Lake Fork Monthly Fishing Report, November 2018

Fall is in full swing during the month of November here at Lake Fork. The lake traffic is minimal with lots of hunters in the woods and the fishing is picking up. As the leaves continue to fall from the trees and the temperatures continue to grow colder, you can expect the fishing to get even better. This time of year really gives any angler the opportunity to catch fish on any given day and Lake Fork always provides the opportunity for you to catch a trophy bass of a lifetime on any given cast. Now through the end of the year is one of my favorite times to catch a giant bass!

The lake is currently only a few inches low as we have had a lot of fall rain so far and that’s great news for the lake water levels going into next spring. The water temperatures are ranging from 65-71 degrees. Water clarity is fair on the main lake to stained in some of the creeks from all the recent rains.

I have been starting most days fishing shallow water patterns. The top water bite is always fun and you can find a lot of fish schooling around main lake points as well as the backs of some of the creeks and coves. These fish have been targeting schools of shad so any popping or walking bait like the new Berkley Bullet Pop or J-Walker in any shad pattern have been good. White or black Santone Braid Buzz buzz baits have also been great in these same areas on windy days. I am also using some of the other new Berkley hard bait series for cranking. These things are fine-tuned, run true, and have extremely sharp Berkley Fusion treble hooks on them. The square billed “Square Bull” crank bait or “War Pig” lipless have been my go to baits lately for bass that are up shallow chasing shad. Best colors have been sexier shad, gilly, and chrome blue back.

White chatter baits and Santone 1/4- 3/8 oz spinner baits on windy banks in 2-6 feet depths for these same shad eating bass. These patterns can be awesome when you get a very cloudy day. You can catch very large numbers of bass by rigging a Berkley Bottom Hopper or General wacky style and fishing it weightless in these same areas. Best colors have been watermelon candy, plum, and red bug.

The deep bite is still a blast this time of year also. I am using my new Garmin electronics right now to find schools of bass offshore. And with my ClearVu down imaging I am finding brush piles is an added bonus. I can find these deep-water bass havens relatively easy and the fish love them. Most off the bass are located in 18-25 ft of water but you can find some in mid depths also in 12-18 ft. Humps, points, road beds, pond dams, and ridges are great places to focus your efforts on. These big fish will be schooling up in these areas following shad, yellow bass, white bass, and crappie around looking for an easy meal. The Carolina rig is deadly on these deep bass. I like to rig my new Abu Garcia Villain rods and Revo reels spooled up with 20 lb Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon line and a 1oz weight, 4-5 foot leader, and a 3/0 wide gap hook. The Berkley Havoc Bottom Hopper, Lug Worm, or a 7” Power Worm on this rig. Best colors are green pumpkin, watermelon candy, blue fleck, or chartreuse pepper. The jig bite out deep is very good for the big ones too. A 5/8- 3/4 oz Santone football jig with a Berkley Havoc Pit Boss or Powerbait Chigger Craw trailer on the back will catch some of the biggest bass out of the school. Best colors on the jig are Black & blue, Bass Candy, and of course my favorite custom color “JC’s Spicy Craw”. The jigging spoon and tail kicker are also very good right now. A big Lake Fork flutter spoon or KT spoon in ½ oz size has been best. Getting over the top of these big schools of fish with one of these or even a Little George can yield some real trophies and are something even the kids or wife can enjoy.

I hope this information helps you in pursuit of a trophy bass this year on Lake Fork. If you are thinking of coming out this fall and would like to book a fishing trip with me this year, feel free to contact me anytime. I still have a few dates available, but you’ll need to contact me soon to ensure the best available dates. I am also taking a lot of early bookings for 2019 so get your date reserved now. I would enjoy the opportunity to take you or your group fishing and help you catch the fish of your dreams! You can contact me by email at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com or you can call or text message me at 903-736-9888 Also, please visit my website to find out more information about Lake Fork bass fishing and my guide service at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com If you are in the market for a new boat this year, it’s a great time to look into the new 2019 Ranger 520L and 521L as its Ranger’s flagship model and is very impressively laid out with features. If you haven’t seen it yet you can stop by Diamond Sports Marine and Fred will be glad to show you around. He even has a few rigged out with the all new Mercury Pro XS four stroke. This motor is a bad dude! Test rides are also available so feel free to contact me or call the dealership at 903-383-7829 and we will get you out on the water for a ride in one. I would like to thank all my sponsors that support me fishing the FLW Series and guide service on Lake Fork: Toyota, Carhartt, Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, I Am Second, Leer, Berkey, Abu Garcia, Garmin, Santone Lures, Costa, Power Pole, 3:16 Lure Company, Rigid Industries, Bass Forecast, Elite Tungsten, Bass Boat Technologies, and Fabtech Motorsports. I look forward to the 2018 season and the blessings in store for the year. I pray that each of you are blessed as well!

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer

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