As of today, January 26, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake Fork, Texas, is quite interesting despite the winter conditions.
First off, the water level is currently 1.68 feet below pool, and the water temperature is around 43 degrees, which is typical for this time of year. The water clarity is stained, but this hasn't deterred the fish from being active.
For bass fishing, the bite is slow but fair. Anglers have been having success using Alabama rigs over deeper water, around 20-25 feet, where baitfish are present. Suspending jerkbaits are also working well in the 7-12 feet range around channels and big wood structures[1][5].
Crappie fishing has been up and down, but they can be found in various depths, from 18 feet to as deep as 45-50 feet on timber. Smaller baits such as 1/16 ounce hand ties on 6-12 pounds fluorocarbon in neutral colors are performing well. It's crucial to keep these baits very still, as any movement can spook the fish. Minnows and soft plastics are also effective[1].
Given the cold and potentially windy conditions, it's important to find fish in protected areas. There are no tidal changes to worry about at Lake Fork since it is a freshwater lake.
As for the weather, today's sunrise is at 7:06 AM, and sunset is at 5:59 PM. The cold weather means dressing warmly is a must.
For hot spots, consider areas like the main lake points and the rounded clay type points, especially those with standing timber. These areas can be particularly good during the shad spawn and when shad are pushed up by the fish[4].
Overall, while the fishing might be a bit challenging due to the winter conditions, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some good-sized bass and crappie at Lake Fork. Just be patient, and make sure to follow the local regulations regarding size and bag limits.