March is upon us and spring has begun here at Lake Fork. This month is when a lot of the biggest bass on the lake are moving into shallow water to begin their spawning ritual. What a great time it is for many anglers to come out and catch the fish of their dreams. It should be a fantastic spawn this year with plenty of water and flooded cover to nest in. Here are some tips and techniques that may help you catch a Lake Fork Lunker!
The water conditions are the biggest challenge we are facing as we start of the month. With all the ice storms, snow, and rain, it has made a mess of things. The water temperatures plummeted into the low 40’s and the influx of water into the lake has muddied up a lot of the creeks that the fish are about to try to start moving up in. The good part is the lake is full and sitting at 403.01 which is .01 above full pool. With all the frigid temperatures and rising water, it has also killed off a lot of the good hydrilla and grass hat was growing in a lot of areas. Hopefully we will see it reemerge as it begins to warm up soon!

My fishing patterns right now have revolved around pre-spawn activity primarily. I don’t think we will see a lot of fish make a major move to the spawning areas until mid to late month this year due to the extreme cold and water temperatures. Of course, as sure as I say that, we can get a big warm up and these fish hit the bank in droves. The biggest dictating factor if everything and the spawn progression is water temperatures so keep a close eye on your electronics as you search out areas. The warmest water is where you’ll find the most active fish. I am targeting shallow spots in the 2-6 foot depth range. My main baits that I’m using to target these prespawn bass are jerkbaits in gold or shad colors, lipless crankbaits in red/orange or gold like a Berkley Warpig, chatterbaits in white or white/chartreuse or big swim baits like a 3:16 Lure Company Gizzard Glide or Rising Son. I’m targeting points, both main and secondary, at the mouth of the major spawning creeks as well as flats midway to all the way back in the creeks. The big females will be on a steady diet of crawfish and gizzard shad as they prepare to lay eggs. That’s why lipless baits in crawfish patterns and big swim baits get the nod. You can also drag up a few fishing boat docks or standing timber with a Santone Rattlin jig or football style jig. Best colors are black/blue, PB&J, and my custom JC’s Spicy Craw. With the lake full now it’s a bit difficult to target stumps but the fish will still be relating to them. As the month rolls along and the moons come in we will have lots of fish head to the spawning beds. I will break out the weightless rigged stick baits then like a Berkley General in black/blue or green pumpkin colors. You can also Texas rig it or swap it out for a more intrusive bait like a Berkley Powerbait Lizard in the same colors. If you like to sight fish you’ll want keep your flipping rod handy. There will be some real giants caught doing this if you’ve got good eyes. A pair of polarized sunglasses is essential so grab you a pair of new Costas at Lake Fork Marina before you head out on the lake. They have a great selection of all the newest frames and colors!

There are a lot of fish out in deep water but they’re definitely a lot harder to catch. I am using my Garmin Echo Map Ultras on my new 2021 Bass Cat boat to locate these fish. Some of these schools have been as deep as 40 ft with this extreme cold. You can catch them on dropshots rigged with a 1/4 oz Elite Tungsten drop shot weight and 1/0 hook. I like to use a Berkley Powerbait Bottom Hopper in June bug or black. I have also caught some on the Berkley Max Scent Flat Worm. Another great way to catch these finnicky bass is with a small slab spoon or tail kicker. Main lake humps near the main channel swings have held better schools lately. Old roadbeds are great places to target these deep schools also. Most of the time the fish have been 22-30 feet deep.

I hope this helps anyone that’s coming out this month to start the year off chasing big bass. If you would like to fish with me this year, I still have a few dates available. My 2021 schedule is filling fast so start making your plans now and contact me to get on my schedule as soon as possible. I have gift certificates available for those of you that are interested in purchasing a friend or loved one a guided trip on Lake Fork. You can contact me to make your reservation at 903-736-9888 or send me an email at [email protected] You can also visit my website for more information about Lake Fork and my guide service at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com You can find me on Facebook and follow my official Lake Fork Trophy Bass Guide page at https://www.facebook.com/lakeforktrophybassguide
I just received my new boat for the 2021 season, a Bass Cat Cougar FTD. It’s an amazing boat and I couldn’t be happier to be serving my customers on Lake Fork as one of the newest members of the Bass Cat Family! If you’re interested in checking out any of the Bass Cat models be sure to reach out to R & R Marine in Pittsburg, Texas. Steven Stroman and his crew have amazing sales and service as well as a complete tackle shop. I would like to thank all my sponsors that support me. I am looking forward to representing them again this year on Major League Fishing Big 5 circuit as well as serving all my great guide clients on Lake Fork! Sponsors: Toyota, Carhartt, Bass Cat Boats, Mercury Marine, I Am Second, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Garmin, Santone Lures, Costa Sunglasses, Power Pole, 3:16 Lure Company, Elite Tungsten, Johnson Communications, and Bass Boat Technologies.

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tight Lines & God Bless,

James Caldemeyer