Well, this weeks weather has been a roller coaster ride. From cool to almost record breaking heat. Now we have another cool front coming today. The wind is blowing as I write this report about 25 out of the south. The front is bringing winds from the north at 20 to 25. Welcome to the winter fishing at Lake Fork. As I have written in many reports in the past and with the lake as low as it is you would be better and safer to trailer as close to the fishing areas you plan to fish. The lake is still five feet low. The recent rain did not help to bring the lake up enough to see it. The fishing has been like the weather UP and DOWN. One day you're a hero the next day you're a zero. The wind has been a problem on staying out on the deep areas. The water temp in one area I was fishing has dropped to 58. This is a shallow flat with a creek running through. The mid lake is in the low sixties.
The fish are still scattered form deep water to shallow. Many of the fish this week were very tight to cover. Pitching a worm or flipping a jig was the best pattern for the shallow bite. The lipless crank was another option. Covering plenty of water and stopping when you get a bite and work the area over good.
Texas and Carolina rigs out deep were your best bet. Your electronics are your best partner this time of year. Look for the bait and there should be fish close by. Throw out a marker and cast out to them. If they are off the bottom don't forget your drop shot, jigging spoons, and tail spinners. Everyone thinks you will only catch yellow bass with spoons and tail spinners but I can a sure you bass will eat them too. The one thing about spoon fishing you have plenty of action with the sand bass and yellow. The big bass love to eat the bar fish AKA yellow bass. I can't tell you how many times I have had a monster bass come up and hit a yellow bass on the way up. Ask the crappie fishermen how many crappie have been taken from them while they were fishing. This is also a good time to get the young one out and the spoon is a good bait for them and the sand bass and bar fish will keep the busy. Plus this is easy fishing and plenty of action. Don't forget!! Sand bass have to be 10 inches to keep and limit of 25 per person. The yellow bass there is no limit and no size.
The crappie are making there way up the lake and many of the main lake points are holding fish when you can get to them. Jigs and minnows are the best baits. Again look for the bait fish and you should find the crappie. Most people use the where are the boats pattern but that is not always the best approach. Some times misery loves company. BUT if you pull up in the boats show courtesy and go slow as many will be anchored and they were there first. Remember the crappie are scattered all over on the points so look around first before you stop in a group.
I have November dates open and if you want to book a trip give me a call. This is a good time of year to learn to read your electronics and I could help with that.
Don't forget a guided fishing trip is a great Christmas gift and I can send you a Gift Certificate to wrap for that special someone.
Jim Reaneau
1-888-918-5088 after 6 PM
1-903-335-2009 cell till 6 PM