Lake Fork February Report by Pro-Staffer Chris Sinkey

[csinkey]

Fishing on Lake Fork has been pretty typical for this time of year. With water temps averaging around 48 to 49 in most of the spots Im fishing, most of the fish Im catching are pretty scattered. There has only been one or two spots where they have been pretty stacked in. With the air tempatures averaging around the 60's this next week and some sunshine, I look for the water to warm up a few degrees in these areas and really get these fish moving around.
My bait selections have been pretty simple. Im throwing a 1/2 oz. Red with Brown back Cordell Trap just above the grass, even ripping it free every now and then. This bait is not putting many small fish in the boat. 3 to 5 lbs. has been the average on this bait. (Picture above has been the avaerage size fish on this bait) I am also keeping a 3/8 to 1/2 oz. white or Blue Shad spinnerbait close by for those cloudy/windy days, and a suspending Rogue in Gold/Black with orange belly to work above the grass in about 6 to 10 ft. of water. Im fishing these three baits on Kistler 6' 9" Medium Heavy Helium II rods ( [-- login to view link --] ) with 17 lbs. World Wide Sportsman ( - - blocked - - ) line.
As far as presentation goes, Im going thru areas with the trap. Then when I locate fish, Ill go back with either a drop-shot rig with a 6in. GrandeBass Trickster worm ( [-- login to view link --] ) in shades of Watermelon or Pumpkin or a 1/4 oz. Texas rigged Grandebass Rattlesnake and work those areas over and over again and pick up a few more fish.
One thing I forgot to mention is keep a Black and Blue jig close by your side for when you do find yourself in the creek channel. Flip to every piece of timber along the creek channel. This could land your name on the Sharelunker list or give you the fish of a lifetime.
I look for fish to really start moving around the shallows here any week (depending on the roller coaster weather) getting ready to set up for the spawn.
I hope this helps any of you guys heading out to Fork here in the next few days.
Dont forget when your down to stop by and see the guys at Lake Fork Marina, they will take good care of you and they have the best pie you'll ever put in your mouth! [-- login to view link --]
Check out Chris's reports at [-- login to view link --]

[skeeter20i]

Thanks for the report Chris. I will be there for a week the middle of next month. I hope the weather starts to warm up a little by then.

[csinkey]

The weather is a real roller coaster this time of year. Your coming at the best time though.

[skeeter20i]

I have been fishing Fork since 94 or 95, and have not been able to fish it the last 2 years due to New, house, baby, and work. I can't wait to get there. How is the grass in the lake?

[csinkey]

There's grass pretty much anywhere you go right now. Ive been concentrating my efforts in Birch Creek. Tons of grass and the water has been several degrees warmer. Plus Ive been catching fish there. That always helps. Shoot me an email before you go again, and Ill see if I cant help you out a bit.

[skeeter20i]

Hey Chris thanks for the info, and I will send you a email before I go up there. I can't wait... Counting the days

[skeeter20i]

Hey Chris,
What are the fish doing up there with this crazy weather. We will be arriving Saturday afternoon. I am trying to get Lance to go if he can swing it, so if you have any info for us let us know. Thanks

[csinkey]

skeeter-
You guys should kill'em next week. Monday was good. I had 20 before lunch. After lunch I had a ( - - blocked - - ) man in my boat, and stuck 5 more on ( - - blocked - - ).
I did a video report on [-- login to view link --] if you want to check it out. It will help you guys a bunch.

[skeeter20i]

Thanks Chris for the post, it should help us out. I hope the weather will hold out for us to get a good trip in.