Lake Fork Texas

[prov1900]

Anyone ever fish Lake Fork? Just flew in and out of Dallas and it looks pretty impressive from the air. Would like to try it out. What are the accomodations like in the area? What is the learning curve on the lake. Would like to go in the late winter. How is the drive? Would they laugh at me with a Lund?

[Macsimus]

I've been making the annual spring trip down there since 1999. First time we went down there, we caught 'em silly but that was before the LMBV kill. The lake has certainly recovered from that but I don't know whether it's the lingering effects of the kill or just the constant heavy fishing pressure, but it seems a bit over-rated to me. That said, when it's early spring and you've got the itch really bad, NE TX is a great place to go. And, you've always got that shot at a big fish. Mid-March to mid-April is spawn time which is fun if you've never had a chance to do much bed fishing before. It's approx 975 miles from Savage to Fork and we've done it straight thru in 16-17 hrs. Of course, with todays gas costs, it get's a little spendy towing a boat. First trip I had a Warrior, so don't worry about the Lund. I told a local there that the high sides on the boat were for keeping the snakes out. He laughed and asked me what happens if one gets inside? Huh? All their lakes are reservoirs with the the exception of Caddo so that means lots of standing trees in the water. Occaisionally, if you go under one or bump one, a slithery critter can drop into your boat. It's never happened to me but I still get a little nervous on some of the newer lakes that have a lot of standing timber. Luckily, there aren't too many out during the Spring. There's a lot of good places to stay around Fork - just do an internet search. If you get the chance, it's definitely worth the time and effort. The people are great and it's a real treat to see green grass and leaves while everything is still brown and dead up here. If you'd like more info, just let me know.

[HellaBass]

Mac is pretty much right on, been down there several times, fishing is on the rise again from what I hear. I would check out Barcroft RV park for affordable accomidations, they have trailers and cabins for rent as well. Otherwise there are a ton of fancier places to stay, there is a lot of info on the web for most places.

[Macsimus]

I was re-reading my first response and I guess I didn't really tell you too much about the lake itself. It's pretty good size at 27,000 acres. It has many, many creek arms and tons of stumps and wood. The lake was built in 1980 so a lot of the trees have broken off at the water and are more or less hidden depending on the water level. There are marked boat channels out in the main parts of the lake for hi-speed running but once you get outside of these, you better slow down to a crawl. A SS prop is a good idea if you've got one. There is some grass in the lake but nothing like what we have in our natural lakes up here. During the spring season you would naturally be fishing shallow spawning areas or nearby staging areas for pre or post-spawn fish. For spawning areas you're primarily looking at small coves and flats in the back ends of the major creek arms. Take heavy tackle! Lastly, you'll be fishing for Florida strain bass. They grow big but they can be downright uncooperative during and after cold fronts. For me, this is the toughest part of spring fishing down there - the weather. It is very unstable during the spring. A pro that used to guide on the lake once told me that his favorite time for Fork was late April and into May because the weather stabilizes and the fish are recovered from the spawn and into their early summer peak. However, that's when our season finally gets started up here, so I've never made it down at that time.

[Fluker]

We don't know how lucky we are up here when it comes to fishing pressure. Fork gets as much pressure as any lake in the states. And you can tell it. On top of that, the FL strains are more "sensitive". Things such as cold fronts, water changes (gates on dam open), etc affect these fish greater than the chunky football's we have up here.

It's a great place to visit at least once. You've got to say you went. You're tin boat will be just fine, just don't get to close to the Gator in gator cove. By the way, on Fork, the buoy's mark where you SHOULD go, unlike on our lakes where they mark where you should not.

Lastly, Rick Loomis is a guide on the lake and has built a little lodge by his house. Absolutely great guys. I was still in college when I went down, so didn't have the $ to afford a guide, but we did stay at his lodge. BEST shower you'll ever take. Like a fire hydrant. High ceiling so you don't break rods, close to the lake, and Rick usually comes out to visit. Would highly recommend. Tell him Fluker says hi!

Fluker

[Jig Master]

It's a great trip. We took it 2 years ago in march. Along with your bed baits bring plenty of rattle traps and manns one minuses!

[prov1900]

Cool!!! I am talking the boys into the long drive for the spring. Thanks for the info.

[Prairiefire]

We go down there every year and always have a great time. Funny thing is we hardly ever fish Lake Fork. There are 4 or 5 lakes within a close distance that have produced much better for our group. They are smaller and easier to learn and they make it easier to get out of the wind. Our best luck for big fish has been the beginning of March; there are more prespawn females that will crush a spinnerbait at that time. There is nothing like the feeling of winding your spinnerbait and then having a huge fish hit so hard it puts full slack in your line just before it heads full tilt for the deep water.

Once you go down there you'll be back every year.

[cjac]

My nephew called with a report from Fork last night.

Boated 20+ fish yesterday, 5 of them over 6 lbs, with the biggest being a 23 inch fish with a 17 inch girth, a football with fins.

I wish I could have said thanks for calling, but I was so jealous! Boy, did that get my mind thinking about open water!

Chris