The last month of 2012 is here and another year gone. It’s hard to believe sometimes how fast the years go by. December is an exciting month on Lake Fork as the fish continue to feed up for winter. This year that bite has been extended due to the somewhat mild temperatures that we have had so far this fall. So expect plenty of opportunities to catch big bass this month while you are at Lake Fork as the big bass continue their feeding habits into early winter. I know I am you looking forward to it!
The lake is still in great shape despite low water conditions. Water levels are currently 398.60 which is nearing 4 ½ feet low. The water is beautiful with clarity to 3 feet in a lot of areas. Water temperatures have been hanging in the low 60’s. Our grass on the lake is still trying to make a comeback in certain areas. I think a mild wet winter would really help it take off and get thick again. The lake is plentiful with shad and little yellow bass that the big bass have been foraging on. It is encouraging to see the lake so full of bait. You know they have plenty to eat and can tell by the big ole fat bellies on the fish that we have been catching recently.
I am catching fish both shallow and out in deep water right now. It has kind of been a mixed bite for the most as fish in all ranges of the water column have been active. The shallow bite has been good from main lake points to the backs of the major creeks. I am finding most of the fish in 2-8 feet of water. Lipless crank baits and square bill crank baits have been good in any shad pattern. I like red or chrome and sexy shad colors respectively. A white chatter bait or a Berkley Hollow Belly swim bait has also been a great producer especially on windy days. Frontal cloud cover days are usually better for the shallow fishing but I often times find a lot of bass up shallow in the coldest part of the year on a sunny day. They like to sit up there in the sun as it warms the shallow water. As the water cools and winter sets in don’t forget to break out the jerk baits also. On days that the bite gets tougher you can break out one of these and save the day. I like a traditional suspending rogue in gold/black/orange or clown colors. Jerking this bait around stumps and grass with slow twitches will draw some big fish out to get it!
The deep bite has really turned on over the past couple of weeks. I am catching a lot of fish out deep using a multitude of different techniques. Locating big schools of fish can be challenging out in the depths. That is why I really on my Lowrance HDS Gen2 unit to show me where they are at. The bass have been holding close to the schools of bait in 20-30 feet of water. Once I locate a school of bass around the bait with my sonar, I am positioning my boat to take aim and start firing at them with several different baits. The best and most reliable lure has been a jigging spoon. I use a Talon Big Dandy flutter spoon in the “Lake Fork Maniac” color the most. This spoon mimics dying shad from the cold setting in and big bass cannot resist it as an easy meal. It takes some practice to get used to it if you have never thrown one but once you get into the rhythm of it you will have a blast catching fish on it! I have also been targeting the feeding schools of bass with a Carolina rig. I like the new 6” Berkley Havoc Juice worm on my rig right now. It is just the right size and has lots of action in the tail as you pull it along. Best colors for me have been plum and perfection. I have also started to catch a few bass on a ¾ oz Talon football head jig. Green pumpkin or watermelon candy colors are good choices trailed by a Berkley Havoc Pit Chunk. For the suspended bass out deep I have been throwing the Berkley Powerbait Swim Shads in the 4” and 5” sizes. Bunker or Pearl white are best. These baits will catch some giants reeled along slowly in the depths!
I hope this report helps you catch the fish of your dreams if you are headed out to Lake Fork for some fishing this month. If you are headed to Lake Fork this month in pursuit of a trophy bass and are considering a guide, I would enjoy the opportunity to take you or your group fishing and show you a great time on Lake Fork. I still have some dates still available and am already taking bookings for spring 2013. I am filling up fast so don’t wait until it’s too late to make your spring reservations. I will also be running some winter trips to Monticello for those that are interested. If you have never been to this great power plant fishery in December or January you are missing out. It can be amazing when the rest of the lakes are fishing slow due to winter temperatures. You can contact me to book your trip at 903-736-9888 or send me an email at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com You can also visit my website for more information about Lake Fork and my guide service at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com You can also join me on Facebook to follow my fishing on Lake Fork at https://www.facebook.com/james.caldemeyer
Remember to stop by and see Fred or Ben at Diamond Sports Marine on Hwy 154 to see the new 2013 Ranger Boats. The all new 520c’s are amazing! I will have mine any day so feel free to contact me or the dealership if you would like a test ride in this new bass fishing animal. I would like to thank all of my 2012 sponsors for their support in my guiding and professional tournament fishing as well: Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, I Am Second, Lowrance, Power Pole, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Interstate Batteries, Talon Lures, Navionics, Simms, and Elite Tungsten. I am looking forward to 2013! Have a very Merry Christmas everyone and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!!
Psalms 100: 4-5 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer
