As of October 13, 2024, Lake Fork in Texas is gearing up for some exceptional fall fishing. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is transitioning into cooler temperatures, which is perfect for fall fishing. Expect partly sunny skies with highs in the mid-80s to low 90s and lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. The water temperature is currently around 81 degrees, and the lake level is about 1.74 feet below pool.

### Fish Activity
The fishing on Lake Fork is picking up significantly as the water cools down. Bass are becoming more active, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. You can find them in shallow waters, typically 2-4 feet deep, around pond weeds and grass using lures like chatterbaits, frogs, and flukes. For deeper waters, Carolina rigs and Texas rigs with soft plastics like yum dingers and flukes are effective on points and humps in 7-12 feet.

Crappie fishing remains excellent, with white crappie found in timber and brush piles in depths ranging from 12-40 feet. Black crappie are starting to show up on underwater road beds and bridges. Minnows are still the dominant bait, but small hand-tied jigs and soft plastics are also producing good results.

Catfish are abundant around timber along creek channels in 18-28 feet, following the bait fish migrations. Using smelly prepared catfish bait, cattle cubes, or sour grain can attract and hold more fish.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater lures, oversized swimbaits, and big spinner baits are great choices as the fish are feeding aggressively in shallow waters. In deeper areas, Carolina rigs and Texas rigs with flukes and big worms are effective.

For crappie, minnows and small hand-tied jigs are the way to go. Soft plastics will also work well as the water cools down.

For catfish, any prepared bait such as cut shad, cattle cubes, or sour grain will be highly effective.

### Hot Spots
- **Shallow Waters Around Pond Weeds and Grass**: Early morning bites are good here with topwaters, frogs, and flukes.
- **Points and Humps**: Use Carolina rigs and Texas rigs in 7-12 feet for bass.
- **Timber and Brush Piles**: Excellent spots for crappie, especially in depths of 12-40 feet.
- **Creek Channels**: Catfish are plentiful around timber in these areas, particularly in 18-28 feet.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at approximately 7:30 AM, and sunset is around 6:45 PM, giving you ample time to take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon bites.

With the cooler weather setting in, Lake Fork is primed for some fantastic fall fishing. Make sure to check the local regulations and practice catch-and-release to help maintain the health of the fish population. Happy fishing