Lake Fork – Secrets for Success in the Best Bass Fishing Area of Texas

Ask the experts at Bass Pro Shops about the best fishing in Texas, and they are likely to all say that Lake Fork is at the top of the list. Home to 34 of the 50 biggest largemouth bass caught in the state, it is the premier destination for fishing.

Interestingly enough, it is not a natural body of water but was instead created around 1980 by the Sabine River Authority. A reservoir, it has three types of cover on the lake that include hydrilla, creek channels, and timber. This is why it is so abundant and has such immense bass produced in its waters.

Of course, the fact that it obtains priority stockings from Florida’s largemouth strains is also a reason for its success. It is home to immense populations of catfish and crappie, too, though most head here to enjoy the bass action.

Tips for Success

While it is great that the waters are abundant and the bass biting, it can be helpful to know some of the top tips and secrets for success used by others in these waters. They include:

Think Warming Waters

In late February and through to the middle of April, fishing experts say that it is time for anglers to use their red spinnerbaits if they hope to grab some of the largemouth bass around. The red skirt and red blades work well, as do twitch-style jerkbaits that seem to be a favorite among the fish in the early part of the year.

Think Topwater

Once April and May are underway, it is time to think about topwater baits and lures if the largemouth bass are your intended targets. Most fishing enthusiasts agree that it is best to get out in the early morning or late in the day, or stick with overcast days to enjoy the best outcomes with these lures during the early spring.

Summertime and the Bass Ain’t Catchin Easy

As one expert said, there are many offshore ridges, underwater humps, flooded timber areas, and old creek beds where the bass like to hangout during the heat of the summer. This is when lizard or centipede baits work best or when spinnerbaits with willowleaf or blades work well in the deeper waters. The key is to work the bait just above the bottom of the lake.

Lest We Forget Crappie

Naturally, time on Lake Fork is not all about the largemouth bass. There is also crappie, and spring is your best bet. They can be found around brush piles and grassy areas as well as along the wind-protected shores. They seem to like jigs fitted with nibbles and ribbon baits. Crappie is also fond of minnows tipped to the hook.

Think of Channel Banks

Lastly, the channel banks (where creeks or rivers get close to shore in a cove) are an ideal spot to position yourself for some premier fishing. Offering easy access to deep or shallow waters, they are a favorite hangout of largemouth bass during the coldest months of the year.

Many of these bluffs are extensive and broken up into sections where a channel approaches the bank. Think of these areas as the proverbial hot spots that can pair well with almost any bait and get the nibbles desired.

Finally, don’t forget that Lake Fork has a lot of dock areas where bass actually hang out frequently. A good and patient angler can often manage to capture them right from the dock by making repeated casts in the most likely areas.

When you want excellent fishing, don’t forget Lake Fork. At Stable View Cottages, fishing enthusiasts are less than three minutes from a launch and enjoy a premier accommodation that lets them savor the scenery and remain close to all the fishing action.