Lake Fork Fishing Report

 

by: Clint Wright

Lake Fork Day and Night Guide Service

Fishing Report

February 2010

 

 

Hello from Lake Fork.  I am still looking to book February 20, 21 and March 7, 13, 14 and April 25.  Give Kerstin a call at 903-918-0755 for booking information.

 

I don’t think I have ever been more excited to see February as I am this year.  December and January were very cold and kept me on the hot water lakes longer than usual.  We are ready for a warming trend and get that water temperature to the magic 60 degree mark.

 

Historically, February on Lake Fork is known for some giant bass.  This month the males will be headed to the shallows looking for a sandy bottom to make a bed.  The big females will be close by, waiting for 60 to 62 degree water temperature to lay their eggs.  Many times this temperature can be found in isolated spots on the north end of the lake.  I have found 60 degree water every February since 2005.  The best spots will be in the very backs of the creeks on the north bank.  These areas are protected by the cold fronts wind and get the most sunlight throughout the day.

 

When fishing early February, I will stick to only a few baits.  First, a lipless crankbait in red, chartreuse, or gold in half to three quarter ounce with quality strong sharp hooks.  I will throw this bait on a 7 foot Heavy Custom Angle rod and a 7:1 high speed reel spooled with 50 pound power pro braided line.  The purpose of the heavy action and braided line is the advantage it gives fishing in the grass.  Second, I will have a Santone Jig with a Gene larew Biffle Bug or Salt Craw as a trailer.  I will use the same Custom Angle rod and same reel / line as the rattle trap for the jig.  Third, is a Grande Bass Rattlesnake on a shakey head.  The Rattlesnake will be rigged up on a Custom Angle Medium Heavy 6’6 with 12 lb fluorocarbon.  These three set ups will catch fish on just about any day on Lake Fork in February. 

 

When scouting for an area to target, look for grass.  In early February, look for the deep grass with ledges close to the spawning flats.  I like to try Birch Creek, White Oak, Wolf, Little Caney, Bell, Long Branch and Glade.  Any of these creeks will have an abundance of spawning activity this month.  Start at the mouth of the creeks with the Jig and work your way shallower.  Switch back and forth between the jig and shakey head.  Try different colors because this can and will change daily.  I usually pull out 4 or 5 different colors that morning and have them on the deck and readily available to make a quick change.  This will help you develop a pattern quickly.

 

 

 

 

Make sure you have had all of your preventive maintenance done on your boat for 2010.  Billy and Wayne at Sartin Marine are filling up quickly with work, so give them a call soon so you are not in a waiting line to have this work done.  Check your trolling motor power, depth finders, battery connections, hoses (as they will dry rot) and wheel bearings.  Check your lug nuts and tire pressure.  Lastly, a good wash and wax will not hurt your boat either. 

 

Take a look at your fire extinguisher to make sure it is still good, life jacket buckles and zippers, make sure your throw cushion didn’t walk off.  All of this will help make your first trip back on the lake much more enjoyable.

 

Please remember that the sun will still cause damage to your eyes while fishing in January. So wear your Costa Del Mar polarized sunglasses anytime the sun is shining.  I will also testify that no other sunglasses will provide the sight fishing ability that Costa Del Mars do.  I know this because many of my clients come out with me using other brands.  Every single time they have to borrow my Costas to see what I am seeing.

 

 

I hope these tips help you catch the bass of your dreams. Please know that I am always here to try and answer any questions you might have. Myself and several other Guides that I work with are available for public speaking, such as bass club meetings, boy scout meetings etc. at no cost to you.   We can go over any topics related to Lake Fork or Bass Fishing, Boating etc.  

 

Please practice C.P.R. (Catch, Photo, and Release). It takes many years for these fish to grow to their trophy size. By practicing a quick release, it allows other anglers to enjoy the same experience as you. Replica mounts can be made for your wall that look better and last longer than a real mount. Remember life jackets and kill switches any time the outboard motor is running or anytime you feel it would just be safer to wear it. Your safety is #1!

 

Lake Fork Day and Night Guide Service uses only professional Lake Fork Guides to ensure your date is available for booking. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Corporate and Group trips – no problem. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions about Lake Fork, Monticello, Welsh or booking information at 903-342-3497. Or visit www.LAKEFORKDAYANDNIGHT.us for more information. References are available upon request.

 

Lake Fork Day and Night endorses the following sponsors: Custom Angle Rods, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Santone Jigs, Gene Larew Baits, Grande Bass Baits and Sartin Marine. 

Tight Lines,

Clint

 

 

Guide Clint Wright
Lake Fork Day and Night Guide Service
www.lakeforkdayandnight.us
"Let's Go Fishing"
903-342-3497
903-918-9469

 

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