September here and what a great month it is going to be for big bass action on Lake Fork! Some of the best tournaments of the year are coming up as the fall season rolls in and it’s going to be exciting. The Sealy Big Bass Tournament is coming to Lake Fork Marina September 20-22. The payouts of this tournament will reach nearly $500,000 in cash & prizes. Now that’s some real incentive to get out to the lake and get to fishing!
This month is always a transitional time for the water on Lake Fork. With a mix of warm days and cooler nights the water conditions start to change. The lake has not received much summer rain, and we are in need of some good fall precipitation to get the lake back up. Current lake levels are near a foot low. The water temperatures have been ranging from 78-84 degrees on most areas of the lake and those temps may cool as we get through the month. The water clarity is slightly stained or off colored in several areas also due to the lake showing faint signs of beginning to turn over. There are some areas that are clearer than others and most of the best water visibility is on the south end. If we have some cooler evenings roll in as the month progresses, we could see the in full turn over by the end of the month but if it remains hot the process will be delayed.
With Lake Fork in somewhat of a seasonal fall transition you can also expect to find the fish in the same state of uncertainty. Some of the bass have already started to migrate into the shallows to escape the instability of the deeper water and follow the shad. Main lake points, pockets, and coves at the mouth to mid-way back in the creeks are good places to start. I like to target several different shallow patterns during this time of year. The topwater bite has been pretty good so far even though we haven’t seen the weather cool off too much yet. I am using the new Berkley topwater baits that were just released and all I have to say is “WOW!” These Lake Fork bass are really eating them up! The Berkley Bullet Pop has been my top producer right now in bone, MF shad, or sexy back colors. I am also getting a lot of blow ups on the walking styles also like the Berkley J Walker and Cane Walker in similar colors. Be sure to stop by and grab some of these from Lake Fork Marina as they just got a huge shipment in of brand-new Berkley baits! It will also give you a chance to try them out before the Berkley Big Bass tournament comes to town next month. A square billed crank bait, lipless crank bait, Santone spinner bait, or chatter bait are all great choices when trying to target these shallow fish that are feeding on the shad up shallow too but won’t hit topwaters. Lots of shad will be on the bank as the water temperatures cool. Covering water is always good and these baits will get it done. I like to use any shad pattern or white and white/chartreuse combinations when selecting a color. Once I establish an area that is holding fish with the moving baits I will slow down and fish the area thoroughly. A Texas rigged worm is my go-to in the fall. I like to use an Elite Tungsten 1/4 to 5/16 oz weight on 4/0 hook. I will rig up with a Berkley Powerbait power worm on the business end. The best colors are blue fleck, cherry seed, plum, motor oil, or black and blue in the 7” size. Another great choice of baits for me has been the new Berkley Powerbait MaxScent “The General” Worm. Fishing any of these through the shallow grass or shallow stumps catches lots of shallow bass on Lake Fork in the fall. My other “slow down” technique for catching them is a shaky head worm. I will use a 3/16 oz head with a Berkley Bottom Hopper or Rib Snake. Working these baits with light line like 12-pound Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon will catch a lot of fish especially as the crowds roll in and the fish feel the pressure from tournament anglers. My favorite colors are shady watermelon candy, plum, and blue fleck.
The deep bite is very unstable in September but if the right conditions present themselves it can be outstanding. Its during this time of year especially that I rely on my Garmin electronics. It makes quick work of finding the schools of deep bass! I will look for fish to be holding on main lake points, roadbeds, humps, and ridges. The great thing about my graphs is it gives you a definite distinction of whether there is a thermocline. When the bass have a lack of thermocline in the water column, they tend to be more scattered and suspended. When the thermocline is intact, the bass are more condensed in the relative depths. So, again with the lake in transition, you have to be aware of what the water conditions are before you can decide what the best techniques and presentations are to use. When I see the bass suspended around bait in the water column, I am using a deep diving crank bait most of the time. Any shad color is great, but I like one with some chartreuse in it as well. If you haven’t tried the new Berkley Dredger deep diving crankbait, you’ll want to grab a few of those and try them. They come in a variety of sizes and colors to match any condition. If you can locate a group of fish on the bottom then grab a Carolina rig or a drop shot with a Berkley Bottom Hopper worm in Cherryseed, Plum, or Shady Watermelon Candy. A Santone Lures 3/4oz football head jig with a Berkley Havoc Pit Chunk or Chigger Craw trailer is a very hard combination to beat for a big fish. I am throwing this in the same areas as the Carolina rig and dragging it or hopping it through these deep schools of bass. Best colors right now on the jig are black & blue, JC’s Spicy Craw, and Sloppy Joe.
Well, I hope this helps anyone that’s coming out this month to chase some big bass or fish a tournament. If you would like to fish with me still this year, I still have just a few dates available. My 2025 schedule is filling fast though so contact me as soon as possible if you are beginning to plan your next year’s trip. I also have gift certificates available for those of you that are interested in purchasing a friend or loved one a guided trip on Lake Fork. You can contact me to make your reservation at 903-736-9888 or send me an email at
la****************@ya***.com
You can also visit my website for more information about Lake Fork and my guide service at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com You can find me on Facebook and follow my official Lake Fork Trophy Bass Guide page at https://www.facebook.com/lakeforktrophybassguide
I have really enjoyed my Bass Cat boats the past few years and am enjoying my new 2024 Puma STS for this season. I couldn’t be happier to be serving my customers on Lake Fork as part of the Bass Cat Team and am looking forward to providing more great trips this year out of my new boat! If you’re interested in checking out any of the Bass Cat models, be sure to reach out to R & R Marine in Pittsburg, Texas. They have the all-new Puma and Caracal STS that everyone is raving about so go by and check it out! Steven Stroman and his crew have amazing sales and service as well as a complete tackle shop with just about anything you need. I would like to thank all my sponsors that are continuing to support me in 2024. I appreciate all their support as I serve all my great guide clients throughout the year on Lake Fork as well! Sponsors: Toyota, AFTCO, Bass Cat Boats, Mercury, I Am Second, Omnia Fishing, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Garmin, Santone Lures, Costa Sunglasses, Power Pole, Elite Tungsten, Johnson Communications, EVOLV and Bass Boat Technologies.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
Tight Lines & God Bless,
James Caldemeyer
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