Lake Fork Trophy Bass - Report Archives

Fishing Reports Archive

Lake Fork Trophy Bass Fishing with Pro Guide James Caldemeyer. James@officiallakeforktrophybass.com or call 903-736-9888.

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report

April 28th, 2008

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

The fishing, this April, has been consistent for catching numbers of good quality spawning fish.

Although the spring weather has been a like roller coaster with rain, wind, hot days and cold ones… we are still managing to put some real quality fish in the boat. As the weather becomes more predictable and we move from spring into early summer patterns, expect the fishing to become EXTREMELY good at Lake Fork!

Lake levels are currently sitting at 402.89, which is about 2 inches below full pool. It is great that the lake is this full going into the warmer months. The water clarity in the backs of the creeks is stained but the further south you go, the clearer the water gets. Water temperatures have been ranging from 67-73 degrees in most areas, with even warmer water in the back of the creeks.

The are a number of different patterns working that you can catch fish on right now. This can often be intimidating to anglers because they cannot decide which one they want to focus on. There are fish that are still spawning right now, others that have finished and are already into their post-spawn patterns, as well as some fish that have yet to move up. I have been targeting them all and fishing a number of different baits to catch fish.

Early, I have been fishing top water baits in spawning coves, points, and flats to entice some big blow ups. Yellow magics in shad or baby bass patterns have been best. Stanley Ribbits and Zoom Toads fished over and through the heavy grass on the bank will get your arm jerked! The top water bite has been inconsistent but I always give it a fair chance first thing in the morning.

Flukes have also been doing well. Fishing these baits in areas that the fish are still moving in to spawn will catch some hogs! I am rigging these baits weightless, slightly weighted or wacky style and am throwing them on a 7’2" Shimano Cumara Med. Hvy. rod spooled with 16 lb Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. A 4/0 wide gap hook will do the job on the flukes and Tiki-Sticks when fishing them weightless and I am using a Mr. Blitz 4/0 Pin-acky hook with a 1/32 oz.

weight molded into the hook on my wacky rigs. The key to getting bites has been fishing these baits very slow. Texas rigged lizards, baby brush hogs, or beaver type baits are good choices as well for flipping the shallow grass and timber in these same areas. I will use a 7’ heavy action rod spooled with 20 lb.

fluorocarbon for my flipping and 1/4 or 3/8 oz. weight with a 4/0 straight shank hook.

The post-spawn action is starting to get rolling but should pick up a lot better mid to late May. Early summer post spawn fishing is some of my favorite fishing of the year. I love to fish deep structure and Lake Fork has a lot of it! The fish will begin feeding heavily to recuperate from the vigorous spawning period. Big swim baits, crank baits, jigs, big worms and carolina rigs will be real productive and you can find large schools of bass out on deep structure feeding on shad. You can pull up on certain spots at the right time and literally load the boat! If you would like to book a trip to get in on some great post-spawn fishing, I still have a few dates available in late May and a few in June. Feel free to give me a call at (903)736-9888 or you can send me an email at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com You can also visit my website if you would like more information about Lake Fork

I have also done well on Wave Worm Tiki- Sticks and Bamboo Sticks www.wavefishing.com in black/blue, green pumpkin and any watermelon color have been the best producers.www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com

Read John 14:1-6

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report

April 10th, 2008

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

There are a number of different patterns and presentations that are producing well right now because there are three different stages of the spawn that fish are in right now. I have been targeting areas where the second stage of spawning fish are moving into. Key areas have been at the very back of the major creeks and pockets from mid-lake all the way north. With the lake fuller than it has been in several years, these fish are in virtually no water making beds. 5 feet of water or less has been the most productive. Topwater poppers, frogs and buzz baits are starting to catch a few fish. Wave Worm Tiki- Sticks and Bamboo Sticks www.wavefishing.com or flukes in black/blue, green pumpkin and any watermelon color have been the best producers. I am rigging these baits weightless, slightly weighted or wacky style and am throwing them on a 7’2" Shimano Cumara Med. Hvy. rod spooled with 16 lb Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. A 4/0 wide gap hook will do the job on the flukes and Tiki-Sticks when fishing them weightless and I am using a Mr. Blitz 4/0 Pinacky with a 1/32 oz. weight molded into the hook on my wacky rigs. The key to getting bites has been fishing these baits very slow. Texas rigged lizards,brush hogs, or beaver type baits are good choices as well for flipping the shallow grass and timber in these same areas. I will use a 7’ heavy action rod spooled with 20 lb. fluorocarbon for my flipping and 1/4 or 3/8 oz. weight with a 4/0 straight shank hook. Keep this rod handy as you go down the bank. You may see a big fish on a bed and want to flip in there to catch her!

April bass fishing on Lake Fork has been as good as can be expected despite the continual rains and fluctuating water conditions. The second wave of big female spawning fish have already started to converge on the shallows and a steady stream of more fish will head that direction as we come closer to the the full moon. It should all happen in perfect timing for the second annual Toyota Big Bass Classic on April 18-20.

This is going to be another great tournament this year so if you missed coming last year, come out and join the festivities next weekend!

Water temperatures on Lake Fork are ranging from 62-67 degrees or warmer in some areas in the peak of the afternoons. Due to the recent rains though, the water clarity is off-colored to stained in the back of some of the major creeks on the north end of the lake.

The south end is in much better shape with clearer water and water temperatures that are optimal for some great April spawning action. Lake levels are currently at 403.83 and dropping with the gates at the dam being re-opened.

On cloudy windy days, a Talon spinner bait in 3/8 or 1/2 oz. white or chart./white will catch some good ones www.talonlures.com . I have also been throwing a Chatter bait with good success. It has done well when they will not touch a spinner bait. I am also a big swim bait fan during this time of year. Areas that you are able to find some clearer water in are good places to throw a big 5 to 7 inch swim bait. My favorite color during this time of year is bluegill, white/pearl, or a shiner color. If you are coming to Lake Fork and are after a really big bass. Tie one on, throw it and be ready! The big bass on Fork love these things and will hit them so hard that it feels like a train just ran over your bait!!

If you are interested in booking a guided trip on Lake Fork, I have a couple dates at the end of May and some in June still available. Feel free to give me a call at (903) 736-9888 or just email me lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com . I will also be out at the PAA Toyota tournament working the Diamond Sports Marine booth so stop by and say hello. If you have not seen the new Z520’s or would like a demo ride. I will have my boat there for those that would like to take a spin in it! For more information about Lake Fork and myself, check out my website at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com .

Thank you to the good Lord, my family and to my sponsors for their great support. I am thankful to be surrounded with so many wonderful and supportive people.

Read Hebrews 4: 12,13

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
March 12, 2008

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

"March Madness", at Lake Fork, is in full swing and is evident with two Share A Lunkers being brought to the scales in as many days. I was able to witness the excitement of Cal Lamb at Lake Fork Marina after he brought in a fish yesterday that weighed 13.02 lbs. He was fishing alone and in a rental boat when he landed the monster bass on a jig. He had never thrown a jig before yesterday but I am sure he will be fishing it a lot more often now. It was funny to hear him explain that when he set the hook on the fish, "…it felt like I was hung on a stump, then I realized it was a fish and it felt like I was dragging a tire in." Definitely another amazing Lake Fork story and a fish of a lifetime! Today, another Share A Lunker was caught as well weighing just over 13 lbs.

The water level at Lake Fork is currently sitting at 403.08, which is just over full pool. Recent rains have continued to produce lots of run off and have caused most of the lake’s creeks to be stained and off colored. Finding the areas within the stained creeks that get less run off and are a bit clearer is best.

Water temperatures have been ranging from 53-58 degrees in the areas that I have been targeting and the bite has been more consistent in the afternoon when water temps are at their peak.

I have been fishing primarily pre-spawn patterns early in the day when the water temps are down and keying on main lake & secondary points or creek channel edges that are adjacent to spawning areas.

Fishing the grass in 2-8 feet of water has been best.

Red/orange rattle traps are still producing fish along with white/chartreuse spinner baits & chatter baits.

When the water starts heating up I grab my new Shimano Cumara rod & reel rigged with 16 lb. Gamma Edge fluorocarbon and move to the spawning flats. A 4/0 wide gap hook rigged with a Wave Worm Tiki Stick and Tiki Bamboo Stick in black/blue, green pumpkin or any watermelon colored fluke has produced some good fish lately. http://www.wavefishing.com I am also rigging my Tiki Stick wacky style with a 3/0, 1/32 oz. Mr. Blitz hook http://www.mrblitz.com and dead sticking it over the grass with an occasional twitch of the rod and catching them. If you have not tried this technique, you are missing out! Flipping a jig has caught some of our biggest fish lately and accounted for a lot of big bites across the lake. My favorite is a 3/8 to 1/2 oz. black/blue or black/blue/purple Talon jig tipped with a matching trailer. If you have the patience to fish a jig, now is the time to fish it! Generally, you will not get as many bites but the ones you do get may have you feeling like you are reeling in a "tire" on the other end!!

If you would like to book a trip for some great bass fishing on Lake Fork, feel free to give me a call at (903)736-9888 or email me lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com You can also visit my website at http://www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com I would like to thank the good Lord & my sponsors for their support and to those that contributed to my new boat wrap.

Kevin and Rhonda at UCR Graphics did a great job and my Ranger Z520 looks spectacular! I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in a custom wrap to promote their company or products http://www.ucrwraps.com Read 1 Peter 3:18

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
February 27th , 2008

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

February is coming to a close but the pre-spawn bass fishing at Lake Fork is wide open! Now is a great time to be out on the lake pursuing the fish of a lifetime.

The weather conditions have been less than favorable lately for fishing.

The big females are making their annual migration toward the shallows in preparation for another spectacular year of spawning activity. I always look forward to this time of year as Lake Fork gets to show all others why it remains the "Bass Capitol" of Texas.

The weather has been like a roller coaster lately, which is typical in February. Stable weather conditions and the front side of cold fronts coming through have been the most productive periods even when the wind is blowing hard. The water level at Lake Fork is sitting at 403.08 which is great. The draw back is that with the recent rains bringing the lake above full pool, it has stained a lot of the water up in the creeks. Finding the areas in the creeks that have clearer water are key places to focus on.

Water temperatures have ranged from 51-55 degrees in recent days depending on the evening air temperatures.

With so many fluctuations in weather conditions, it is important to monitor your surface temp gauge in the areas that you are fishing. The most active bass are amongst the warmest water available to them on a given day and sometimes these areas can change overnight or from morning to afternoon. This can definitely make it a challenge to keep up with those "big mamas".

The best approach to locating the fish has been targeting the staging areas such as main lake points, secondary points, creek channels, ditches or drop offs that are adjacent to spawning flats. I will throw "search baits" such as the rattle trap, spinner bait or a chatter bait over the grass beds to entice a reaction strike. The ½ oz. or ¾ oz. rattle trap is my favorite and by far the most productive right now.

Red/orange crawfish patterns, white/red, gold, or chrome/blue all have their place. Cranking over the grass and letting it fall down in it then ripping it out will trigger most of your bites so keep it in contact with the grass. Change the colors up also to see which one they want best on a given day. As the days warm up, a double willow Talon spinner bait in chart./white or red will catch them as well.

http://www.talonlures.com

Once you have found an area that is concentrated with fish, slooowww down and fish the area thoroughly! I have been fishing a black/blue Talon ½ oz. to ¾ oz.

jig tipped with a matching trailer and backing out to about 10-12 foot of water for some big fish action.

The jig bite has been a little bit inconsistent but give it a fair chance because when they get on it, they GET ON IT! Keep the senko/fluke rod handy.

Shimano’s new Cumara 7’2" Med. Hvy. rod and 50mg reel spooled with 16lb. Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon is the perfect combination and man is it light. A 4/0 wide gap hook, Texas rigged or Mr. Blitz "Pin’Acky" wacky style hook http://www.mrblitz.com rigged with a Wave Worm Tiki Stick and Tiki Bamboo Stick in black/blue, green pumpkin, watermelon red, or sweet potato pie has produced some good fish lately as well.

http://www.wavefishing.com Dead-sticking this bait from now through spring will be a very productive technique for catching a big bass. Just throw it out there and let it soak!

If springtime has you itching for a new ride out on the water, you need to go by and check out the new line of Rangers at Diamond Sports Marine on Hwy 154 while you are at Lake Fork. I gave two different guys demo rides in my new Z520 on Saturday and they were both so impressed in the boat that each they had to get one. This new boat is that amazing so go by and take a look at one!

If you would like to book a trip to come fish Lake Fork this year, feel free to give me a call

(903)736-9888 or you can email me at

lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com . I do not have any availability in March or April but I do have a few dates open in May and June. These are excellent months to catch late spawning bass and get in on the tremendous post-spawn action!

I would like to thank my proud sponsors for their support and the opportunity to promote the quality products that they produce. A special thanks to my new sponsors, Mr. Blitz and Wave Worm. Please pray for my good friend and fellow guide John Tanner as he recovers from a kidney stone. Read Philippians 4:6

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
January 24th, 2008

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

Trophy Bass Fishing Report

Submitted December 20, 2007

By Guide James Caldemeyer

I am currently feeling “relieved” to finally be sitting down to write this report. After a wonderful trip to Lake Comedero(where we caught a ton of fish) and the past couple weeks of getting a new boat ready, equipment/tackle sorted out, and cold windy weather, I was finally able to get out on the lake the past couple days.

This week has been a nice weather week for fishing Lake Fork or Lake Monticello. While today has been nice, we have been getting some cold days and nights the past week or so. It is this time of year, through February, that I like to be on the water. Although weather conditions are not always favorable, it is this season that you will find some of the biggest fish in the lake being caught!

My winter trips are split between Lake Fork and Monticello right now. The fishing on both lakes has been good. Large numbers of smaller fish with a few nice ones mixed in have been consistent at Monticello.

The fish have started there pre-spawn activity. I have not spotted any fish on beds as of yet but those days are soon ahead. I have been targeting the creek channel edges adjacent to the spawning flats with good results. Red lipless crank baits or shallow running crank baits are good locator baits to cover water with and find key areas that the fish are staging in.

Flipping timber with a Texas rig or jig in black neon, watermelon red or black/blue is productive. Grande Bass Rattlesnakes and Sticks in watermelon red rigged weightless fished in the reeds and over flats are always great at Monticello. Dead sticking it or moving it with long pause in between has been most effective.

You can also catch a lot of deep fish right now on a drop shot. I am using a 4” finesse worm in watermelon red or pumpkin seed for best results. Expect these fish to really move up into the shallows during the full moon. For all you sight fisherman, get ready!

As for Lake Fork, the lake is in great shape going into the New Year with level near full pool. Water temps have been 52-56 degrees. This is the time of year to be throwing your lipless crank baits and jerk baits fished over the grass. Best colors on the trap are reds and orange crawfish patterns. For the jerk bait, I like to use a rogue in gold/orange/black or clown colors. Main lake points and secondary points at the mouths of the creeks are good areas to start. I also like to flip a jig, which is what also makes this time of year great. A 3/8 to 1/2 oz black and blue jig with a matching trailer fished slowly along the creek channel edges will produce some whales. For the deep bite, you can find them on humps, ridges, and pond dams with your electronics and do well working a spoon in a 3/8 or 1/2 oz size. On some days, the fish want it hopped of the bottom and on others, gently crawling it across the bottom with slow turns of the reel work best.

If you are interested in booking a trip this winter to Lake Fork or Monticello, you can reach me at (903)736-9888, or email me at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com . My springtime dates are

filling up fast for next year. There are many people that wait until the last minute to hire a guide for the spring and are not able to get the date or the guide that they want, so do not wait. I also have gift certificates available.

May God bless all of you this holiday season! Please remember the reason for the season…JESUS!! I thank the Lord for the opportunity to share the sport of fishing with all of you. I would also like to thank my sponsors for their generous support.

Read Philipians 4:6,7

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
November 5th, 2007

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

It is hard to believe that it’s November already!

This month is one of my favorite months of the year to fish for trophy bass on Lake Fork. With all the hunters headed for the deer stands and duck blinds, the fishing pressure decreases and the appetite of the fish increases. Water temperatures begin to cool and the bass will feed in preparation for winter. Those that forego the hunting for a day on the lake, may be richly rewarded with a fish of a lifetime!!

Water conditions at Lake Fork are clear to 3+ ft on the main lake, with some areas of the creeks having clear to slightly stained water. Water levels are currently holding at 402.75, which is slightly below full pool, with surface temperatures in the mid to high 60’s.

The fishing has been fair to good this past week, although the size and number of fish being caught is relatively inconsistent from day to day. The bite was better today and I expect for it to get real good as this month rolls along. The early morning top water bite has produced some nice ones to start the day off.

Yellow magics / Zara Spooks (shad patterns), or white buzz baits and frogs, worked over the grass beds and thru the lily pads have drawn some explosive action from big fish.

After the top water bite ceases, I am switching over to wacky worms and shaky head worms. I am rigging a 6”

wacky worm on a 1/0 wacky hook with a nail in the head for added weight. On the shaky head, I am using a 1/8 to 3/16 oz. with a trick worm or Grande Squirm worm.

Working either of these over and through the grass in depths of 4-10 feet has caught some nice fish. Best colors have been watermelon red, watermelon candy, June bug, and chartreuse pumpkin. A Texas rigged worm has also been very productive in the grass and along the outside edges of the deeper grass. I have been rigging mine with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz. weight and a 4/0 wide gap hook. Best colors have been watermelon red or June bug. As the water cools, there will be more and more fish making a migration to the backs of these creeks and they will be gorging themselves on baitfish in preparation for winter. Shallow to mid depth crank baits in shad patterns will become more consistent as fall progresses. A white 3/8 to 1/2 oz. Talon spinner bait or chatter bait is also a good choice.

Fall is an excellent time to catch large numbers of fat feeding bass off of humps, points, roadbeds, pond dams and ledges. I search these deep areas with my Lowrance X26 and once I have located a spot that is holding a concentration of fish, it is time to break out the Carolina rig and jigging spoon. I use a 7’6” heavy action Shimano Crucial rod and Chronarch reel spooled with 20lb. Gamma Edge fluorocarbon www.gammafishing.com , a 1 oz. weight and a 4-5 foot leader with a 3/0 wide gap hook is a great Carolina rig combination. Best baits have been the Centipedes and Grande Bass Rattlesnakes or Baby Rattlesnake www.grandebass.com in watermelon red, watermelon seed or chart. pepper. On some days you will barely feel these deep fish pick the bait up and start swimming off but most of the time, they are trying to jerk the rod out of your hand. The jigging spoon has been very effective as well for catching them out deep right now. A 3/8 or 1/2 oz. Talon jigging spoon is my favorite www.leadheadlures.com all the way up to a very large, slow falling spoon.

If you would like to get out on the Lake Fork this fall and catch some of these big bass, feel free to give me a call at (903) 736-9888, or you can email me at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com Now is a great time of year to get the wife, kids, or a beginner out on the lake for some great action as the fish are active and feeding more often. I would like to say thanks to my sponsors for their great products and continual support. Please pray for our country and for those that are battling illnesses.

Read Matthew 18:20

Tight Lines and God Bless

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
October 15, 2007

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

It is fall at Lake Fork and the fishing is great! If it is a real TROPHY BASS that you are in search of, now is the time of year to be concentrating your fishing efforts on the Big Bass Capitol!! The Berkley tournament has just concluded and the anglers who turned out for the event caught a number of big bass.

Congratulations to Sam Trinca for catching the big fish that weighed 9.72 lbs. That is a big mama!

Water conditions at Lake Fork are clear to 3+ ft on the main lake, with some areas of the creeks having slightly stained water from some run off and wind.

Water levels are currently holding at 403.05, which is slightly above full pool, with temperatures in the high 70’s.

The fishing has begun to move into a more consistent fall pattern and the fish are biting well. The early morning top water bite has produced some nice ones to start the day off. Most days the action has been brief, but on the overcast mornings the blow-ups are frequent on yellow magics, zara spooks (shad colors), or white buzz baits and frogs. Working these baits over submerged vegetation and thru the lily pads will get you awake quicker than a cup of Folgers coffee, as the strikes have been explosive!

Wacky worms in watermelon colors, June bug, and green pumpkin have also been catching fish in the same areas. There is a lot of grass in the lake right now and these fish are relating to it well all the way from the main lake points to the backs of the major creeks. A Texas rigged worm has also been very productive in the grass and along the outside edges of the deeper grass. I have been rigging mine with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz. weight and a 4/0 wide gap hook. Best colors have been watermelon red, June bug, and red bug. As the water cools, there will be more and more fish making a migration to the backs of these creeks and they will be gorging themselves on baitfish in preparation for winter. Shallow to mid depth crank baits in shad patterns will become more consistent as the fall rolls along. A white spinner bait or chatter bait is also a good choice. I like to use a 1/2 to 3/4

oz. double willow Talon spinner bait.

The deep fishing is also picking up as well. Fall is an excellent time to catch numbers of fat feeding bass off of humps, points, roadbeds, pond dams and ledges.

I search these deep areas with my Lowrance X26 and once I have located a spot that is holding a concentration of fish, it is time to break out the Carolina rig and jigging spoon. I use a 7’6” heavy action Shimano Crucial rod and Chronarch reel spooled with 20lb. Gamma Edge fluorocarbon, a 1 oz. weight and a 4-5 foot leader with a 3/0 wide gap hook is the ultimate set up. Best baits have been the Grande Bass Baby Rattlesnake and french frys in watermelon red, watermelon seed or chart. pepper. On some days you will barely feel these deep fish pick the bait up and start swimming off but most of the time, they are trying to jerk the rod out of your hands. The jigging spoon has been very effective as well for catching them out deep right now. A 3/8 or 1/2 oz. Talon jigging spoon is my favorite www.leadheadlures.com all the way up to a very large, slow falling spoon.

If you would like to get out on the Lake Fork this fall and catch some big ole bass while all the hunters are in their deer stands, feel free to give me a call at (903) 736-9888 or you can email me at

lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com There is a less fishing pressure on the lake this time of year and the fish are active so come on out if you can! I still have a couple dates available at the end of this month and some availability in November.

Read Mark 10:27

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
September 24, 2007

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

Fall is officially here and along with it comes some
great bass fishing at Lake Fork! From now thru
November, and even into December, you can expect a
serious amount of feeding activity at the lake.
Water levels at Lake Fork are currently sitting at
403.14, which is still above pool. Surface
temperatures have been running 80 to 84 degrees with
the water clarity being fairly clear to about 3 foot
in most areas.
The fishing is really turning it up a notch. Numbers
have begun to be more consistent, with the overall
quality of fish we are catching being good. Shallow
water fishing has been great. Although there are some
fish in extremely shallow water, the heavier
concentrations of bigger fish have been holding in 10
to 15 feet of water. Main lake points with grass at
this depth have been the most productive places to
find these shallow feeding fish. However, do not count
out any area that is holding this deep grass. The top
water bite has been awesome early and late, or during
overcast days, on yellow magics and chug bugs in shad
patterns. Buzz bait has produced some fish as well.
Wacky worms, flukes, and Texas rigged 7-inch worms are
doing real well after the top water bite ceases. Best
colors have been June bug, chart. pumpkin or
watermelon seed fished along the edges of submerged
grass beds. Fishing these baits fairly slow has been
the key.
The deeper bite has been a little less consistent
than would be expected this time of year. There are
some isolated areas that the deep fishing has been
productive but these fish do not stay in one spot very
long. Carolina rigs have been the most productive for
me after I have marked some fish with my Lowrance
electronics. I use a 7’6” heavy action Shimano Crucial
rod and reel spooled with 20lb. Gamma Edge
fluorocarbon, a 1 oz. weight and a 4-5 foot leader.
Best baits have been the Grande Bass
www.grandebass.com Mutant, Rattlesnake or Baby
Rattlesnake in watermelon red, watermelon seed,
chartreuse pepper or the “NEW” green
pumpkin/watermelon laminate color rigged on a 3/0 wide
gap hook. A Texas rigged worm has also produced well
on these deep spots the same as it has the shallow to
mid depth areas. Watermelon red, watermelon seed, and
June bug colors have been best.
There are a number of fish that are suspended right
now and are just following balls of baitfish.
Effective ways to catch these suspended Lake Fork bass
is with a deep diving crank bait (DD 22), chrome
lipless crank bait, jigging spoon, or swim bait worked
at or just above the depth that these bass are
suspending. At times, you will find these fish
schooling on baitfish and will want to have your rod
ready to cast into the school of fish before they move
off or quit chasing shad. The schooling action is
vicious but usually does not last long so you will
want to be ready!

If you are planning a trip to Lake Fork to come catch
some of these trophy bass and you would like to catch
some of these big ole Lake Fork bass with me this
fall, feel free to give me a call at (903)736-9888 or
you can send me an email lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com
I still have a couple of dates available before the
Berkley tournament October 13th and 14th, for those of
you that would like to pre-fish for that event.
I would like to thank my sponsors for their continued
support and superior products. I would also like to
congratulate all my clients that were able to get a
check in the Mc Donald’s Big Bass Splash. And to all
of you that came by to say “hello” during the
tournament. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and
to be able to put faces with names. For those of you
that were not able to make it this year, you missed a
great tournament! I hope to see you out there next
year!!

Read John 16:24

Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
September 4, 2007

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

September is here! This month is the time for some great fishing at Lake Fork and the beginning of some relief from the hot summer weather. It is also the time for the annual McDonald’s Big Bass Splash September 14, 15 and 16, Lake Fork’s biggest tournament of the year!! For those of you that may be heading out for this exciting event, here is a report that may help you catch that winning fish.

Water levels at Lake Fork are currently sitting at 403.27, which is still about 3 inches above pool.

Surface temperatures have been in the upper 80’s to low 90’s on most days with the water clarity being fairly clear to about 3 foot in most areas.

The fishing has been fair to good on most days.

Numbers have varied from day to day but the overall quality of fish we are catching is good. Shallow water fishing has been good early with wacky worms and Texas rigged 7 inch worms in June bug, pumpkinseed or watermelon colors fished over and in submerged grass beds. Main lake points with grass have been the most productive places to find these shallow feeding fish early and late. Although there are some fish in extremely shallow water, the heavier concentrations of fish have been holding in 10 to 16 feet of water. The top water bite has been inconsistent lately but when they do want it, yellow magics and zara spooks in shad patterns have been good.

The deeper bite has been a little less consistent than would be expected this time of year. With the water temperatures being moderate and an abundance of shallow cover, the fish have been relating to shallow to mid depths more consistently than out deep. This is not to say that there aren’t a number of spots to catch them deep. When the weather has been hot, there are plenty of fish that are grouping up on deep structure. Points, roadbeds, humps, pond dams and ridges that are in 22 to 32 ft have produced well.

Finding these fish out deep can be a chore at times but if you run your electronics over enough areas, you may find a load of them. Carolina rigs have been the most productive for me after I have marked some fish with my electronics. I use a 7’6” heavy action Shimano Crucial rod and reel spooled with 20lb. Gamma Edge fluorocarbon, a 1 oz. weight and a 4-5 foot leader.

Best baits have been the Grande Bass

www.grandebass.com Mutant, Rattlesnake or Baby Rattlesnake in watermelon red, watermelon seed, chartreuse pepper or their “NEW” green pumpkin/watermelon laminate color rigged on a 3/0 wide gap hook. On some days the fish prefer the rig worked through them on a steady pull and on other days you’ll want to hop it some so vary your retrieve some until you figure out how they want it. A Texas rigged worm has also produced well on these deep spots the same as it has the shallow to mid depth areas. Watermelon red, watermelon seed and June bug colors have been best.

At times the fish have been a little less active and somewhat suspended off the bottom in these deep areas. Catching them on a Carolina rig or Texas rig will not be as productive when this occurs. That is when I grab my Crucial spinning rod and start working on them with a drop shot rig. I keep my rod spooled up with 10 lb. Gamma fluorocarbon, a 2/0 drop shot hook and a 3/8 to

1/2 oz. weight attached about 18 to 24 inches below the bait. Best baits have been the Baby Rattlesnake in watermelon red and chartreuse pepper or a 4” finesse worm in shades of watermelon or pumpkinseed.

Some more effective ways to catch these suspended Lake Fork bass is with deep diving crank bait (DD 22), chrome lipless crank bait, jigging spoon, or swim bait worked at or just above the depth that these bass are suspending. At times you will find these fish schooling on bait fish and will want to have your rod ready to cast into the school of fish before they move off or quit chasing shad. The schooling action is awesome but short and sweet sometimes so you’ll want to be ready!

If you are planning a trip to Lake Fork to come catch some of these trophy bass or you would like to book a trip to pre-fish for an upcoming tournament, feel free to give me a call at (903)736-9888 or you can send me an email lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com

This fall at Lake Fork is going to be awesome as well so make your reservations now.

Good luck to everyone that will be coming out to fish the McDonald’s Tournament. If you get a chance, stop by the Shimano booth and check out some of their great new products for 2008. I will be there during the tournament so come by and say hello. I hope to see you carrying a BIG MAMA to the scales!

Read 1 John 2:17

Tight Lines and God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

Lake Fork Bass Fishing Report
August 12, 2007

Lake Fork Trophy Bass
Guide James Caldemeyer

Doug & Rachel

Having a great day on Lake Fork,Texas

WOW is it hot! The summer heat has finally made its
way to east Texas. But don’t let the warm weather
discourage you from coming to the lake. Summertime and
Lake Fork can equate to some HOT bass fishing action!
I was privileged to be able to fish with Mr. Doug
Jost and his daughter Rachel yesterday. I must say
that this 11 yr old girl had her mind on fishing and
the warm weather was not going to slow her down. She
persevered in the heat of the afternoon without a
complaint and was rewarded with some real nice fish.
Good job Rachel!

The lake is in great shape for August with water
levels holding steady at 403.60, just above full
pool. The gates at the dam have remained closed and
this has kept the fishing more consistent. Surface
temperatures have been ranging from 85-92 degrees.
Water clarity is fairly clear to slightly stained in
areas.

The shallow bite has been good for small to medium
sized slot fish early and late in the day. Best areas
have been main lake and secondary points adjacent to
deep water, creek channel bends and shallow pond dams.
The presence of good grass beds has been the key to
these areas being productive. Wacky worms worked over
the grass in watermelon candy, watermelon red, June
bug and sour grape colors have produced the best.
Texas rigged worms and drop shot rigs have also done
well in these same colors. The topwater bite early has
produced some fish on certain days with yellow magics,
zara spooks and sammys in shad patterns being the most
productive. You’ll also want to keep a shallow running
crank bait handy for some good shallow water action.
Norman Little N's and Deep Little N's have been best
in shad colors and chartreuse/blue back.

Most of my fishing has been out deep for the big
mamas though! Deep structure fishing at Lake Fork is
hard to beat this time of year all the way into the
fall months. This type of fishing is intimidating to a
lot of anglers but once you have learned how to find
fish in deep water, the dividends can be outstanding.
Depths from 20 to 35 feet are where you’ll find the
majority of the concentrations of fish. Best areas to
target are main lake points, road beds, humps, ridges,
and pond dams that are relative to this depth range.
Once you have established several areas to consider, a
good graph will show you if fish are holding in on
these spots. A Lowrance is as dependable as they come
and I rely on mine daily to tell me where the fish are
hanging out.

Carolina rigs have been the most productive for me
after I have marked some fish with my electronics. I
use a 7'6" heavy action Shimano Crucial rod and reel
spooled with 20lb. Gamma Edge fluorocarbon, a 1 oz.
weight and a 4-5 foot leader. Best baits have been the
Grande Bass www.grandebass.comRattlesnake or Mutant
in watermelon red, pumpkin chartreuse or chartreuse
pepper colors rigged on a 3/0 wide gap hook. On some
days the fish prefer the rig worked through them on a
steady pull and on other days you’ll want to hop it
some. So try varying your retrieve some when you are
out there and let the fish tell you how they want the
bait worked. Big 10 inch worms like the Zoom Ole
Monster or Berkley Power Worms have been catching some
nice fish as well. Watermelon seed, watermelon red
and blue fleck have been my colors of choice.

There have been some days that the fish are a little
less active and somewhat suspended off the bottom in
these deep areas. Catching them on a Carolina rig or
Texas rig will not be as productive when this occurs.
That is when I grab my Crucial spinning rod and start
working on them with a drop shot rig. I keep my rod
spooled up with 10 lb. Gamma fluorocarbon, a 2/0 drop
shot hook and a 3/8 to 1/2 oz. weight attached about
18 to 24 inches below the bait. Best baits have been
the Baby Rattlesnake in watermelon red and chartreuse
pepper or a 4 inch finesse worm in shades of watermelon or
pumpkinseed.

Another great way to catch these suspended Lake Fork
bass is with a deep diving crankbait, chrome lipless
crank bait, jigging spoon, or swimbait worked at or
just above the depth that these bass are suspending.
At times you will find these fish schooling on bait
fish and will want to have your rod ready to cast into
the school of fish before they move off or quit
chasing shad. The schooling action is awesome and my
clients have caught a number of big fish like this.
This schooling activity should heat up along with the
temperatures of the summer!

If you are planning a trip to Lake Fork to come catch
some of these trophy bass and would like to book a
guided trip, feel free to give me a call at
(903)736-9888 or you can send me an email
James@officiallakeforktrophybass.com I will work hard to make
your fishing experience at Lake Fork a productive and
memorable one! Read Acts 2:38

Tight Lines and God Bless,
James Caldemeyer