Lake Fork Fishing Report September 2000 by: Guide – Sherry Ruslink August dealt us hot and dry weather, but it seemed the fishing was harder on the anglers than it was on the bass. Afternoons proved to be the best time for fishing overall, which usually early morning and night fishing are the fishing winners. There was no rain to speak of during August, and we have now been two months with no measurable rain. Therefore, I am mighty glad that Lake Fork filled back to normal pool level in the month of June. September is host to Labor Day, while McDonald’s Big Bass Tournament is mid month, and the Skeeter Tournament rounds out the last of September. The temperatures will begin to drop ever so slightly and the days are definitely getting shorter telling the fish that fall is on it’s way! Now is the time to make plans on coming to Lake Fork and enjoying our fall fishing! Lake Fork is in very good shape going into the fall, with water temperatures in the high 80’s, hydrilla and other grasses have taken up residence in most of the coves, and shad seem to be plentiful, especially in all the coves from 515 west to 515 east. Bass fishing has been productive overall, with other species of fish giving anglers a fun filled fishing trip. I recommend fishing on main lake humps, points, submerged roadbeds and bridges, and pond dams that contain trees, stumps, and/or grass. Carolina rigs will remain the choice technique using a 4.5 Twitch or a 4″ Fry Assassin with a Top Brass Tackle ¾ oz. Brass sinker with a glass bead on a Kistler Carolina rig med/hvy action. You can feel every bump and stump with the new sensitive rods made by Kistler. (for information on these fantastic rods, call 1-281-259-8033). Gourd Green or watermelon, as well as Red Bug, junebug, or sour grape are good colors to use on a CR rig. Another lure that will work in these same places is the crankbait, which I am using a DB-22 in shad/black black, and a Storm Flat Wart in chrome/blue back on 15 lb test line. If these applications don’t prove successful, then try finessing the bass using a spinning rod/reel with a split tail grub on a small jig head or split shot rig in the same areas. The one ounce Lockhart Chuck-N-Spin or a ½ oz spoon, jigged vertically in trees located on points and ledges will attract a few bass also. Topwater bassing has been poor all summer, however the Lockhart buzzbait or the Storm Chug Bug in bone/orange belly is catching the attention of a few bass. Good areas to concentrate your fishing efforts is SRA Point, the steps on the dam, the Dinnertable, Chainsaw, Chaney, Pop-R, Hamilton, Wolfe, Dale, Ray Branch, Ford, Grimes, Searcy, Taylor, Bell, Long Branch, and Johnson Camp dam. 15 – 25 feet will be key depths to keep a lure moving. As of September 1, 2000, there will be a new largemouth bass slot limit implemented on Lake Fork by the Texas Parks and Wildlife which will be 16″ – 24″. All bass which measure between 16 and 24 inches must be returned to the waters of Lake Fork immediately. There is a daily bag limit of 5 bass, which 5 under 16 inches, or 4 under 16 inches and one over 24 inches may be retained per day. Please practice “Catch and Release”, “Safe Handling” of all bass, and be courteous on the lake. Texas Parks & Wildlife info, call 1-800-792-1112. Computer generated license, 1-800-895-4248, Visa and MasterCard only. Don’t Forget! New fishing licenses and guides licenses are due on September 1, 2000 The McDonald’s Tournament is September 22, 23, & 24, 2000, and the Skeeter Owners Tournament is scheduled for September 30 & October 1, 2000. Sherry Ruslink is a licensed guide on Lake Fork. She runs a full service Bass Fishing Guide Business. Sherry’s guide service offers individual, corporate/ group, instructional, and tournament prefish trips. Day trips, night trips, and ½ day bass fishing trips, Crappie trips, and gift certificates. Sherry can be reached at 903-383-7310, 1-877-523-9227, email: ladybass@koyote.com, URL: https://texs.com/ladybass/fork.htm. Sponsor’s include – Triton Boats/Mercury Motors, Kistler Rods, Shimano Reels, Lowrance, Motorguide, Lockhart Lures, Gene Larew Lures, Top Brass Tackle, and Bass Assassin. I also carry the new Martin’s Map CD Rom, and Martin’s Maps for Fork and Cooper. We would love to have you join Lake Fork Sportsman’s Assoc. on Lake Fork! *******FISH FRIENDLY*******
Water Temp: 89
