Lake Fork has world-renowned bass fishing and is home to the Texas large mouth bass state record. Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, white and black crappie, channel catfish and sunfish.
FISHING REGULATIONS
Special regulations govern the harvest of large mouth bass at Lake Fork. Currently, bass 16 inches and shorter and 24 inches and longer (16 to 24 inch slot length limit) can be harvested with a daily bag limit of 5 fish, of which only 1 fish can be 24 inches or greater. Crappie harvest is also restricted by a special regulation. During the months of December, January and February, the minimum length limit is waived but harvest is regulated by a 25-fish daily bag limit. The first 25 crappie caught, regardless of size, must be retained; culling is not permitted. From March through November, harvest is controlled by a 10-inch minimum length, 25-fish daily bag limit. The harvest of all other sport fishes is controlled by statewide regulations.
FISHING TIPS AND TACTICS
Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards, jigs and jerk baits are all popular baits during peak fishing in the spring (mid-February to April) when fishing is concentrated along the shoreline for spawning fish. Night time fishing during the hot summer months can be very productive and a good way to beat the Texas heat. At this time, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters are often used. During late summer and early fall, when fish are schooling, crankbaits and topwater lures can be very effective. In winter jigging spoons, jigs and crankbaits are most productive.
Crappie anglers concentrate their efforts in deep water near the dam during the winter months. In late spring and early fall, most angler fish for crappie under the bridges (Highway 154, Highway 515, CR 2946 and CR 514). Live minnows and crappie jigs are among the most popular baits used. The catfish population is dominated by channel catfish, but also includes flathead catfish. Stinkbait and cutbait work well for channel cats, while live bait is preferred for flatheads. Anglers occasionally catch large blue catfish.
Sunfish such as bluegill and redear can be caught in early summer, in shallow water, using crickets, earthworms and small spinners. During the remainder of the year they can be caught using the same baits around piers, boathouses and submerged humps.
Lake Fork Texas is the premier trophy bass lake in the state. Throughout the 90's Lake Fork has produced an unchallenged numbers of 13+ pound bass, leaving no doubt that Lake Fork is still the #1 trophy bass lake in the state of Texas. Prior to impoundment, the ponds that would eventually be inundated were stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass up to 8.5 pounds. The fish grew in these ponds until the ponds were inundated and became part of Fork. The Lake achieved national recognition in 1986 when a 17 pound 10 ounce bass was boated. In the following five years, more 13+ pound bass were caught out of Fork than any other lake in the southeast U.S. bringing national and world recognition to the lake.
J&H Lodge
310 County Road 1973, Yantis, TX, - 903 383-2631
Helen Johnson
Fisherman's One Stop
903-383-7121, Highway 515 & FM 1970, Yantis, TX 75497
Lockhart Lures
903-383-7663, 9 Taylor Dr, Yantis, TX 75497-9413
Bassin' With Bennett
903-383-7550, 1950 Highway 154, Yantis, TX 75497
Lake Fork Pro Shop
903-473-8072, Highway 515 W, Alba, TX 75410
Anglers Anchor - 903 878-7171
C Cs Fishing Guide Service - 903 878-2799
Charlie Foreman's Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-2198
J & J Lake Fork Guide Service - 903 383-7989
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