I am currently feeling “relieved” to finally be sitting down to write this report. After a wonderful trip to Lake Comedero(where we caught a ton of fish) and the past couple weeks of getting a new boat ready, equipment/tackle sorted out, and cold windy weather, I was finally able to get out on the lake the past couple days.
This week has been a nice weather week for fishing Lake Fork or Lake Monticello. While today has been nice, we have been getting some cold days and nights the past week or so. It is this time of year, through February, that I like to be on the water. Although weather conditions are not always favorable, it is this season that you will find some of the biggest fish in the lake being caught!
My winter trips are split between Lake Fork and Monticello right now. The fishing on both lakes has been good. Large numbers of smaller fish with a few nice ones mixed in have been consistent at Monticello.
The fish have started there pre-spawn activity. I have not spotted any fish on beds as of yet but those days are soon ahead. I have been targeting the creek channel edges adjacent to the spawning flats with good results. Red lipless crank baits or shallow running crank baits are good locator baits to cover water with and find key areas that the fish are staging in.
Flipping timber with a Texas rig or jig in black neon, watermelon red or black/blue is productive. Grande Bass Rattlesnakes and Sticks in watermelon red rigged weightless fished in the reeds and over flats are always great at Monticello. Dead sticking it or moving it with long pause in between has been most effective.
You can also catch a lot of deep fish right now on a drop shot. I am using a 4” finesse worm in watermelon red or pumpkin seed for best results. Expect these fish to really move up into the shallows during the full moon. For all you sight fisherman, get ready!
As for Lake Fork, the lake is in great shape going into the New Year with level near full pool. Water temps have been 52-56 degrees. This is the time of year to be throwing your lipless crank baits and jerk baits fished over the grass. Best colors on the trap are reds and orange crawfish patterns. For the jerk bait, I like to use a rogue in gold/orange/black or clown colors. Main lake points and secondary points at the mouths of the creeks are good areas to start. I also like to flip a jig, which is what also makes this time of year great. A 3/8 to 1/2 oz black and blue jig with a matching trailer fished slowly along the creek channel edges will produce some whales. For the deep bite, you can find them on humps, ridges, and pond dams with your electronics and do well working a spoon in a 3/8 or 1/2 oz size. On some days, the fish want it hopped of the bottom and on others, gently crawling it across the bottom with slow turns of the reel work best.
If you are interested in booking a trip this winter to Lake Fork or Monticello, you can reach me at (903)736-9888, or email me at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com . My springtime dates are filling up fast for next year. There are many people that wait until the last minute to hire a guide for the spring and are not able to get the date or the guide that they want, so do not wait. I also have gift certificates available.
May God bless all of you this holiday season! Please remember the reason for the season…JESUS!! I thank the Lord for the opportunity to share the sport of fishing with all of you. I would also like to thank my sponsors for their generous support.
Read Philipians 4:6,7
Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer
