My apologies for the lack of reports lately. The honest truth is that the lake has been kicking my butt lately. We're catching 15-20 each day, but it hasn't been easy. I wish I could point you in the right direction as far as a solid pattern goes, but I've basically been "junk fishing" for the past week and a half. I was waiting to post a report after I had things figured out and I could give you more specific information. I've got them figured out now, but there's not one "best" way to catch the big fish right now!!!

There are a lot of post spawn fish right now, but there are still a few prespawn and spawners. I have been trying my best to pattern the bigger fish as I believe that's what most of my clients come to Lake Fork for. These big fish have been next to impossible to zero in on and that's the main reason why I've been trying different depths, areas, and presentations, and that has lead to fewer fish in the boat than what I am accustomed to catching most days for this time of year. I could catch far more numbers each day if I (clients) really wanted to, but most of them would be of the smaller "fry guarding" male variety.

For me, the best time of the day for numbers of solid fish (with the occasional big fish) has been the first hour or two of the day. The topwater bite has been good most mornings and very good to excellent other mornings. The trick is being on the right point at the right time, and that's not always easy. We are bouncing around from point to point hoping to find the school of fish that we're looking for before our window of opportunity closes. Walking baits have been best most days, but it's always a good idea to have a popping bait ready just in case. Squarebilled crankbaits can be highly effective in the right areas on days when the fish don't seem to want to come up on a topwater. And lastly, a Carolina rigged LFT Hyperstick will put some big fish in the boat in the same areas once the topwater bite ends.

After that ends, I've been trying lots of different things. Some days, my best bite is on a LFT Magic Shad in the flooded grass. Other days, I've had good success pitching a LFT Flipper to shallow timber. While other days, we can get them to bite a topwater or frog all day long. The best thing to do right now is to pick your favorite way to catch fish and cover lots of water. There are fish in the backs of creeks, on the main lake, and everywhere in between right now. I can't honestly tell you that one bait or one location is much better than the other.

The good news is that we have had an incredibly good spawn this year. I have seen A LOT of fry from one end of the lake to the other, and with the higher water levels, there is plenty of shoreline cover for these youngsters to hide in.

Also, the deep bite will be picking up soon, and that makes for some fantastic fishing on Lake Fork.