LAKE FORK GUIDE ANDREW GRILLS

Trophy bass fishing on world famous Lake Fork

Tag – texas bass

Lake Fork Fishing Report

It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone! 2021 was a tough year for a lot of folks. We lost some good people around the lake, and they will be missed. 

2022 can be a fresh start for a lot of us, and it’s a fresh start for the lake in a way. Last month SRA announced that Lake Fork will be drawn down to 6 feet below full pool, in order to complete some repairs on the dam. Of course that has been the hot topic in our little community, but that’s all we know. We don’t know how long it will take to complete the repairs, and after that it will be up to the rainfall we get to eventually fill it back up.

I love fishing the lake low again. It’s great to see the stumps that have been a few feet under water since 2014. I can still remember big fish we pulled off of many of those stumps.

I also believe it will be good for the lake in the long run. Exposing some of the lake bottom to the air and sunlight might be good for it. I’m also hoping we’ll get some nice shoreline growth that will provide great cover when Fork fills back up.

It will definitely make the fishing interesting this spring. Just be careful out there. Be mindful that many boat ramps are no longer useable at this low level. Also be careful for hidden stumps. There are a few that are in boat lanes now. Birch creek, little mustang, Williams, and the main boat lane in front of Sun Eagle Bay have some under water stumps in the lane.

Good luck out there! If I can be of any assistance on your next trip, don’t hesitate to contact me. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Here are a few highlights from 2021!

Lake Fork Special

Tom Lake ForkGuide ClientLake Fork bassLake Fork bass

July Bass

 

Lake Fork Guide Report

Although it hasn’t really felt like it, it’s getting close to summertime here on Lake Fork! It’s been a longer spring season this year as far as fishing patterns go. Starting with the big freeze around Valentine’s Day, then all the cooler than normal weather in March, I believe it got the fish behind on schedule. That’s been a good thing overall, and made for some better fishing later in May than usual.

Right now we’re dealing with a lot of extra water. The rainfall total for the last couple of months has to be close to record setting. SRA had no choice but to let us get full, and there have been a few times we got a little above pool. That’s been a huge blessing to the fish and many of us who enjoy fishing the shallow cover. Many fish that would normally be venturing out to their offshore haunts at this time of year are still in shallow water.

As the temperature warms up, I believe a lot of fish will transition to typical summertime patters. I love the deep offshore bite on Lake Fork. I’ll be looking at deep points, humps, and other types of structure. When I find them grouped up, I’ll usually have a Santone football jig as my first option. Then I’ll try other techniques like deep cranking, Carolina rigs, and big spoons. You just have to experiment to see what works best in any given situation.

The water temperature right now is in the upper 70’s. It will be climbing over the next few days I’m sure. The water level is still slightly above full pool. 

Good luck on your next fishing trip, and if I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me. Here are some recent big bass we’ve had in my Skeeter here on Lake Fork!

Kyle bassKyle Lake Fork

Lake Fork Guide Report

Well, we survived one of the worst cold snaps in Texas history! I never thought I would see negative zero temperatures in our area. Now that the ice has melted and normal east Texas temperatures are back, we’re starting to see the fishing pick up on Lake Fork.

The fish here have been through a lot lately… After the record breaking freeze that hit our area the week of Valentine’s Day, we had some heavy rains. That brought the lake level up to full pool, but it also muddied up a lot of good areas. Another challenge for the fishing is the flood gates being open at the dam. It sounds like an old wive’s tale around here when you hear the locals talk about how tough the fishing is when the gates are open, but you quickly realize it’s a fact when you experience it. An example is the Bass Champs tournament held here on Saturday, February 27. There were 314 two-man teams of the best anglers in Texas, and there were 249 zero’s and only 9 five-fish limits weighed in. That’s tough!

Don’t get discouraged though! Lake Fork lives up to her reputation and produces big fish still. The water is looking better every day and warming up nicely. Here are some pictures of my clients with recent catches!

 

 

Lake Fork Summer Report

Summer has set in here on Lake Fork. It feels like it’s gonna be a hot one this year! The fish started transitioning into summer patterns a couple weeks ago, but there are still some shallow fish to be caught for sure. 

Right now the water level is full. That’s great for the fishery, especially this time of year. Every bit of cover we can have available for the fry from this years spawn  is important. Water temperature is now in the low to mid 80’s. 

We are transitioning from the more shallow patterns of spring, to traditional summertime fishing. While fish can still be caught shallow all summer, the majority of the quality bass will be deeper.

 

We are already finding bass on deep offshore structure, and many more will show up out there soon. The depth they are holding really just depends on the area of the lake, but at the time of this report most of the deeper fish seem to prefer a depth somewhere from 15 to 20’. I find them a little more shallow on the upper ends of the lake.

 

There are many techniques that can be effective, but my favorite is a jig. I have caught more big bass on jigs than I can remember, and we are already catching some this year with it. It hangs up a lot, so you’ve gotta be clever at getting them back, but that’s part of it when it comes to fishing this lake.

 

For the jig, I always use a Santone football head jig. I use several different colors. My favorites are “beans and carrots”, “pb&j”, and “Mexican heather”. If the water is clear, ” bullfrog” is my top choice.

Be safe out there this summer, and if I can be of any assistance, please let me know. 2020 has been a trying year for our country, and this verse has been on my mind a lot. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Lake Fork BassLake Fork Guide CustomerLake Fork Guide FunGuide ClientsLake Fork FishingFishing TripFork Bass

Lake Fork Report for April

It’s early April here on Lake Fork, and my how things have changed since our last report a month ago. I know the changes in our way of life have affected all of us, and my prayer is that we realize how much we need the Lord’s help at this time.

Folks who aren’t around our lake might imagine the fish are getting a bit of a break, but it’s just the opposite! It’s like Memorial Day weekend every day of the week right now. With so many people off work due to stay at home orders, the lake is packed. 

Normally this is as good as a time to fish as you could pick on the calendar. Many fish are coming off their beds and getting the post spawn feed on, the shad are starting to do their thing, and I’m sure there’s a handful of bass that will pull up late and spawn. This is why April is such a good month. There are usually a few things going at any given time. Heavy boat traffic has made it a little tougher, but that’s a variable I can’t control so I just try to find something others have overlooked. 

The water temperature is in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s depending on the area of the lake. The water level is slightly under full pool. The water clarity varies from chocolate milk on the northern end to just right as you get closer to the dam.

For the first time in years, I have actually gotten to go fishing for fun during prime time. There’s a silver lining to all the cancellations. It’s nice to go out once in a while, with no pressure to catch fish. Just slow down, take it easy, and think about nothing but the next cast.

I’ll leave you with a Bible verse that’s more relevant than ever. ”And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” (Romans 13:11)

Here are a few great fish from our trips since my last report!

Lake Fork ReportLake Fork giantBig BassTom TripJon Tom

My Oh My, What a Month! Lake Fork Report

As you can see from the pictures, it’s been a busy several weeks for me! We’ve had some tough days and we’ve had some awesome days. Earlier in August, I slipped off to Falcon Lake for a couple weeks and took some clients after some border bass! Even though I’m a Lake Fork guide, it’s fun to get a change of scenery every now and then.

 

Lake Fork is fishing a little slow recently for me, but that’s exactly what I expect this time of year. When the weather cools off things will pick up. The water temperature right now is real close to 90. That’s hot, I don’t care where you are. There are still big ones to be caught though. As a matter of fact, my customer caught a big one this morning. That’s what’s nice about Lake Fork… Even when it’s slow, a big one could come on any cast.

 

Falcon Lake was a blast as usual. We had a few slow days, but the fish started biting a little better toward the end of the trip. The water is really low down there, and I figure it will be a few years before I’ll make that trek again. You never know though. Trips down there are fun, but it also makes you appreciate a lot of things about home. East Texas is a nice place to live.

 

Here are some pictures from our trips on Lake Fork. I’ll put the Falcon photos on the bottom.

Lake Fork Guides eightLake Fork Guides fiveLake Fork Guides oneLake Fork guides fourLake Fork Guides sevenLake Fork Guides six

 

Here a few Falcon highlights!

Lake Fork Guides threeLake Fork Guides two

June 11 Lake Fork Report and Pictures!

June is turning out to be a great month so far here on Lake Fork! We just wrapped up another good day on the water, and most of my trips have been above average the past few weeks.

Lake Fork is a little above full pool and the water temperature is right at 82 degrees. The looks to be in good shape, and the water color couldn’t be better.

I’m mixing it up and fishing several areas a day, some shallow, some mid-depth, and some deep. I feel like I can catch a few either way right now. I’m relying on a jig mostly, but there are several techniques working.

If I can help you on a trip you are planning, please let me know!

Here are some pictures from our best recent trips…

Two great days on Lake Fork with some Tennessee boys!

Heather flat out put it on ’em! First time using a baitcaist reel and first bass on a lure! She’s hooked on Lake Fork now…

A couple from here and there…

A good half day trip with Gavin and his dad!

And finally, one of the most special days I’ve had on the water in a while. My mom and dad came to visit Lake Fork all the way from Tennessee. They wanted to take a ride in the Skeeter and watch me catch a fish or two. In just about 2 hours I was able to show them a few good ones. God has been good to me, allowing me to do what I love for a living.

 

Lake Fork Report, March 30

Wow! Where did March go? Time has flown by, but you know what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” We sure have been having fun in my boat lately. We’ve been catching some big ones here on Lake Fork, and I’ve been having great trips on some nearby lakes on days when I expect tough fishing on Lake Fork. While I guide primarily on Lake Fork, it’s my job to be on fish for my customers first and foremost. Occasionally, a little extra driving time pays off. We’re blessed here in East Texas with good fishing on several lakes.

A cold front is passing through as I write this report, so I’m not sure how much the water temperature will be affected. As of yesterday afternoon, it was pushing 60 degrees on the main lake and a little warmer in the creeks. That will definitely change with the next several nights in the 30’s according to the forecast. Cold fronts shut down the Florida strain bass we have in Lake Fork more than most visitors can imagine. We will see how the next few days play out, but a big one could still come on any cast. That’s the beauty of Lake Fork.

Here are some highlights from the past several trips. I have pictures of several bigger ones from this week, but I’ll post them next time.

Lake Fork Fishing Report for March 2019

It’s hard to believe we are already well into March here on Lake Fork! It sure hasn’t felt much like March, that’s for sure. We fished one of the coldest days I have ever fished this past week, with the high temperature barely climbing out of the 20’s! The water temperature on Lake Fork took a big hit, and was pushed back into the mid 40’s. Things are gradually warming back up now, and I saw some water in the upper 50’s yesterday afternoon. Shallow, muddy water will warm quickly on a sunny afternoon. However, the main lake temperature is still in the low 50’s at the time of this report.

The water level is about 6″ below pool currently. I believe the Sabine River Authority is trying to keep the lake slightly low in order to stay ahead of flood risks considering all the rain we’ve had so far this year.

In spite of all the temperature and water level fluctuations, we have managed to catch some nice fish the past couple of weeks. Last week a customer joined the double digit club with a 10.7 pound Lake Fork trophy! I was happy for him and thankful for the catch. I’m looking forward to seeing more fish like that in my boat this year!

On a side note, I’m loving my new boat! The ride is better than ever, and I can say she’s officially broken in now that she’s seen her first 10 pound bass of the season.

Here are some pictures from recent trips.

_

_

Looking Back on 2018 on Lake Fork!

My how the time flies! 2018 was an exciting year here on Lake Fork. As you can see from the pictures below, we made some great memories this past year! I’m really looking forward to seeing how 2019 turns out for us.

There were a lot of good days on the water, but there are a few very special days that stand out. You never know when things are going to line up, but when it happens it’s amazing! We had a couple days this year where our best 5 bass exceeded 40lbs in total weight.

I’ve been preparing for another great year on Lake Fork! I just picked up my brand new 2019 FX 21 from the Skeeter factory in Kilgore, TX earlier this week! I also spent a couple days organizing my tackle and gearing up for this year’s fishing season… Now it’s time to get to work!

Below are some great memories we made on Lake Fork in 2018!

LAKE FORK GUIDE ANDREW GRILLS © 2013 Frontier Theme