Texas Fishing and Hunting Seasons Have Not Been Cancelled




Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an executive order implementing a protocol for "essential services and activities" amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including fishing and hunting in the list. The executive order -- issued March 31 -- reads, in part:

"This executive order does not prohibit people from visiting parks, hunting or fishing so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household."

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials recently have been alerted to numerous posts on social media stating that hunting and fishing seasons for 2020-2021 had been canceled, despite no such order being given by state officials. In a statement, TPWD issued the following message: "There are some 'fake news' articles circulating social media that say the 2020-21 hunting and fishing season has been canceled. This is a hoax and not true. Always confirm TPWD-related issues through our website at tpwd.texas.gov."

While hunting and fishing remain open in the Lone Star State, many points of access to lakes, reservoirs and bays and even Gulf of Mexico beaches, have been shut down. Numerous local governments and agencies have issued their own decrees to close marinas and boat ramps, as well as not allowing fishing from piers and jetties -- places where anglers can congregate.

TPWD urges anglers to check community ordinances and check the status of the location you’re planning to fish before heading out. Also fishermen and hunters are reminded to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of social distancing and follow all guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, according to TPWD.

The executive order will remain in place through April.




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Lake Fork Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Lake Fork Weather Forecast

Sunday

Sunny

Hi: 79

Sunday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 50

Monday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 75

Monday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 53

Tuesday

Mostly Cloudy

Hi: 68

Tuesday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 47

Wednesday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 70

Wednesday Night

Mostly Cloudy

Lo: 55


Lake Fork Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 3/26: 401.46 (-1.54)



Lake Fork

Fishing Report from TPWD (Mar. 22)

GOOD. Water Stained; 55-62 degrees; 1.64 feet below pool. The cold front dropped the water temperature down 10 degrees in some areas slowing the bass bite. Use a slow bait presentation with Texas rigs, baby brush hogs or beaver type baits on the outside edge of the grass. Darker colored baits like V & M chopsticks in Texas smoke have been fair in 3-6 feet. Look for the bite to improve by the weekend as the water temperature warms and bass return to beds. Frogs and baits worked on top of the grass and in the pockets of grass should be great by the weekend. Report by Marc Mitchell, Lake Fork Pro. Cooler weather is affecting the movement of the black bass, as the water cools the females are not committing to the beds, but as the water warms activity will increase. Search warmer clearer water in the backs of coves and creeks for active fish. Crappie are beginning to move towards the banks, try small bead heads fished slowly 3-4 feet. Carp and gar are spawning in shallow water. Report by Guide Alex Guthrie, Fly Fish Fork Guide Service. The crappie fishing on Lake Fork is getting really hot. Seeing great numbers and lots of big fish each day. The fish are making huge moves shallow this week and will for the next month. Areas in 2-13 feet are finally beginning to see more fish that are spawning. The 14-32 feet staging areas are also still loaded with fish and reloading daily now. Seeing lots of fish roaming in open water but the best luck is still coming on fish on timber or brush. Small hand tied jigs in chartreuse or orange are getting crushed right now, and you can still catch fish well on soft plastics and minnows. Report by Jacky Wiggins, Jacky Wiggins’ Guide Service. The crappie are biting in the main creek channels about halfway back in the creek. With the cooler weather most of the crappie are laying on the bottom. Once the sun comes out fish suspend up in the water column around 15 feet. Success with Snacky lures FS200 matched with the eye hole jig or crappie

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