Winter Wonderland: Exploring Lake Fork's Productive Fishing Scene

As of January 16, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake Fork, Texas, is quite active despite the cooler winter conditions.

First, let's address the water conditions: The lake is currently at 1.85 feet below pool, with water temperatures around 55 degrees and a slightly stained clarity[1].

For those familiar with tidal influences, although Lake Fork is a freshwater lake and not affected by tides, the general weather and time of day can still impact fishing. Today, sunrise is at 7:09 AM and sunset at 5:51 PM.

Bass fishing has been good, particularly in 3-5 feet of water around timber or grass. Chatterbaits, square bill crankbaits, and flukes are proving effective in these areas. Around docks in 5-10 feet of water, Texas rigs and shaky heads are working well. For those targeting deeper spots, Carolina rigs on roadbeds and high spots at 14-17 feet are fair[1].

Crappie fishing remains excellent, with fish found on timber, brush, and bridges in depths ranging from 18 to 58 feet. Areas with plenty of shad are likely to have crappie nearby. Small hand-tied jigs and soft plastics are producing well, and minnows are always a reliable choice for crappie[1].

If you're looking for hot spots, consider the areas around Squaw Creek, which has a good flat point near the main creek channel. This area is known for attracting bass, especially during the shad spawn. Another spot is the rounded clay points, which may seem plain but can be very productive, especially when shad are pushed up there[4].

Overall, the cooler water temperatures have the fish migrating towards deeper water, often following creek channels. Historically, a strong cold front can shut off the bite when water temperatures drop to 43 degrees or lower, but for now, the conditions are favorable.

So, grab your gear, head out to Lake Fork, and enjoy the winter fishing season. Good luck on the water