As of October 11, 2024, Lake Fork in Texas is offering some exceptional fishing opportunities, especially with the fall season in full swing.
### Weather and Water Conditions
The water level at Lake Fork is currently at 401.10, which is almost 2 feet below the full pool elevation of 403. The water clarity is good in the mid to southern parts of the lake, although it's stained in many of the creeks. The water temperature is around 81 degrees, and the lake is experiencing a turnover, particularly in the upper east and west arms.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, providing a good window for both morning and evening fishing.
### Fish Activity
The fish activity on Lake Fork is quite vibrant. Bass fishing is excellent, with early morning bites being particularly good on topwaters and flukes around grass and smaller points in 2-4 feet of water. Carolina rigs and Texas rigs are effective on points and humps in 7-12 feet. For deeper fishing, deep crankbaits over brush piles and roadbeds are fair.
Crappie fishing is also hot, with fish found in a wide range of depths from 12-40 feet. Focus on timber, brush piles, and underwater road beds and bridges. Minnows are a great bait, but small hand-tied jigs and soft plastics are also producing well.
Catfish are incredibly active, especially around timber in depths from 18-58 feet. They are following bait fish migrations and can be caught using smelly prepared catfish bait, cattle cubes, or sour grains.
Bream are excellent in the shallows, responding well to wooly buggers and small poppers.
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwaters, flukes, and yum dingers are good choices for shallow waters. Carolina rigs and Texas rigs with soft plastics work well on points and humps. Deep crankbaits are effective over brush piles and roadbeds.
For crappie, minnows, small hand-tied jigs, and soft plastics are recommended.
For catfish, use smelly prepared catfish bait, cattle cubes, or sour grains to attract and hold fish.
### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots is around the timber areas, especially where creek channels intersect. These areas are holding a lot of catfish and crappie. Another good spot is the shallow grass and smaller points, particularly in the early morning for bass.
Windy banks are also worth checking, as they can provide schooling action for bass. Brush piles and underwater road beds are excellent for crappie.
Overall, Lake Fork is in great shape for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Enjoy your time on the water