Eagles on Lake Fork




This survey by the US Army Corp of Engineers and US Geological Survey in conjunction with the US Fish & Wildlife service known as the Lake Fork Mid-Winter Eagle Survey has been conducted for more than twenty- five years by volunteers.  The Mid-Winter Eagle Survey is held in over 22 standardized areas throughout Texas each year on the second weekend of January.  The 2021 Lake Fork Survey was held this year on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of January by water and land routes around the Lake Fork Reservoir.  Volunteers for the event gathered at the Oak Ridge Marina which has served as the headquarters for the count for many years.  They were given specific instructions about proper documentation of eagle spotting so that the data collection would be reliable. They conduct the eagle count on the same weekend each year nationwide.

Information gathered during the count is used to determine multiple variables of the eagle’s habitat including environmental effects on nesting locations, number of mature and immature eagles, viability of offspring and comparative population data from previous years. Local growth and development of a particular area and population growth within that area are also used to monitor the habitat availability of an area where eagles are frequently spotted. The results are compiled in a national database.  It is noteworthy to mention that the eagles’ need for a water source causes them to often create their habitat close to area Texas lakes.

This year’s participants traveled from a variety of locations near to and far from Lake Fork. The Audubon Society and the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association has supported the count since 2001 by volunteering boats for water routes and providing volunteers with information on eagle sightings over the year. 

This year’s survey, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in fewer volunteers.  However, we received wonderful feedback from the ones who were able to participate. This year the eagles showed up in many areas around the lake as excited observers counted 13 eagles on Saturday. Of those, 8 were mature and 5 were immature.  Our Sunday spotters counted a total of 14 eagles with 8 being mature and 6 being immature. It was an enjoyable and productive weekend.     

Special thanks to the Lake Fork Sportsman’s Association, Oak Ridge Marina, the Audubon Society, master naturalists and all the volunteers for making this year’s eagle count a success.  We are looking forward to the 2022 Eagle Survey and hope that more prospective eagle watchers join in. 




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Lake Fork Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Lake Fork Weather Forecast

Saturday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Saturday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 73

Sunday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Sunday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 75

Monday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 93

Monday Night

Partly Cloudy

Lo: 75

Tuesday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 95

Tuesday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 75


Lake Fork Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 7/12: 403.23 (+0.23)



Lake Fork

Fishing Report from TPWD (Jul. 9)

GOOD. Water Stained; 82 degrees; 0.23 feet above pool. Fork : Top waters early around pond weed and grass with frogs and poppers still working . Mid morning chatter baits on the outside edge of grass in 3-5 ft is good as well as shaky heads . Best bite is Carolina rigs off shore on points , road beds and humps in 12-25 ft . Big worms and flukes are good . Deep Cranks are good over the same area when the fish are suspending 19-23 ft . Report by Marc Mitchell, Lake Fork Guide Service. Lily fields are filling in, hydrilla and milfoil are reaching for the surface. Fish this type of cover at mid day when bass are seeking cover. Frog patterns are working in the shallow vegetation early and late. Small fish patterns like a dock knocker are producing bass and crappie shallow near grass. Large bream have moved shallow, wooly buggers are producing good fish. Channel catfish are cruising 2-4 feet biting clousers. Report by Guide Alex Guthrie, Fly Fish Fork Guide Service. Lake Fork crappie fishing has been super up and down this past week. The fish are stacked up on brush piles, lay downs, tire reefs and some trees. The bite is the tricky part. Some days the bite is good and the bigger fish show up. Some days the bite is just off and the short fish show up. Seems like the bite may be better on days we have a little breeze. If the winds are calm the bite is very slow. Minnows will get some bites but small 1/32nd ounce hand tied jigs with small bodies and tails are working well on fish that don’t want to bite. Best depths have been 18-13ft with most fish suspended on trees and loaded in the brush. Report by Jacky Wiggins, Jacky Wiggins Guide Service.

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