of fish and so did a 6” or 8” lizard. A lightly weighted lizard with more of a gliding action, via a Carolina rig or a 1/16 to 3/16 oz Texas rig is currently producing best. Concentrate your casts around any piece of shallow cover, including wood, docks, grass clumps, and holes in the grass. In terms of color, shades of green like watermelons and green pumpkins are doing best for us. Finally, jerkbaits like a Suspending Rogue in gold are producing numbers of fish over the grass on points and flats on some days. Furthermore, a jerkbait fished through timber and around grass in the deeper water near spawning areas is a premiere method to catch females that are suspended in wait before they move to the banks to spawn.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 73
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 03, 2005 - 4:13 am: | |
Well, the year has been wet all over. I feel like a duck as every time I am out I have to have on a rain suit. The gates at the dam were closed last Friday and the backs of some creeks cleared up. The water temp is 54 degrees. This is in the mid lake areas and was around 57 in the northern ends in some areas. The temp can change as to where you are at. I have found some temp gauges can be 5 degrees different from boat to boat. Mine run two degrees from the trolling motor to the transom. With warm days scheduled for the weekend and next week look out as the bass will be everywhere. They want to get to the shallows and warm sun shine is the key to getting the water temp up to the magic temp. The fish on Fork will spawn at 60 degrees but 62 to 72 is the magic temp. When you start catching males pretty regular in and area either move the boat and fish where the boat is or cast out the other side of the boat. This is where the big females will be waiting for a suitor to come get them and bring them in to mate. Jigs, weightless Wave Tiki Sticks, Wave Tiki Lizards, Spinner baits, lipless crank baits, Lake Fork Tackle Ring Fries and twitch worms fished weightless, Craw Tubes, and Top Dog lizards have all been good baits to catch fish. Five to seven foot of water since the water temp came down is a good depth to work the above baits. Grass is the key to finding the fish as they will be in the holes and the edges. I know this is all you hear fish the grass but this is the best areas to work. Some grass is better than other so work over different kinds and look for grass close to deep water. If the weather gets as warm as they are calling, you want have trouble finding fish. They will be all over. Look north as the water will be warmer there. When you get a bite or catch a fish work that area well as there maybe more fish close by. Go back to the area many times as new fish may show up. Don’t forget these fish will be caught many times this time of year and careful handling is a must to insure we don’t lose any fish. CPR CATCH PICTURE RELEASE is the key word. Do all this as quick as possible and let the fish go. The crappie are starting to show up around docks but the numbers have not been real good. The warm weather will get them on the move soon to. 15 to 20 feet out on the timber lines leading to the coves is a good bet to work minnows for some nice fish. The fish have eggs but they have not gotten red as they do when the fish get ready to spawn. I still have some open dates so give me a call if you want to go fishing.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 7
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 28, 2005 - 7:16 am: | |
With a string of warm sunny days coinciding with the full moon last week, the spawn started in earnest on parts of Lake Fork. Meanwhile, the majority of the bass are staging on points and creek channels in a prespawn pattern, while others are still hanging out and getting fat on shad and yellow bass in 25’+ in their wintertime pattern. From sight fishing to jigging spoons, big bass are being caught at Lake Fork every day now and your chances of catching a true lunker will remain at their highest levels for the next 6 to 8 weeks.
The lake is still in great shape but conditions are changing every day because of the frequent fronts and the subsequent rains. Even though we had two substantial rains, the SRA let a lot of water out, so Fork’s water level is down slightly from last week to 402.67’, about 4” below full pool. Letting water out of the dam also drew a lot of muddy runoff into the backs of creeks and into the northern areas of the lake, but most are clearing quickly and the main lake remains very clear. Water temperatures rose to near 60 degrees in the main lake and up to 68.5 in protected coves until the recent cooler cloudy days dropped the main lake to around 53 and the pockets are running anywhere from 52 to 58.
Based on these conditions, there are two predominate location patterns that I’m fishing. In the Northern sections of the lake and in the backs of some large coves, many bass have moved up onto grass-covered flats and into warm protected spawning pockets. As the water cooled this week, we did better by moving to the outside weed edge or by fishing near creek channels running through the flats. In contrast, when fishing the Southern portions of the lake or near the mouths of coves, most bass are staging on points and along deeper creek channels. Most of the bass are still relating to the grass and the areas in each creek with the warmest water seem to have the most activity. With the perpetually changing conditions, I’ve had to start my search where we caught bass the prior day then move in or out a little to relocate them. The bass have not been moving far, but the location of the most active fish and where new fish are pulling up on beds has changed almost every day.
Just like the bass location, lure selection has varied daily as well. For prespawn fish, a 3/8 or ½ oz white or chartreuse and white spinnerbait, a ½ or ¾ oz crawfish colored lipless crankbait, and a gold/black back/orange belly suspending jerkbait have been working best. In spawning areas and during calm sunny days, soft plastic jerkbaits like a Fluke, Ring Fry, or Senko in shades of green have been working best. Some days they are best on a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve, but most days you’ll do better by twitching it a couple times then letting it fall to the bottom and deadsticking it there. In addition, we are catching some fish by pitching lizards and tubes to shallow grass and wood. Again, shades of green are working best and dye the tail chartreuse or switch to shades of black in murkier water.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 72
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 3:58 am: | |
Well, the recent warm weather had the males invading the shallows and some nice females were not far behind them. There were some fish on beds. Not many but enough to see one every now and then. This cold front will stall them a little but it want last long with the nights not getting cold. We got about and inch of rain and the lake may have come up a little. The back of creeks are a little off color but the main lake is still clear. The water temp was about 61 or 62 and with this cold front it has dipped a little back down to the middle to upper fifties. Wave Tiki sticks, flukes, trick worms, and lake Fork Tackle Ring fries all fished weightless over and around the grass has been very effective in catching the fish. Texas and Carolina rigged lizards fished out a little deeper may catch you a female. Work the outer edges of the grass out in 5 to 8 foot of water. The lipless crank bait has been very productive. Cast and wind and cover plenty of water. With the cool nights the bite may be slow in the mornings and pick up in the afternoons when the water starts warming. Don’t let the off color water keep you from fishing as the fish will not move from the muddy water. Just slow your bait down and use bright colors.
With today being the full moon this should really kick off the start of the spawn. We had a thirteen weighted in this past weekend. So get your poles and get out there fishing, the next one may be yours.
I still have some spring dates open and if you want to go fishing let me know.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 6
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 5:09 pm: | |
The recent warm days have kicked the bass at Lake Fork into high gear. A 13.67, 12.59 and 11.2 were caught in the last few days, plus 8 to 10 lb bass are being reported at the marinas daily. Moreover, we have started seeing a number of fish cruising the shallows and have even spotted a few fish on beds in protected pockets. With the full moon approaching on 2/24, it certainly appears that Lake Fork is about to bust loose.
The lake is still in great shape as we approach the spawn. Fork’s water level has held steady this week at 402.74’, only 3” below full pool. Water temperatures rose the last couple days into the mid 50’s in the main lake while protected pockets have warmed into the low 60’s. And most of the lake remains clear, except for the North ends and areas exposed to the recent high winds.
Due to the warmer water, we’ve seen the location pattern change somewhat this week. While most of the fish were staging on points and in the creek channels about a week ago, many have moved up onto grass-covered flats and into warm protected pockets. Most of the bass are still relating to the grass and the areas in each creek with the warmest water seem to have the most activity. As we’ve had some warmer and some colder days this past week, the bass are up to their usual spring tricks—moving back and forth between the shallow spawning grounds and deeper staging areas. So if you caught a bunch of fish in an area one day and can’t catch any there the next, try moving a little farther in and/or a little farther out of the cove and you should be able to find them again.
Once you’ve found some good looking areas, I’d recommend scouting the spot with a 3/8 or ½ oz white or chartreuse and white spinnerbait and with a crawfish colored lipless crankbait. Both seem to be working best for me early and late in the day or all day on cloudy and windy days. Once you’ve found an area that produces a bite or two on the moving baits, additional fish can usually be caught by fishing the spot thoroughly with a wacky rigged or weightless Texas rigged soft plastic jerkbait like a Magic Shad, Senko and Fluke or by using a suspending jerkbait like a Rogue. Shades of green have been working best with the plastics while the suspending baits in gold/black back/orange belly seem to be best right now. Carolina and Texas rigged plastics and crankbaits are producing some fish, as well. The key right now is finding an area that is holding fish, then trying multiple presentations to mine as many fish out of each spot as possible.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 71
Registered: 8-2003
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 4:33 pm: | |
Well the magic temp is fast approaching for the spawn. The water is at 54 in many pockets and the male bass have started invading the shallows. The Wave Tiki sticks and Lake Fork tackle ring fries have been working well. Fish these on 15 pound line with a 4/0 or 5/0 hook weightless. Work them slowly from the bank out to the boat. Spinner baits have been my second choice this week. 3/8 and ½ have been the best size. Double willow leaf blades have been better than the Colorado blade. I have worked back to the backs of some pockets in the afternoons and found males searching for some spawning areas. If this weather will stay mild by next week we should start seeing some bedding activity. The mornings we are throwing traps and spinner baits and then in the afternoon switching to the soft baits. Working points with jigs and Carolina and Texas rigs have been productive on the female bass. 6 to 8 foot of water is the magic depth. Work your baits slowly this is the biggest tip.
I still have March and April dates open if you want to book a trip give me a call.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 5
Registered: 1-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 8:43 am: | |
Happy Valentine’s Day from Lake Fork! After seeing an increasing number of noticeably pregnant bass, “love is in the air” (or more accurately, in the water) at Lake Fork. And with warm sunny days forecasted for this week and an approaching full moon, you’d best buy your sweetheart something extra special for Valentine’s Day; because if you love those big fat Lake Fork bass like me, she probably won’t be seeing much of you until May 1st.
The lake is still in great shape as we approach the spawn. Fork’s water level is up slightly to 402.73’, about 3” below full pool. Water temperatures rose the last couple days into the low 50’s and most of the lake is clear except for the North ends. Hydrilla, milfoil, and coontail remain abundant over a majority of the lake. And here’s some more good news—the cooler water temps and the rains seem to have increased the amount of water over the vegetation, making it easier to pull your lure over the top of the shallow grass without constantly fouling.
Concerning the location part of the fishing pattern, I’ll repeat myself from last week. Main lake points and secondary points with grass near spawning pockets have been best. In addition, tree and grass lined creek channels leading into flats are also good. Basically, any cove or pocket that attracts a lot of spawning fish will have bass staging on the nearby points and creek channels. Find the good spawning areas and the bass won’t be far away.
While you can look at a map and quickly pinpoint locations where the bass are currently holding, finding the spots where those bass are feeding takes some scouting. First and foremost, a ½ oz lipless crankbait in shades of orange and red covers the grass points quickly in search of active fish, plus it often does the best job of catching additional inactive fish once a productive area is located. The key remains keeping your bait in contact with the grass. If you aren’t tearing your bait free of the grass 4 or 5 times each cast, you’re probably fishing over the top of the bass. On windy, overcast, and rainy days, a 3/8 or ½ oz chartreuse and white tandem spinnerbait has also been an effective search bait. Finally, a ½ oz black and blue jig worked along the grass edge in 6’ to 10’ has been producing some nice kicker fish, plus a couple days it matched the crankbait 1:1 in total number of bites. You’d best be on your toes while fishing the jig though, as the bites have been very light and the bass are quick to drop the bait if they feel any pressure. Conversely, I’ve not had much luck this week working the jig around wood and docks where there was not any grass present. That bite should start any day now, but as of yet, a jig in the wood has not worked for me.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 70
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 3:27 am: | |
Well, this past weeks fishing was a little slow for me. Spinner baits and lipless crank baits have been the baits of choice. Grass is still the key with both baits. I have mentioned many times this time of year you can hit or miss on a stretch of bank. What I mean is you may fish for nine miles and if you had gone just twenty five more feet you may have hit a area holding several fish. The weather has not been real bad. We did have one day with ice in our guides for the first hour. The weekend looks great and the water temp is starting about 49 moving up to 53 in the afternoons. The grass in many areas up north is unbelievable. This will be great for Wave Tiki Sticks, Lake Fork Tackle Ring Fries as soon as the water gets up to the upper fifties. Points have still be good areas to work along with flats leading back to shallow spawning areas. Cover plenty of water and slow down when you get a bite or catch a fish. I have managed to catch a few fish out deep on some humps with a Carolina rig and a jigging spoon.
I have not been crappie fishing for a while as most trips have been for bass. They should start moving soon back to the bridges and shallows for their spawn. Last year the crappie beat the bass to the shallow water. That was the first time I had seen that. You may start looking around timber on the mouths of creeks with water 20 foot deep. Minnows may be your best locator then you can switch to jigs.
I still have some spring dates open so give me a call.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2005 - 11:50 am: | |
Fishing at Lake Fork slowed down a little last week with the cold front, but the warm sun and the warming trend has the big girls feeding once again. Our big fish for the past week was an 8.5 pounder and we are catching quality fish every day, including a 7.5 and a 7.75 on Saturday and a couple more just under 7 pounds in the rain on Super Bowl Sunday.
The lake is in great shape for early February. Fork’s water level is slowly rising at 402.7’, 4” below full pool. Water temperatures have been hovering around the 50-degree mark and most of the lake is clear except for the North ends. Hydrilla, milfoil, and coontail are abundant all over the lake, plus higher water levels have flooded a lot of vegetation that should be great in the coming weeks.
The location part of the pattern has remained pretty consistent. Main lake points and secondary points with grass near spawning pockets have been best. In addition, tree and grass lined creek channels leading into flats are also good. Basically, any cove or pocket that attracts a lot of spawning fish will have bass staging on the nearby points and creek channels. Find the good spawning areas and the bass won’t be far away.
Finding the bass right now is the easy part, while making them bite is sometimes difficult and other times it’s ridiculously simple. For example, on Saturday I turned up my 101 lb thrust trolling motor to 50% power and we went flying down the shorelines, burning Rat-L-Traps as fast as we could. Essentially, the more water you covered, the more fish you caught. Conversely, on Sunday we had to make repeated casts with slow retrieves in key areas to make the bass bite. I try to start on my confidence areas each day and let the bass show me what they want. Once you figure out the best presentation for that day, then it’s simply a matter of replicating the pattern in similar areas.
As for specific baits, here’s what has worked best in the past week. ½ oz lipless crankbaits in reds and oranges plus 3/8 oz or ½ oz spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse have been producing the majority of the fish. ½ oz black and blue jigs and gold and black suspending jerkbaits have also caught some nice fish. Once again, the bass’ preference has seemed to change from day-to-day, so fish with an open mind and let the bass tell you what they want.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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David Vance (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 5:49 am: | |
David Vance’s Lake Fork Fishing Report 02/04/05
Hello from Lake Fork, Texas!
This past week the weather has been cold and wet. The fishing has been slow for numbers but the size of the bass we are catching make up for the numbers. In the last two days all of our fish have come on a ¾ ounce spinner bait, chartreuse and white with a Colorado willow leaf nickel and gold blades. We have also produced using a ¾ ounce Rat-L Trap, red with a chartreuse belly. The best depth has been 5-10 feet of water on the edge of the grass, and that is the KEY! The greener the grass you find close to deep water, the more productive it will be.
Yesterday we boated eleven bass with our largest weighing 9lb.3oz. This bass came on a spinner bait slow rolling it on the outside edge of the grass in 10 feet of water.
Good areas for me right now have been Pinson Bay, Big Mustang and White Oak Branch. The bass are really starting to move in and the lake is in great shape. I think February is going to produce a lot of big fish. It is a great month on Lake Fork because the bass are moving into a pre-spawn pattern and feeding up before they get on the beds. There is also very little boat traffic on the lake right now and it really is one of the best months to catch a trophy bass on Lake Fork.
The weather can be miserable but the rewards can be big. Don’t let a cold rainy day keep you off of the lake!
The water temp right now at mid day is 50 degrees. The lake is at normal level and in good shape. The grass in the above areas is in real good shape, just really healthy.
Right now through April gives you the optimum conditions to catch your trophy bass. Spring dates are booking fast. If you would like to book a guide trip you can reach me at (903) 629-3683 or check out my web site at www.lakeforktexasbigbass.com . Until next time.
Good Fishing!
David Vance
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 69
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 03, 2005 - 4:12 am: | |
Well, the weather has stabilized some and the cloud cover has been good for the bite this past week. Cool but fishable. With the coming sun light for the weekend it may slow the bite some but should rebound quickly. The water temp is real low fifties to upper forties. The grass is still the magnet. Find good grass, which isn’t hard right now, and work it over with lipless crank baits, spinner baits, and worm or jig. This is a great time of the year to fish as the next bite may be the next STATE RECORD or your fish of a life time. You may not catch many fish each day but the ones you catch should be good ones. Quality over quanity that is the key word. You can fish from twelve feet of water in right now with the above mentioned baits from now on till the middle of March then change will come. If the weather holds as it has and when the water starts getting into the mid fifties the males will start stacking up in the shallow water. Look around points and secondary points with grass and wood and spend your time. If you get a bite look at what your fishing and look for the same structure else where and you may find more fish. If you get bit work this area over and come back often as more fish may show up. Small spots will hold a bunch of fish sometimes. This will hold true till the water gets in the sixties then the fish will be scattered all over the banks. The lake is in great shape, it is full and most areas are clear to lightly stained. Up north it is still muddy but very fishable.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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David Vance (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 10:47 am: | |
David Vance's Lake Fork Report
The fishing has been good in between cold fronts. The good thing is we are having more warm days than cold ones. All the bass we have been catching have been in 3-8 ft. of water over and on the edge of the grass. Best baits for me have been a ¾ ounce Rat-l Trap, red with a chartreuse belly and a suspending Rouge, black back, silver sides, orange belly. In the last couple of days we have also caught fish on a ¾ ounce spinner bait, chartreuse and white with a Colorado willow nickel and gold blades, but most of our fish have been on the Rat-l Trap and suspending rouge.
Best places for me right now have been the main lake and secondary points leading halfway back in the creeks. Right now I am covering a lot of water and not sitting in one place very long, but I will fish the areas up and down two to three times before I leave. The bass are not chasing the bait and you have to get it close to them to hit your bait. This is why a lipless crank bait works so good this time of year. You can easily fish it over the grass and cover lots of water. This pattern is a lot of work but it pays off big right now. This pattern will only get better moving into February as these bass get into a solid pre-spawn pattern.
The water temp right now at mid day is 50-52 degrees. The lake is at normal level and in good shape. The grass in the above areas is in real good shape, just really healthy.
Right now through April gives you the optimum conditions to catch your trophy bass. Spring dates are booking fast. If you would like to book a guide trip you can reach me at (903) 629-3683 or check out my web site at http://www.lakeforktexasfishingreports.com . Until next time.
Good Fishing
David Vance
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 28, 2005 - 10:32 am: | |
I continue to have my best January at Lake Fork in recent memory for numbers of quality fish. As is typical of January fishing though, the number of bites varies considerably each day based on the conditions. The warm calm days have been comfortable to fish in but the rainy, windy, and cold overcast days have usually produced the most and biggest fish.
Fork is currently holding steady at 402.5’, 6” below full pool. Water temperatures remain in the low 50s in most areas and most of the lake is clear except for the North ends.
My bait and location selection remains pretty simple. ½ oz spinnerbaits and ½ oz lipless crankbaits are working well on grass points and along grass and tree-lined creek channels near spawning flats, all in the 3’-10’ range. White, chartreuse, and chartreuse/white have been working on the spinnerbait while I’m sticking with primarily red and orange on the crankbaits. As the lake starts to get busier, you’ll sometimes do better by switching away from the mainstream red colored cranks, so don’t be afraid to experiment with colors.
In addition to spinners and cranks, suspending jerkbaits also worked well for me this week. Although some days jerkbaits will catch fish much better than any other bait, you need to work these baits slowly for them to be most effective; consequently, they’re not efficient search baits. Therefore, I prefer to use suspending jerkbaits as a follow up lure after I’ve already caught a fish or two in a particular area. In this cold water, less is typically more. For the current conditions, I prefer baits like the Suspending Rogue that have more of a “shimmy” and less side-to-side action than similar baits like a Suspending Long A. Furthermore, I often do better in cold water with a slow pull (similar to dragging a Carolina Rig) followed by a very long pause instead of the more customary twitch-twitch-twitch-pause jerkbait retrieve. And don’t forget the Storm Suspend Dots and Strips or lead tape to make sure your bait is totally neutrally buoyant each day. Suspending jerkbaits usually produce a ShareLunker on Fork each year and they played a big part in my best day on Fork—catching two of my three 10 lb bass one fine March day. Just remember while fishing a Rogue, good things come to those anglers who wait and wait and wait and wait before they twitch their bait!
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 214-683-9572 (days) or 972-635-6027 (evenings) or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 68
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 3:53 am: | |
Well, the weather has really be something else with all the warm days. I got my new Bass Cat out and I am really excited with the way it handles and fishes. I think all my clients will be happy with the ride and room it has. Service Marine did a great job on the rigging. Chuck, Perry and Tonya will do all they can to solve your boating needs just give them a call 1-903-473-3909.
The water temp is between 49 to 53 degrees. It was according to what cove or main lake point you were on or in. The water is clear in all the covers I have been in. I am sure the north end of the lake may still be stained but fishable. The lipless crank and spinner bait were the two best baits. I tried several deep areas that had fish on them and no deal. The drop shot or the spoon would not get a bite. The grass was the best pattern. The fish I caught were shallow and along the edge of the grass in about three to five of water. The water has not gotten cold enough to kill the grass and it is still good and green. The spring will be awesome with all the grass. We may miss the bullet this year on the cold but February has not gotten here yet. Remember to get out as much as you can right now as this is the best time to get the bite of a life time.
The crappie fishermen were out in full gear yesterday but I didn’t see many pulled over the side. I found bait stacked in fifty foot of water on the bottom. Most boats I saw were using minnows.
It is still not to late to book your spring trip.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 5:35 pm: | |
So far this year, almost every day has been well above or below our average January high temperature. One thing has been consistent though—big bass are in the grass and eating regularly at Lake Fork. So far this month I’ve heard of two 12 pounders being reported and I’ve caught at least an 8 pound bass each week, including one that came in right at 9 pounds on Tuesday.
Fork is currently holding steady at 402.55’, about 5” below full pool. The cold nights over the past week lowered temperatures to the upper 40s to the low 50s but they are on the rise again with the current warming trend. The recent rains and windy days have left the northern sections of the lake very muddy and the backs of some creeks are pretty stained as well; however, most sections of the lake and creek mouths remain clear.
Based on these conditions, I have been able to simplify my pattern in the past week. A ½ oz tandem blade spinnerbait in white/chartreuse and a ½ oz red lipless crankbait are by far working the best. For me, the spinnerbait has been producing bigger fish while the trap has been producing better numbers. As for location, hydrilla, coontail, and milfoil on main lake and secondary points are holding the majority of the fish, along with creek channel bends with stumps and/or grass. Areas in creeks where the grass first grows out to the edge of the creek channel have been particularly good.
Finally, I’d like to pass on a tip that has helped me catch more fish with a lipless crankbait. As we all know, keeping your bait in contact with the grass is the key to triggering bites; conversely, a bait that fouls in the grass and won’t rip free is a wasted cast. The more water you can cover with a weed-free bait, usually the more bass you will catch. For the past several years I have been throwing lipless crankbaits on a 7’6” flipping stick with 30 lb braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. The low-stretch braid and the heavy action flipping stick allow me to consistently rip the bait free of the grass with a snap of the wrists. Furthermore, the big flipping stick allows me to fling a trap about a half-mile and the braid allows for solid hook sets even on the longest of casts. Rarely does my bait come back to the boat with grass on it, so I’m able to efficiently cover more water than I am able to by fishing mono. I use a 6’ leader of 20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon leader material. 20 lb test helps you get down to deeper grass while going to 30 lb test keeps the bait shallower and reduces a trap’s wiggle—often helpful on those post frontal days. Just remember to loosen your drag or big fish can tear out the treble hooks with the braided line.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 972-635-6027 or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 5:00 am: | |
Well mother nature still has not let her hair down. Don’t let this unseasonable warm weather make you think we can get out the shorts and sandals, boy I am ready, but mother nature still has some weather for us. February is usually our coldest month with March coming in behind it. It has been a roll a coaster ride with this weekend in the low fifties and Sunday in the forties and back to the seventies Tuesday. I didn’t fish this week as I have been taking care of personal matters and getting my new Bass Cat rigged and ready. I can’t wait to get it in the water.
The conditions have been great for fishing and I have talked to several who have fished and they said it has been good fishing in the shallow water. Lipless crank baits and spinner baits have been the baits to sling. I have heard mixed reports of mornings being better than the afternoon. The deep bite has been unreliable so spend your time in the shallow water around main lake and secondary points with grass and timber. This is a prime time to catch a fish of a life time. The big females will start their warming trends on these warm sunny days. They will float up as the sun comes out and drop down as the water cools. I have seen some really big fish just sitting at or near the surface on these warm days in the winter. The best advice I can give is be on the water as much as you can everyday. I have mentioned many times in my reports that even on the worst weather days this can be a prime time. I will be out there as soon as I get my boat ready.
The crappie are still going good on the main lake in 30 to 45 foot of water. Jigs and minnows are the best bait to catch these fish. Use your electronics to find bait and work your bait around them.
Time is near and you need to get your spring trip booked. Give me a call if I can help.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 66
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 14, 2005 - 4:31 am: | |
Well, the gates have been open to let out some of the new water the recent rains brought. This has most creeks stained to down right muddy. The release at the dam will pull it out into the lake soon but this should not last long as we were not that high. Many fishermen can’t stand to fish muddy water but the fish are still there. You will need to fish brighter baits like chartreuse, white, and orange. Lipless crank baits and spinner baits will be good choices. The fish wont be as dark or full color as they are in the grass but they will be there. If clear water is your thing the main lake points and secondary points will hold clearer water. The fish are still holding the grass and with the rise in the water the grass will be a little deeper and you can run the lipless crank bait over it. Spinner baits will be another good choice. The water temp will dip back down with this cold front and high wind but the protected areas will hold some warmer water.
The deep bite is still holding and the baits have varied from fisherman to fisherman. Jigging spoons, tail spinner, and drop shots have been holding their own. The key was to look for bait fish and work the baits slowly around them. Light line has been another key as this will help you get more bites. Set your drag and use a lighter action rod than normal. This will keep you from breaking the line. Fight the fish a little more as out deep there are not as many hang ups so take your time and enjoy the fight.
The crappie have been hard to get to as the wind has hindered the fishing on the main lake. This cold front has dropped the wind so the boats will make their way back out soon to the humps. 35 to 45 foot of water has been the best depth to look for the crappie. Find bait and jigs and minnows will get you a limit. I say this every week but if it keeps one fisherman from getting a ticket then great. Don’t forget to keep the first 25 you catch size does matter. This will hold true till the end of February
My new Bass Cat Cougar FTD will be here today I can’t wait. I am looking forward to working with Bass Cat this year and many to come. Chuck and Tonya who own Service marine are a Bass Cat dealer and are located on Lake Fork just off hwy 69 on 515. They have boats in stock and can give you a ride if you need one. This is a high quality boat with many standard features that fit most fishermen. Check them out at your local dealer and boat shows that are going own right now. You can go to BassCat.com and find them on the net.
Don’t forget to book your spring trip as the phone is ringing and if you wont a special day you need to get it booked.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Guide Tom Redington (Tredington)
New member
Username: Tredington
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2005 - 8:25 pm: | |
The cold front last week slowed down the fishing for a couple days, but our recent warm spell combined with the front that moved through yesterday (1/12) and the bright sun today have turned the bass at Lake Fork back on. With or without customers, I’ve been fishing every day since the last cold front and each day has gotten a little better. In the last two days the bigger fish have turned on, with an 8-02 and a 7-05 plus several other 5 pound bass coming in. And just to keep us humble, another bass that was bigger than the 8 pounder jumped off right at the boat in the same spot that produced the 7 pounder.
The recent rains raised Fork slightly over full pool for a couple days but the SRA has been letting water out and it is currently at 402.7’, less than 4” below full pool. After cooling to around 50 degrees, water temperatures increased to the mid-50s in the main lake and up to the upper 50s in the back of protected creeks. With all of the rain and wind, some areas have turned stained to muddy but most of the lake is still pretty clear.
My best baits for this week have remained the same; however, the best locations have changed somewhat from last week. For grass that has grown nearly to the surface, a white tandem blade spinnerbait in ½ oz has done well, as well as around stumps in creek channels. For grass that is about 1’ to 5’ below the surface, a red or orange ½ lipless crankbait has been the ticket. The key with the lipless baits has been to keep in contact with the grass. You can burn it over the tops of the shallowest grass, while you’ll need to slow down and use a stop and go or “yo-yo” retrieve to stay in contact with the deeper grass. Finally, for grass that is growing deeper than 5’ below the surface, a medium running crankbait in a shad pattern has been working well. Of the baits, the crankbaits are producing the most fish while the spinnerbait is producing the biggest fish.
As for location, I’m still keying on grass all over the lake. Prior to last week’s cold front, I was catching a lot of fish in the backs of creeks. Since the front has hit, main lake points have been much better. In addition, wood-lined creek channels in grassy flats have been key areas. Right now, the fish seem to be stacked in channel bends near where the grass starts growing out the edge of the creek channels. Spinnerbaits worked in this zone have been consistently catching big fish. Finally, with all of the bright sun we had today, pockets and backs of creeks that were protected from the north wind warmed up nicely and started producing some good fish again in the afternoon.
Here’s hoping you catch the lunker of your dreams. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 972-635-6027 or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Guide Tom Redington (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2005 - 11:43 am: | |
What a Happy New Year we have been given at Lake Fork. With the recent warming trend, the grass bite has really been turned on. On Monday, we had an 8 pounder eat a spinnerbait in 2’ of water and jump completely out of the water twice on a 70+ degree day—not exactly what I would have expected the beginning of January to be like while watching snow fly in East Texas on 12/22. Even yesterday (1/5) while fishing by myself as the Arctic front blew in, I was able to catch 23 bass with three over 5 pounds. I didn’t catch any trophies but I’ll take a catch like that anytime in January, especially on such a miserable day. Pockets still had temps up to 63 degrees as late as 4 pm yesterday, so even with the cold weather today, the 60s being forecasted for this weekend should have them biting again soon.
The warm rains from this past week raised the lake elevation by 6” to 402.85’, only 2” below full pool. In addition, water temperatures increased to the mid-50s in the main lake and up to the low 60s in the back of protected creeks. All of the rain and wind did cause some creeks to become stained, however most were already starting to clear as of yesterday.
As for the fishing patterns, I have been using 3 primary baits. For grass that has grown nearly to the surface, a white tandem blade spinnerbait in 3/8 or ½ has done well, as well as around stumps in creek channels. For grass that is about 1’ to 5’ below the surface, a red ½ or ¾ oz lipless crankbait has been the ticket. The key with the lipless baits has been to keep in contact with the grass. You can burn it over the tops of the shallowest grass, while you’ll need to slow down and use a stop and go or “yo-yo” retrieve to stay in contact with the deeper grass. Finally, for grass that is growing deeper than 5’ below the surface, a medium running crankbait in shad patterns has been working well and producing some better fish. Again, with all 3 baits, the key is staying in contact with the grass.
As for location, I have been catching bass from the north end of the lake down to the dam. The key has been fishing points, flats and pockets with grass in coves where large numbers of bass spawn each year. Cover water until you get a bite, then work the area over several times and return to those spots several times each day. This time of year there are typically large areas of dead water, but once you catch a fish, there is usually a good number of fish in the area and these areas should stay productive until the spawn.
Finally, I haven’t spent much time fishing deep lately due to the warming trend and the windy conditions. However, ¾ oz spoons and ¼ oz jigs in the gizzard shad color by Realistic Lures have been productive once you find a good school. I have also gotten a few bites on a Carolina rigged watermelon Baby Ring Fry, but the hard baits have been working better for me. 28’ to 35’ has been the best depth for me this past week. With the warmer temps the bass have been biting the spoon and jig on bigger hops, while I suspect small hops and dead-sticking the lure in place will be working better after this cold front.
Best of luck to you this fishing season and I would be honored to help you catch more and bigger fish on Lake Fork. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at 972-635-6027 or e-mail me through www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com, where your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Fishing,
Tom
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 65
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2005 - 4:49 am: | |
Well, here we are in the new year. I hope this year will bring the economy back around for all. The weather is still crazy for this time of year. Seventy degree days in January is not normal. The warm weather has been great for the fisherman who have gone out. The water warmed up some to 50 + degrees. The fish have bit a little off and on. The wind was a factor for the crappie and bass fisherman. It has kept most fishermen off the main lake. The deep bite has been inconsistent even when you could find fish. The jigging spoon and tail spinners have been the best bait but the action on the bait was hold it very still just off the bottom. Too much movement and the fish would not hit the bait. This was true for bass and bar fish. Each day was different in the way they wanted the bait. The shallow water has been the best area to work your baits for bass. The lipless crank bait will be the bait of choice for most fishermen who come to Fork this time of year. This is a time you will have to cover plenty of water but do it slowly. Hit every spot you can along the grass. When you get a strike remember the speed of the retrieve, the type of cover you hit, and what type of action you were using. Work the area over good as there maybe more fish there. Usually there wont be only one fish by there self. Look the area over and see what was holding the fish and apply that pattern to another area with the same structure. Grass can hold fish at precise locations along the edge. Grass will make points and some may be just under the surface. I have had patterns where the fish would only hit the bait when you threw it into the grass and let it settle then jerk it out only to stall the bait. As the bait ripped out of the grass and then fell back down they would jump all over it. Keep this in mind when you hang-up in the grass. The other key is some days they want a quarter ounce bait and others a half or bigger will work. If there are two of you fishing don’t use the same size or color bait till you establish a working pattern. This will help to eliminate what type of bait you will need to use for the day. The best tip is remember this is winter fishing and SLOW is the key to all baits. I tell people three to five bites is the normal for winter fishing. There are days you will get more but most days this is the normal so keep this in mind. The other tip is this is a time you can catch the fish of a life time. Remember to put new line on your reels and reset your drags. The state record was caught in January so keep this in mind.
The crappie have been on and off. The wind has not helped them either by keeping the fisherman off some of the points. The fish have been running small but they have to be kept because of Lake Forks rule of the first twenty you catch you have to keep. This will hold true till the end of February. 30 to 40 foot has been the best area to work your jig or minnow.
The phone is ringing and if your planning a trip to Lake Fork in the Spring you need to make the call. Motels will be full and your guide maybe booked.
Happy New Year to all.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Jimmy Everett (Lakeforkguide)
New member
Username: Lakeforkguide
Post Number: 36
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 03, 2005 - 5:59 pm: | |
The last few days on Fork have been great with good numbers and size fish being caught. The water temp is running from 51-54 degrees and with the warm spell we have had even with the cool rain has really turned these fish on. Up until this warm spell fishing had been tough and the fish were very scattered. The bass and shad have really seem to move up and stick to the grass. This is the time of year where it can feast or famine. I’m sure many of the people who have visited Fork over the last few days can relate to.
For the shallow water bite which has been better for me I have only been throwing a few baits and staying with them because they are producing fish. The first and the best for me so far has been a lipless crank bait in ½ or ¾ oz. The best colors have been red, orange, red/yellow, and black/gold. This is the ticket to finding your fish in the grass (3-8 feet). Take your lipless crank bait find some good grass put your trolling motor on low and go. Just throw, throw, and throw. Once you find some a few fish in a small area such as a 25yd stretch of grass turn around and fish it over and over until you don’t catch any more for 2 or 3 passes down that stretch of grass. I’m then turning around and fishing that area again with a Yomamoto senko very slow through the and around the edges of the grass. I have been throwing black/blue flake and watermelon/black core. That’s has been the best pattern so far for me but I have also caught a few good fish on black/blue ½ oz Strike Works Wood Jig with a black Zoom super chunk for a trailer. The fish I have caught have been in creek bends and grass lines (6-12 feet) with a lot of timber present in the area. This is the bait I would suggest for those looking only for your 10+lb fish. You wont catch near as many most of the time but the ones you get will be good fish.
My deep bite has been very unreliable. One day I will find a small school of fish out deep and do pretty well and then the next day I might not be able to find a fish. Although I have had some very nice fish I haven’t spent a lot of time fishing deep because the shallow fishing has been so good. The bass I was catching out deep (25-30 feet) I have caught on drop shot with a 1 ½ foot leader and a small watermelon/red or watermelon/purple Yomamoto or Zoom finesse worms. The few I am finding have been on main lake roadbeds and points. The key is fish slow and be very patient if you chose to stay out deep. I believe there are bigger fish out deep but they are harder to catch than those that are moving up to feed in the grass.
If you are looking to catch that fish of a lifetime let me help. Now is a good time to book a trip for this winter or spring. To get the best dates or dates you want to book, book early to make sure you get the dates you want. For booking info or to find out more info about a great guide trip on Lake Fork give me a call at 903-765-3980 or visit me at www.fishinlakefork.com and email me from there.
I will also be at The Fun-N-Sun booth at the Ft. Worth Boat Show so feel free to stop in and say Hi and talk about some Lake Fork fishing. Also Check the good deals on 2004 and 2005 lines of Skeeter and Ranger Bass Boats. The dates are January 7-9 and January 14-16. Look forward to seeing some of you there.
Good luck and be safe
Jimmy Everett
Skeeter, Yamaha, Fun-N-Sun Sporting Centers, Axton’s Bass City, Friendly Custom Rods, Strike Works Tackle |
Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 64
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 30, 2004 - 5:01 am: | |
Well, I hope all had a very Merry Christmas and got that special gift they wanted. I hope many were fishing articles. This week has been strange for east Texas weather. We have been able to get into short sleeve shirts. This is not true on the lake as the water is 49 to 51 degrees the ride to and from your favorite spots have been cold. The deep water has been the best area to look for the fish. This is true for Bass, crappie, and bar fish. Your electronics are your best friend to locate the fish. This is a time of year you can eliminate nonproductive water by running your electronics over a spot and if there are no fish or bait fish go to the next spot. The jigging spoon, tail spinners, drop shot, and Carolina rig are your best baits. Light line may help you get more strikes this time of year. All the above mention lures will fall different on the light line. Since there are not many hang-ups out deep this should not worry you when you get a big fish on. Be sure to loosen your drag with light line and go to a lighter rod.
Once you have located the bait or fish, if there are two of you one should use one of the above mentioned baits and the other something else till you figure out which one the fish want. The BIGGEST key this time of year is work your baits slowly. The bass are cold blooded and they really slow down when the water temps get into the low fifties and forties. The bait fish are the same way. So a fast moving bait may not get as many strikes as a slow moving one. Sometimes the bite in the winter can be so subtle you may not feel it. You really have to be on your toes and watch your line and rod tips. Any little preassure or if you lift up and the line curls over set the hook. There will be days when the fish will hit the baits good but most will be very subtle. The main lake has been the best target area for finding fish. 28 to 35 foot has been the best depth to start your search.
The crappie have been plentiful and some nice stringers. Remember to keep the first twenty five you catch as from December 1 to April 1 the first twenty five you catch you have to keep.
I wish all a very safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 63
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 23, 2004 - 3:49 am: | |
Well, the wind and cold has held most people off the lake. I have not seen many people out. The ones I have talked to at the marinas have told me they would be out there but last minute Christmas shopping has kept them off the lake. Hum! I wonder. Ha! I believe the weather has been the biggest problem. We are two days away from a great family tradition. I want all to be very careful traveling to and from their family get together. The roads will be crowded and there maybe some ice still around. When the wind lets up there will be some fish out deep. The crappie will start to really stack up now with the water chilling down. They will be up on the main lake points and your electronics will be very important in finding the areas. The lipless crank bait will be a good bait in the shallow water around the grass. The half and quarter ounce size will be good starters. The crawfish pattern will be the best color. Jigging spoons, tail spinners, and drop shots are all good deep water baits. The water is in the upper forties and very low fifties. Remember to bundle up good when you get out on the water. The hand warmers that are throw away are very good to have in a pocket. Keep them in a tight spot and they will last all day. A pack of six is pretty cheap.
I wish all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
|
Jimmy Everett (Lakeforkguide)
New member
Username: Lakeforkguide
Post Number: 35
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 12:14 pm: | |
Lake Fork bass fishing has been pretty steady untill the last few days. The cold weather hass keep most people off the lake and indoors. Today was no different except for the rain which made it worse. The bass have started moving out of shallow water for myself and have begun to set up for winter time. I had cleints and myself catch bass out of 35 feet of water and maybe a tad deeper. Because of this I have really stayed out of shallow water altough some are still catching good fish out of the hydrillia. I have been staying out deep for 90 plus percent of the time. Over the last few weeks I have seen and caught many bass in the 5-8 lb with alot of fat 2-3 lb bass. Untill the last few days the average catch was around 20-25 bass a day but has really dropped after this last front we had.
Like I said most of my fish are coming out deep but the fish I have caught up shallow have been good fish. Most have been caught on a Strkie Works Jig (www.strikeworkstackle.com). The best color for me has been watermelon/red 1/2 oz wood jig with a watermelon zoom superchunk on the back. I also dye the tips of the chunk in Chart. garlic dye. Flip these to every piece of cover you can find around the outside edges of grass in 6 to 8 feet of water. Try to stay around a creek channel also it has helped me get more bites when Im around one. The bite hasnt been a fast pace one but there are some good fish to be caught this way.
Now for the deep water bite. The main key is finding the fish. Once you find them in my opinon it doesnt matter much of what you throw as long as you get it in front of them. I have been finding good schools of bass on main lake points, ridges, and roadbeds. The best depth for me is starting in 15 feet early and moving my way out to 20-25 feet which is where I have found the most fish at. Dont be scared to look out to 40 feet of water right now. I am throwing a carolina rig almost all day. I have stayed with watermelon/red Zoom super flukes with a chart. dyed tail for most of the day because it has been producing fish. I have seen carolina rigged lizards & baby brush hogs catch fish as well as storm wild eye swim baits and grubs on a 1/4 oz jig head catch fish in all different colors. Thats why I say if you can just get into the fish it doesnt matter to much of what you throw. At the last few hours of the day move into the major creeks in the south end of the lake the fish have been running through very heavy during that time in 20-25 feet of water on the edges of the creek.
If you are looking for a guide trip this winter or spring give me a call and I will help you set up a great trip on Lake Fork. I can be reached at 903-765-3980 or visit me at www.fishinlakefork.com and email me from the site.
Good luck on the lake and be safe
Jimmy Everett
jimmy@fishinlakefork.com
Fun-N-Sun sporting centers (817) 279-1991 , Strike Works Tackle, Axtons Bass City, Friendly Custom Rods, Skeeter, Yamaha |
Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 62
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 4:04 am: | |
Well, the wind and cold fronts have been the stage setting for the bite. The shallow fish bit a little this week. It took a red lipless crank bait over the grass to get bit. The deep fish were stubborn. You could find them but their mouths were tight. The lipless crank bait will be one of the baits you will need to keep handy as this bait will draw a strike on the coldest of days. When you get a strike or catch a fish look at the area and work it slowly. There may be more fish there. After working the area move on to another area with the same structure. The key is remember speed on the retrieve. Once you get that down for that place or day you will catch a few fish. Remember this is winter three to five bites will be the normal for this time of year. If you get more, then you have had a great day. Don’t forget the deep fish as they will bite somewhere on the lake. Jigging spoons, tail spinners, drop shot, and grubs on quarter ounce jig heads. Light line on the drop shot and grubs will be important. The water temp in holding in the low 50’s. This week may be your best shot at fishing as another cold front is on the way for Sunday. Sunday may be a good day as it will be right before the front. Wave Tiki sticks, Tiki drops , and Lake Fork Tackle Baby ring fries will be the baits I will be using on my drop shot. The lipless crank bait color is the crawfish pattern. Remember to work it over and around the grass and off points with grass and timber. The crappie have been hard to get to on the main lake as the wind has been the trouble. The bridges have been holding some good fish. But don’t forget you are suppose to keep the first twenty five you catch. Not following this rule may result into a fine from a game warden.
It is not too late to give that special someone a guided fishing trip for their Christmas present.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 61
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 09, 2004 - 4:33 am: | |
Well, like I said several reports ago, summer to winter. It is hard to believe we are a little over two weeks from Christmas and the temp is in the 70’s. This has been a great time to fish as the days have been great and the fishing has been good. The fish are still holding around the grass in the mornings and on some days all day. The weightless Wave Tiki Stick, Lake Fork Tackle ZigZag, zoom super flukes, spinner baits, and tail spinners. Work the main lake areas where deep water comes in close to the grass and look for points formed by the grass. Carolina rigs pulled on the out side of the grass is a good big fish pattern. Lake Fork Tackle has come out with a new albino color baby creature. This is a good color to fish out deep or along the grass. Slow rolling big spinner baits over deep humps and main lake points can be deadly this time of year. The water temp has dropped some but the warm days has the surface water a little back up. Remember the first foot of water will be the reading on most temp gauges because they are on the back of most boats. I have one on my trolling motor which puts the gauge down three feet. This will give you a better reading. Water temp really has no concern this time of year unless you are fishing shallow. You may wont to find the warmest water available. Look on the wind blown banks as sufferance water will be pushed up in this are and should be warmer. The spring is usually the time of year I pay attention to the water temp. I do know when the lake temp gets into the low to mid 50’s the big bite is ready to break loose. The main key to fishing this time of year is to GO SLOOOOW. The fish are cold blooded but they don’t move fast this time of year. The jigging spoon was the best bait this past week. We were not hopping the bait but slow reeling it along the bottom. We caught some nice bass but the bar fish kept us in activity all day long. 12 year old Kenneth Anderson caught his biggest fish which was 5.98 lbs. On a spoon. I have mentioned this many times in my winter articles and reports, when you find bar fish the bass are close by. If don’t wont the bar fish on your line change to a different bait like Carolina rig, big spinner bait, jig and pig, or any other bait you like to fish. When I am catching only bar fish in and area I will move but will come back as the bass may not have been aggressive when I was there the first time. Again remember SLOOOW on all your baits.
Remember it is still time to give that special someone a Guided Fishing Trip for that surprise gift. I can email you a Gift Certificate to wrap up for Christmas Morning.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
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Jim Reaneau (Jreaneau)
New member
Username: Jreaneau
Post Number: 60
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 02, 2004 - 4:54 am: | |
Well, here we are 23 days from Christmas. Mercy this year has gone by. I know fishing is not on the minds of most of us right now. But here on Lake Fork fishing is always the thought of the day. The cold fronts will be coming in every other day. This can be some miserable fishing but it can be a memorable time. The recent cold fronts has brought the lake up to normal level. There are some creeks that are muddy but there is still plenty of water that is clear. The wind has not been our friend with it blowing 30 out of the north switching to 30 out of the south. This will be the weather pattern for several weeks. The water temp has dipped into the upper 50’s and low 60’s. The bait fish are moving to the middle to the back of the creeks. This is a time to get out the jig and big spinner bait. This pattern will get you out of the wind some what. Find a creek and start down the middle flipping a jig and hit every piece of wood you can find on the edges of the creek. The key here is when you get hit look at that piece of wood and figure if it is a big, medium, or small tree. You may then only key on this size of stumps. The spinner bait will be for the more active fisherman. I like a three quarter ounce spinner bait for this type of fishing. I like fire tiger in color and one big willow leaf blade in silver and a small Colorado blade in gold. I will slow roll the bait down the middle of the creeks. Speed is the key here. You will have to try different retrieves. This will work on points. Fan cast across the point and work from shallow out to deep till you come into contact with fish. Never and I mean never put up your Carolina rig. The winter is a good time to work the humps, roadbeds, and main lake points when possible. The drop shot is another good winter tactic. The jigging spoon is another bait to keep tied on. Everyone talks about the spoon only catching bar fish. I have caught some big fish on the spoon. The half and three quarter ounce are my favorite sizes. Remember line size can be of very importance as the spoon will fall different on lighter line than on twenty pound test. Retrieves can very day to day. Some days the hop is the key the next day it is hold it still about six inches from the bottom. The spoon and tail spinners are also a good bait for the fisherman who has his small angler with him as this will usually get some bites to keep them happy. If the bar fish are all your catching switch to a Carolina rig as the bar fish will hit the bait but you wont catch many. The bass may try and take the bait from the bar fish.
The crappie are getting bigger but he wind has been tough on us getting to the spots. Small jigs and minnows are key baits. 25 to 35 foot of water is the best depths to work you baits around. Some fish are right on the bottom at those depths. Use your electronics to find the bait fish and drop your bait down to that depth the bait fish are at and don’t put a lot of action in your bait.
Don’t forget to get your spring trip booked early to ensure you can get the day you want. A guided fishing trip is a great gift for the sportsman or the beginner for Christmas. I can send you a gift certificate to wrap for that special someone.
Call me and we can get it set up.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088
|
Jimmy Everett (Lakeforkguide)
New member
Username: Lakeforkguide
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 7:50 am: | |
Lake Fork has been pretty steady right now. The average days catch is ranging from 25-30 bass a day. All the weather we have had recently has messed up those 60 fish days for right now. The lake is looking great and the watertemps. are still getting in to the low 60s during the day. There have been fish scattered from deep to shallow and you can pretty much catch fish where you want toas far as depth goes. My best catches have been coming out deep but shallow fish are still to be caught.
For the shallow bite I have been throwing 2 baits. I have been fishing them in different kinds of places so I will tell you what I have been throwing and explain the depth and cover for each bait. The first is a weightless Zoom Super Fluke in watermelon or watermelon/red. Always dye the tail in chartruse garlic dye. I have been fishing these on a weightless texas rig with a 4/0 hook. I am working these baits in 3-8 feet of water in the biggest patches of grass I can find. Just find a bank with some good grass and work the fluke with a slow twitch and stop thru the thickest part. Let the bait fall in every hole you can and pay attention to your line. Second has been the better shallow bite I have had. It is taking a 1/2 oz watermelon/red or black/blue Strike Works Wood Jig (www.strikeworkstackle.com) with a matching trailer. I have been fipping these baits from 6-12 feet of water around anything you can find. The best places have been about halfway back in creeks. There seems to be alot of fish in that area. The better places have been around docks and stumps that are up agianst the outside grass line. Keep moving with these baits. I flip Strike Works Jig to each peice of cover let the bait fall vertical with the cover. Let it hit the bottom and give it a little shake and stop then another shake and stop then pull it out and go to the next cover. If you havent tried a Strike Works Jig (www.strikeworkstackle.com) I would say to defenitly try a few out. You wont go back to another jig. I havent and wont.
For the deep bite which is my game I have been carolina rigging roadbeds, Humps, and deep creek channels. I have been fishing the carolina rig from 20-25 feet for the most part. I have been only throwing a few baits because they are producing fish and there is no need to switch. I believe right now if you just get in to the bass you can catch them on most plastic baits carolina rigged. I have been rigging up with a Zoom Super Fluke in watermelon/red or watermelon. Agian dying the tail in chart. garlic dye. I have also been throwing a 6" Gary Yomamoto Lizard in watermelon with a dyed tail. Fish these baits on a 4 to 5 foot leader. Fish them at a decent pase. Speed up and slow down and let the fish tell you how they want it. Pay attention when you reel your bait up from the deep water to make another cast. Reel it slow and if you catch some bass reeling it up then alot of the time the fish are suspended. When this happens get a couple packs of Gary Yomamoto 1/4oz round jig heads. (because they have a good 3/0 hook) and a pack or two of his 4" grubs or small fat ikas in shad color. Take these baits and thow them out and let them hit the bottom. Take your rod tip and point it towards the water and reel very slow just letting the bait swim back to you. This will get those suspended fish better than anything.
One last tip is that the fish in the south end seem to get in the deep creeks right before dark. You have an hour or an hour and ahalf to get these fish. When the really come thru the creek you can have a ball. Something to think about.
Also if your looking for a new or used boat this is a good time to get a good deal on one. You should give Paul Morales a call From Fun-N-Sun at 817-279-1991 tell him I sent you. Paul is a real good guy and will do everything he can to get you that new Skeeter, Ranger, or any other boat they have.
I have been booking alot of trips from Febuary thru May. So to get the dates you want it is never to early to book your trip. I also still have some late December dates and January dates still open if you would like to book a trip. You can reach me at 903-765-3980 or visit me at www.fishinlakefork.com and email me.
Good luck on the water
JimmyEverett
Skeeter, Yamaha, Strike works Inc., Axtons Bass City, Fun-N-Sun, Freindly Custom Rods
If you are looking for a great christmas gift for that fisherman or women or just a great custom rod for yourself give Jeff a call from Friendly Custom Rods at 903-584-3594 or email him at jeff@friendlycustomrods.com. He can build you a Loomis, St. Croix, or Lamiglass rod built justy how you like all the way down to the colors of the wrap. You'll be real happy with the rod. If you buy a friendly custom rod in the next 3 months, Show me your ticket and I will give you $50 dollars off a full day guide trip thru March 1st, 2005. |
Jimmy Everett (Lakeforkguide)
New member
Username: Lakeforkguide
Post Number: 33
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 9:05 am: | |
Lake Fork has been on fire in the last 2 weeks. I fishing hasnt been this good for awhile now. I averaged over 40 bass a trip with lots of 2-3lb bass and many in the 4-7lb range. over the last week and a half. The fish are stacked in medium to deep water and feeding on shad very heavy all day. Most of the times Im sitting in 1 or 2 spots all day and not moving. The only reason to move is when other people start to crowd me and It gets annoying. The water temp is at 64 today and has been between 61-65 over the last week. The water is clear and in good condition. I have only been throwing 4 baits all day long. I just switch back and forth and let the bass decide what they want that day.
The best bite has been around 15 feet of water off main lake points and drop offs. Most of these fish are smaller but the bite is very steady. Out in this water I have seen many fish coming up to the top to school. Stay below these fish and you can catch some better fish. For this water I have been throwing a carolina rig with a 4 to 5 foot leader. The baits Im throwing are a watermelo/red Zoom super fluke and dipping the tail in chart dye. Another good bait has been a Gary Yomamoto 6" lizard in watermelon/ black flake with a chart dyed tail. These baits have been deadly all day long. Fish them slow across the points and up the drop offs.
For the bigger bass try getting in the mouth of creeks in 20-25 feet of water where creek channels make a bend. Th | |
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