I apologize for the lack of a fishing report the past 3 weeks. The patterns haven't changed much, and the crazy weather that we've been having in 2013 continues with new cold fronts coming in every 5 days or so. Our water temps remain in the 62-66 degree range throughout most of the lake, with some areas in the upper ends reaching the lower 70s. We still have lots of pre-spawn and spawning fish from one end of the lake to the other. Our water level sits at 398.62 ft or 4.38 ft below full pool.

I am spending most of my time fishing spawning areas in 3-6 ft of water. There are spawning fish on the main lake and in the creeks and small pockets. Find an area that has the least amount of traffic, put your head down, and fish your tail off!!! I'm sure just about any soft plastic bait/rig will work if you fish it slowly enough, but I'm having so much success on a Santone Lures Piglet Shaky head that I'm having a hard time putting it down. I've said it several times over the last couple of years, but this jig head is the one you want for Lake Fork and other trophy lakes. It's built with a bigger and stronger hook than most other shaky heads on the market. You don't go elephant hunting with a BB gun, so don't bring those light wire shaky heads to Lake Fork and fish for the fish of a lifetime!!! I'm throwing a 3/16 oz when I can, and a 1/4 oz if the wind is blowing a little too much to feel the lighter head. I also want to reiterate that you have to slow WAY, WAY down to have the most success with this bait. On the business end of my Piglet is a LFT 10" worm with the tail torn off. What you have left is a bigger profile, straight tailed bait that drives spawning fish crazy. I am also throwing this same worm on a very light Carolina rig in the same areas. My favorite color is green pumpkin, but watermelon red and watermelon seed will work as well.

On windy days, a square billed crankbait will get you bit on wind blown banks and points. A 1.5 or 2.5 size in Sexy Shad, Green Gizzard Shad, and other shad patterns will put fish in your boat. A white 3/8 oz Chatterbait with LFT 4.5" Live Magic Shad is a great choice when you have a little stain to the water. You will fish stretches without a bite, and then hit the right point or spot that will hold several.

Topwater time is just around the corner. In fact, you can catch a few on your favorite topwater bait right now if you're in the right place at the right time. That bite will only get better as the fish spawn and start guarding fry. It's a good idea to have one tied on.

I hope this report gives you a head start when planning your trip to Lake Fork. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below, or you can shoot me an email. Best of luck!!!