Exceptional Fall Fishing at Lake Fork: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Thriving

As of October 18, 2024, Lake Fork in Texas is offering some exceptional fishing opportunities, especially with the fall season in full swing.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The water level at Lake Fork is currently at 401.10, almost 2 feet below the full pool elevation of 403. The water clarity is good in the mid-lake to south areas, although the north areas are stained due to the ongoing fall turnover. Water temperatures are ranging from the mid to upper 70s, with occasional warm days pushing temperatures into the low 80s.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Today, sunrise is at around 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:44 PM.

### Fish Activity
Bass fishing is particularly active right now. Early morning bites are excellent on topwaters and flukes around grass and points. Bass are aggressive on the surface and in shallow waters, especially on windy banks where they can be caught with small topwaters or streamers. As the day progresses, switching to a Texas-rigged Berkley Powerworm in 7-10 inch sizes around standing timber and boat docks can yield good results. Deep crankbaits over brush piles and roadbeds are also fair.

Crappie fishing remains excellent, with fish found in depths ranging from 12 to 40 feet. Timber, brush piles, and underwater road beds are hot spots for both white and black crappie. Minnows and small hand-tied jigs are effective baits, and soft plastics will become more productive as the water cools.

Catfish are on fire in 18-28 feet around timber along creek channels, following bait migrations. Using smelly prepared baits, cattle cubes, or sour grain can attract and hold more fish.

### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwaters like the Berkley Bullet Pop or J-Walker are great early in the morning. If there's wind, the Berkley Choppo is a good choice. For deeper waters, a Berkley Square Bull crankbait in timber and a Texas-rigged Berkley Powerworm around boat docks are recommended. The Berkley SlobberKnocker bladed jig and big swimbaits like the Nessie and Cull Shad are also effective.

For crappie, minnows and small hand-tied jigs are working well. Soft plastics will become more effective as the water cools.

For catfish, smelly prepared baits, cattle cubes, or sour grain are highly effective.

### Hot Spots
- **Standing Timber and Boat Docks**: These areas are great for bass using Texas-rigged Powerworms and for crappie with minnows and jigs.
- **Brush Piles and Roadbeds**: These structures are holding decent numbers of crappie and are also good for bass with deep crankbaits.
- **Creek Channels**: Catfish are abundant in these areas, especially around timber in 18-28 feet of water.

Overall, Lake Fork is in great shape for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Enjoy your time on the water