Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Fork fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 4th, 2025.

Let me tell ya, Lake Fork is firing on all cylinders right now! The water's running about 73 degrees with a slight stain to it, sitting just a hair below pool level at 0.21 feet down. Perfect conditions for what we're seeing out there!

The bass are fully into their post-spawn pattern now, and that topwater bite we've all been waiting for is ON! If you've got frog patterns, now's the time to throw 'em in that shallow vegetation. Early mornings have been productive with diesel chatterbaits and small spinnerbaits working points where you see birds. When the sun gets up a bit, switch to flukes and wacky rigs around grass edges in 1-3 foot depths.

Crappie fishing has settled into that post-spawn summer pattern we'll see for the next few months. There's countless small black crappie stacked up on brush piles, laydowns, bridges, and docks. The bigger whites are starting to load up on those summer pattern trees, though there's a ton of fry covering many trees making it tougher for the fish to spot your bait. Look for crappie anywhere from 10-30 feet deep, with some suspended just 2 feet under the surface. Both minnows and jigs (any color) are producing well right now.

The bream have moved shallow too, and they're big ones! Wooly buggers are your ticket there. Channel cats are cruising the shallows in 2-4 feet and hitting clousers like nobody's business.

For hot spots, I'd recommend hitting the windy banks early with topwaters, then move to those bridge pilings as the day warms up. The north end has been particularly productive this week, and McFarland's report shows the fish are holding true to seasonal patterns.

Remember, with all these fry in the water, the predator fish are on high alert, so make your presentations count. Work those weed edges deliberately and you'll be rewarded.

That's the word from Lake Fork today, folks. Get out there while the getting's good! This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and full livewells to ya!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Fork fishing report for this beautiful Saturday morning, May 3, 2025.

The water at Lake Fork is currently stained with temperatures around 73-74 degrees, sitting about 0.21 feet below pool level. We're in that sweet post-spawn period where the action is heating up nicely!

Bass fishing has been good lately, with topwater action really firing up in the mornings. Those bass guarding fry in the pockets are hitting topwaters consistently. If you're looking for the best approach, try working frog patterns in shallow vegetation. For those early morning shad spawns, diesel chatterbaits and small spinnerbaits are producing well on points where you see birds. Flukes and wacky rigs are doing the trick around grass edges in 1-3 feet of water.

Crappie fishing has settled into its post-spawn and summer patterns. We're seeing tons of small black crappie on brush piles, laydowns, bridges, and docks. The bigger black crappie are a bit harder to find, but worth the effort. Those bigger white crappie are beginning to load up on the summer pattern trees. You'll find fish in 10-30 feet of water, with some just 2 feet under the surface. Both minnows and jigs of any color are producing extremely well.

Bream fishing is excellent right now with large bream moving into the shallows. If you're into fly fishing, wooly buggers are your ticket to success here.

Catfish action is solid too, with channel cats cruising in 2-4 feet of water. Clousers are working great if you're fly fishing for them.

For hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the bridge structures on the main lake for those post-spawn crappie. For bass, focus on those wind-blown points with bird activity in the early morning, then move to the shallow grass pockets as the day progresses.

Weather-wise, we're experiencing typical May conditions, so get out early before the heat builds up. The fish are active and the bite has been consistent across species.

Local tip: With all the fry in the water right now, those bigger fish can sometimes have trouble seeing your bait. If you're not getting bites, try changing up your presentation or moving to clearer areas.

That's the word from Lake Fork today, folks. Remember, the best time to go fishing is whenever you can! This is Artificial Lure signing off – tight lines, y'all!

Good morning from Lake Fork, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for Friday, May 2, 2025. We’ve got some dynamite conditions out here. Water is stained and the temperature is holding around 73 degrees, just a hair below pool level. The shad spawn is going strong early in the morning, so if you’re hitting the water at sunrise, which is about 6:33 am today, you’re in prime time. Sunset will be just after 8:04 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to chase those bites.

Weather’s mild, a perfect late spring setup with little wind to stir up the water. That’s got fish active all across the board. Bass are in all stages of spawn, but the post-spawn topwater bite is really popping right now. Hit shallow grass and pocket edges at daybreak with frog patterns or walk a popper along weed lines. Diesel chatterbaits and small spinnerbaits are working great on early morning points, especially if you see birds working the shad. Once the sun gets up, switch to flukes and wacky rigs around grass in 1 to 3 feet of water for those bass guarding fry.

Crappie are moving shallow and also stacking up on the usual suspects—brush piles, bridges, docks, and laydowns. There’s a ton of smaller black crappie right up on the brush, but bigger white crappie are starting to show on summer pattern trees in 10 to 30 feet, sometimes just a couple feet off the surface. Both minnows and small colored jigs are doing the trick. If the bite gets slow, try a tiny soft plastic or hand-tied jig, especially if you’re chasing those finicky post-spawners.

Large bream are shallow too, especially on warm gravel banks. Wooly buggers have been landing some nice ones if you’re itching for a fly rod tug. Catfish are cruising 2 to 4 feet and whacking clouser minnows, which also means cut bait and punch bait will get a tug if you anchor up on windblown banks.

Recent catches have been solid on numbers. Bass up to 6 and 7 pounds are coming in, with plenty of 2 to 4 pounders for action. Crappie numbers are up, but size is still mixed post-spawn. Big bluegills are showing up in the shallows, perfect for taking the kids.

Best bait today: Early morning, go with chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater frogs. As it warms up, flukes, wacky rigs, and soft plastics are your best friends. For crappie, stick with live minnows or your hottest color jig. Catfish are grabbing punch bait or small flies in shallow water.

Hot spots this week: Try the points and grasslines around Little Caney and the pockets near Wolf Creek for bass. For crappie, check under the 515 bridge and your favorite mid-lake timber and brush piles.

That’s your bite for today. Tight lines and good luck out there on Lake Fork!

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Fork fishing report for Wednesday, April 30, 2025. We got a classic East Texas spring morning, starting out in the mid-50s with temps climbing into the low 70s by this afternoon. Skies are partly cloudy and there’s a southeast breeze rolling across the lake about 5 to 10 miles per hour. Sunrise hit at 7:12 a.m. and you’ve got light to fish until sunset at 7:47 p.m.

Water temps are steady between 60 and 66 degrees, and the lake’s sitting just a hair below full pool. The water’s got some stain—especially up in the creeks and around the grass beds—which is making those reaction baits pop.

Bass fishing is about as good as it gets right now. The spawn is in full swing and fish are stacked up shallow. Best bet is working the warm, windy banks and grass lines in 1 to 4 feet of water. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are putting up big numbers if you run them slow, especially in stained water. Don’t shy away from Texas-rigged soft plastics—flukes, creature baits, and beaver-style lures are all catching solid fish, both males and some good females staging around the flats. Early mornings bring a hot topwater bite; throw frogs over matted grass and walking baits along weed edges, and you just might find some feeding hard with the shad spawn getting underway. For a true Fork giant, slow down with a wacky-rigged Senko or pitch a frog into the thickest cover you can find[2][4][5].

Crappie fishing has picked up, too, but it’s a moving target. Some days you’ll find them up shallow in less than 5 feet, the next day they’re back out in the timber or brush. They’re scattered from 2 all the way out to 40 feet, hitting swimbaits, hand-tied jigs, minnows, and soft plastics. If you dial them in, you can load the boat quick. Large bream and channel cats are up shallow as well, taking clouser minnows and wooly buggers for those looking to fly fish[4].

For hot spots, check out the grass flats around Little Caney and the edges of Mustang Creek—both are holding solid numbers of bass and panfish right now. The bridges and deeper brush piles are still producing crappie if you put in the time to find them.

Bait of choice: for bass, reach for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, or Texas-rigged plastics in watermelon, green pumpkin, or black and blue. For crappie, jigs in chartreuse and white or plain old minnows are working well.

That’s the bite for today on Fork—good luck and set the hook hard!

Artificial Lure here with your Lake Fork fishing report for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

We kicked the day off with a cool morning in the mid-50s, but temps are warming into the low 70s by the afternoon. Skies are partly cloudy and we’ve got a light southeast breeze running about 5 to 10 miles per hour, perfect weather for a spring day on Fork. Sunrise was at 7:12 a.m. and you can fish until sunset at 7:47 p.m. Water temps are holding steady between 60 and 66 degrees, and the lake is nearly full pool. Water’s got some stain to it, especially around the creeks and grass beds, which helps those reaction baits stand out.

Bass fishing is hot right now with fish moving shallow all around the lake and the spawn in full swing. Look to hit the warm, windy banks and grass edges in 1 to 4 feet of water. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits have been the top producers for numbers, especially if you work them slow. Texas-rigged soft plastics like flukes, creature baits, and beaver-style lures are catching both males and some big females staging near spawning flats. Don’t overlook topwaters in the early morning—frogs over matted grass and walking baits along weed edges are ready to put on a show, especially with the shad spawn starting to fire off in spots. If you’re after those giants, slow down and try a wacky-rigged Senko or a frog in thick cover.

Crappie fishing’s been up and down. Some days they’re loaded up shallow in less than five feet, then they’ll pull out to timber, bridges, or brush piles the next. When you find them, it’s a good bite. Small jigs, particularly in darker colors, are the ticket. Fly anglers are catching both crappie and channel catfish up shallow on clouser minnows, and big bream have pushed up, taking wooly buggers and worms.

For bait, focus on reaction lures with flash and vibration like chatterbaits or spinnerbaits in stained water, and topwaters or weedless frogs early. For plastics, black and blue or green pumpkin are the go-to colors. If you’re targeting crappie or bream, small natural jigs or live minnows get the job done.

Hot spots today include the grass beds in Little Caney and the back of Dale Creek for bass, as well as the timber and bridges near the 515 West bridge for crappie.

That’s your Lake Fork update from Artificial Lure. Bite’s good, weather’s right, and it’s prime time to tangle with a trophy or fill a limit. Keep your line tight and good luck out there.

Artificial Lure here, fresh off the water with your Lake Fork fishing report for Monday, April 21, 2025.

Day kicked off with a cool morning around 55 degrees, and we warmed up fast into the low 70s by the afternoon. Expect partly cloudy skies, a light southeast breeze about 5 to 10 miles per hour, and a stained lake holding near full pool. Water temps are running in the low to mid-60s in most areas, ticking up close to 66 degrees in pockets getting the most sun. Sunrise was at 7:12 a.m., and sunset’s set for about 7:47 p.m.

Bass fishing is good and Lake Fork is right in the thick of the spring spawn. Largemouth are shallow—most fish showing up in 1 to 4 feet, especially on the warmer, windblown banks with some grass or vegetation nearby. Look for them staging and bedding around flooded weeds, submerged wood, and on the edges of grass flats. If you’re after numbers, cast chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, or Texas-rigged soft plastics like flukes and creature baits. The hot color’s been watermelon red and green pumpkin in that stained water. Don’t overlook the topwater bite in the early morning—walking baits and frogs over the matted vegetation have been getting some explosive strikes. If you want a big female, flip a wacky-rigged Senko or a bulky beaver-style bait around the outside edges where those bigger fish hang back.

Crappie fishing has been hit or miss with the weather swings, but when you find them, you can load the boat. Some days they’re tight shallow in less than 5 feet, other days they’ve backed off to timber or brush in deeper water. Best bets have been jigs or small minnows. Fly anglers are getting some on small Clouser minnows around the shallows too.

Bream have moved up shallow as well—wooly buggers and small live worms are catching some big ones. Channel cats are cruising in 2 to 4 feet and biting small jigs or cut bait.

Best lures right now: chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, Texas rigged plastics, topwater frogs, and soft jerkbaits. For crappie, go with small jigs or minnows.

A couple of hot spots to check:
– The grass flats and flooded timber east of Little Caney Creek, especially around the edges where the sun warms up the water
– The main lake points and secondary points off the birch and mustang arms, where bass are moving in and out to spawn
– Don’t overlook the shallow brush around the 515 bridge for a mixed bag of crappie and bass

With the lake near full and stained, focus on lures that give off plenty of vibration and flash. Remember, fish are on the move, so keep logging those casts, cover water, and don’t be afraid to change up if you strike out in one area.

Tight lines to everyone—see you on the water!

Artificial Lure here with your Sunday fishing report for Lake Fork, Texas, April 20, 2025.

What a spring week we’ve had out here on Lake Fork. Local weather is classic April—starting cool in the mornings around 55 degrees, warming up into the low 70s by afternoon, with partly cloudy skies and a steady southeast breeze running 5 to 10 mph. Sunrise hit around 7:12 a.m. and sunset’s going to stretch out till about 7:47 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight to chase those big ones. The water’s a little stained and temperatures are ranging from 60 to 66 degrees, just about perfect for this time of year[2][5].

Bass action is hot, with largemouths shallow and spawning in full swing. You’ll find them stacked up in 1 to 4 feet of water, especially along those warm, windy banks and grass edges. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are catching fish all day, but don’t overlook Texas-rigged soft plastics—flukes, creature baits, and beaver styles are all pulling their weight. Topwater bite is really going, especially first thing in the morning around weed patches; smaller baitfish patterns and frogs are getting big blowups. If you’re swinging for the fence and looking for a trophy, hit the staging areas near spawning flats with slow presentations like wacky-rigged Senkos or walk a frog over matted grass[2][3][5].

Crappie fishing has been up and down, with the fish moving shallow at times, then right back out depending on the weather. When you find them, the bite is good, especially using small clouser minnows around shallow cover, timber, or brush piles. Some days folks are loading the boat, but you’ve got to keep moving to stay on the bite[5].

Catfish are cruising 2 to 4 feet of water and biting on clouser minnows. Big bream have also moved shallow, with wooly buggers producing steady action for those targeting panfish[5].

For lure selection, stick with bold colors and lures that throw off plenty of vibration and flash—think white, chartreuse, and black for stained water. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater frogs or poppers early all shine. For crappie, go with small jigs in natural colors or your favorite shad imitations.

Local hot spots right now include the mid-lake creek arms and the backs of Little Caney and Birch Creek, where bass and panfish are both shallow and active. The main lake grass edges on the north end near the 515 bridge are also producing well, especially in low-light or windy conditions.

That’s your Lake Fork report for today. Stay safe, dodge that wind when you can, and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning from Lake Fork, Texas. This is Artificial Lure with your April 19th fishing report.

We’re sitting at a water temperature of around 63 degrees, with the lake just a quarter foot below pool. That stained spring water has the fish up and moving. Today’s sunrise was at 6:48 am, and sunset will hit at 7:59 pm, which means you’ve got plenty of daylight to put in some serious fishing.

The top story this week is the bass bite. Largemouths are shallow, hanging around spawning flats and secondary points in just 1 to 4 feet of water. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are working wonders, especially on those warm, windy banks. If you’re flipping, look to the edge of grass or flooded weeds—beaver-style baits and rage craws have been productive. Don’t overlook a frog on top of matted weeds early or late in the day. And with the topwater bite on, smaller baitfish patterns are also hooking plenty.

Crappie anglers are in for a challenge, as the bite’s been up and down. Some days the fish are shallow, under 5 feet, and other days you’ll find them deeper on timber, bridges, or brush piles. If you locate the school, you’re in for solid action—crappie are biting on swimbaits, minnows, hand-tied jigs, and soft plastics. The spawn is in full swing, so expect to find fish from the shallows to 40 feet, but you’ll need to move around to stay on them.

Bluegill and channel catfish have also pushed shallow. For bluegill, wooly buggers are getting bit, and channel cats are active in 2 to 4 feet, even taking clouser minnows. The morning bite has been most productive for both.

Weather is stable today, light winds from the south and skies partly cloudy. With the water warming and consistent conditions, fish activity should stay strong through the weekend.

Baitwise, your best bets right now are:
- Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits for largemouth bass
- Frogs and small swimbaits for topwater action
- Minnows and hand-tied jigs for crappie
- Worms and small minnows for bluegill and catfish

Hot spots to check out:
- The north end flats up around Little Caney and Glade Creek
- Secondary points along the west arm, especially near the submerged timber and grassy pockets

That’s your Lake Fork update for April 19th. Stay safe on the water, watch for those shallow stumps, and good luck. The fish are there for the taking if you put in the time and move as needed. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see y’all on the water soon.

References: TPWD Weekly Fishing Reports, April 16, 2025; Lake Fork local guide reports, April 2025.[4][2][1]

Artificial Lure here, bringing you today’s Lake Fork fishing report for April 18, 2025.

Weather on the lake this morning started cool, around 55 degrees, and is warming up into the low 70s by the afternoon with partly cloudy skies and a light southeast breeze at 5-10 mph. Sunrise came at 7:12 a.m. and you’ll have daylight till about 7:47 p.m. Water temps are running 60 to 66 degrees, a little stained, and the lake is just a hair below full pool. That stained water’s perfect for those baits that put out plenty of vibration and flash[1][2][9].

Largemouth bass are shallow this week and spawning is in full swing. Your best shot at numbers has been in 1-4 feet, especially along warm, windy banks and around grass edges. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and Texas-rigged soft plastics like flukes, creature baits, and beaver-style lures are catching fish. Don’t sleep on topwaters early, especially in and around weed patches. The topwater bite is going and smaller baitfish imitations are especially hot in the mornings. If you’re hunting big females, work those staging areas close to spawning flats with slow, deliberate presentations—wacky-rigged Senkos and frogs on matted weeds are worth a shot[1][2][3][5][9].

Crappie fishing has been up and down this spring but is improving now. Fish are starting to bunch up on bridges, brush piles, and laydowns, with post-spawn patterns developing. Some are still found on timber in 10-20 feet, but most are moving shallow. Minnows, small plastics, and hand-tied jigs in natural or chartreuse colors are working, but you’ll have to move around a bit as these fish are still shifting with each cold front. Bridges can be really productive when the bite is on[1][3][5][9].

For bream, big ones have pushed into the shallows and are biting well on wooly buggers, small spinners, or worms. Channel catfish are cruising in 2-4 feet of water—try clouser minnows, cut bait, or stinky punch bait if you want a mess of cats[1][6][9][10].

Recent catches have been strong. Anglers are landing lots of bass in the 3-7 lb range, with a few over 8 pounds this week. Club tournaments have put up totals like 165 small bass in a single day, although keepers are tougher to come by. Crappie catches are up, with some slabs being hauled in, mainly around bridges and brush[5][9].

As for baits and lures, Lake Fork Trophy Lures’ Live Baby Shad Swimbait and Ring Fry are proven favorites for both bass and crappie. Square-bill crankbaits (in red or crawfish) and suspending jerkbaits also get bit. For catfish, stick with cut bait, shad, or stink bait[7][9][10].

A couple of local hotspots to hit today: Birch Creek, especially Duck Call Cove for spawning bass and crappie, and Big Bass Point near the Hwy 514 Bridge. Both have been producing consistently this spring. Also consider working points with deep water access and check out the brush piles around the bridges if crappie are your focus[8][9].

That’s the Lake Fork scoop for April 18th—from one local angler to another, good luck and tight lines!

This is Artificial Lure, bringing you your Lake Fork, Texas fishing report for April 16, 2025.

We kicked off the day with mostly overcast skies and muggy spring air, following a string of big storms over the weekend. Sunrise was about 6:53 AM with sunset at 7:50 PM. Water temp is running in the low to mid 60s—63 degrees main lake, pushing up to 65 or better in the shallows and backs of creeks. The lake level is sitting just about even with full pool, maybe a hair above after recent rains, but expect it to drop as the dam releases a bit.

Fish activity is classic spring pattern. Bass are shallow and either spawning or guarding fry, with the topwater bite turning on. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and small baitfish-pattern topwaters worked well this morning across the flats and secondary points in one to four feet of water. For those picking apart heavy cover, beaver-style plastics and rage craws rigged on flipping setups are producing bites at the grass edges, flooded weeds, and big wood in one to five feet. If you find matted weeds, try a frog—there are some blowups to be had[1][3][4]. On the wind-blown sunny banks, look for packs of smaller male bass, but the big females aren’t far. A slow Texas rig or wacky worm will get their attention.

Crappie have been up and down with the shifting weather, but there are still fish in every phase of the spawn. Some days they’re stacked shallow under five feet, other times they slide out to the timber, bridges, or brushpiles in deeper water. When you find them, you’ll catch numbers and size, especially on swimbaits, hand-tied jigs, and live minnows. Be ready to adjust every few hours depending on wind and light[1][5].

Big bream have also moved shallow, with wooly buggers and small clousers doing the trick for the fly anglers. Catfish are roaming shallow too, chasing those baitfish and hitting clousers or cut bait in two to four feet.

For lures, my top picks today are small white or shad-pattern chatterbaits, black and blue flipping jigs, green pumpkin rage craws, and any topwater that matches small baitfish. For crappie, stick to minnows or small plastics in natural colors.

If you’re looking for hot spots, check the backs of Glade Creek and Running Creek—especially around flooded timber and grass edges. For structure hounds, try the main lake points near the 515 West bridge, or the rocky hump outside the boat ramp close to the dam. Those classic spots are drawing both bass and slabs right now[8][9].

Fishing is good but keep an eye on water flows with more rain in the forecast. The bite is best on a slow approach with all these weather swings. Good luck out there, and see you on the water!