Lake Fork Report—April 4, 2013

[Tom Redington]

Lake Fork Report—April 4, 2013

Lake Fork is cranking out great big fish as regularly as any time in recent memory. Just like any lake, you’ll have your share of slow postfrontal days on Fork, but even on a tough day, some lucky anglers pop a double digit fish. And on the good days, we’ve seen true monsters, including several 13s, a 14, 15, and 16 pounder this season. A busy tourney schedule, sponsor obligations, and an additional TV show (“Belize Outdoors” which will air 13 original episodes on WFN starting in May/new episodes of “Big Bass Battle” and “Crappie Time” start this month on Sportsman Channel) have cut into my guide trips on Fork this year, but with the lunker bonanza, you can bet I get on the lake every day that I can.

The spawn is in full gear at Fork right now and I’d estimate approximately 1/3 of the fish have already spawned, with a major wave of fish moving up all around the lake this week. Unlike the nearly cold front free spring of last year, we’re having a more normal season and the spawners should keep showing up in waves into early May. Backs of big creeks spawn first, then deeper pockets nearer the mouths of coves, with fish on flats on the main lake or mouths of pockets bringing up the rear. Each creek and pocket has its own characteristics, so one bay can be full of actively spawning fish, while its next door neighbor might be bedless. If you’re not getting bit this time of year, keep moving until you find them. With prespawn, spawning, and postspawn fish all available, there are biting fish to be had on any given day if you crack the code.

For fish pics and regular updates from Fork and the trail, follow along at http://www.LakeForkGuideTrips.com. If you're in the Lake Fork area and need any boat service or want to check out the new line of Ranger boats, stop by www.DiamondSportsMarine.com on Hwy 154 on the East side of Fork, Ranger Boat's #1 dealer for 2011.

Good Fishing,

Tom

[Quillback]

Thanks for the report!