Is it September already? I know a lot of us are looking for some relief from this heat wave that we’ve been having here in Texas. We should start to see some cooler temperatures this month, and with it should bring signs of fall as well as some fish transitioning to start their autumn feeding patterns. Tournament fishing will pick back up for anglers that are torn between fishing and the start of hunting season. The biggest event of the year is this month. The annual Sealy Big Bass Splash will draw a huge number of anglers in pursuit of big bass September 18th – 20th so get your entries in and come out on out to Lake Fork and enjoy a great event!
Even if you’re not a tournament fisherman and just enjoy getting out to fish in some of this cooler weather, this month is the time to start getting on the water for some great action. The lake is in great shape even though the water levels are about 4 feet low from the drought this year. Water clarity is great in most areas of the lake with temperatures ranging from 78-82 degrees. Whether it’s tournaments or fun fishing, here are some tips that will help you if you are in pursuit of monster bass this month…
With Lake Fork in somewhat of a transition, you can also expect to find the fish in the same state of transition. You will find that some of the bass have already started to migrate into the shallows to escape the instability of the deeper water. 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. A square billed crank bait, lipless crank bait, spinner bait, or bladed jig are all great choices when trying to target these shallow fish that are feeding on the shad up shallow. 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. 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 Berkley Powerbait Hit Worm. Fishing one of these wacky style or on a drop shot 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 Magnum Bottom Hopper or Magnum Hit Worm. My favorite colors are shady watermelon candy, plum, and blue fleck.
I am also spending some time out in deep water and rely on my Garmin graphs, and I SEE U marine monitor to point the way! If you haven’t had the opportunity to check these mirroring screens for your boat, you’ll want to check them out. They are now available in 4K screens and the clarity for Live Scope is amazing! They are also equipped with Android/Apple so you can view your apps like Google Earth, watch your favorite YouTube videos, or catch the ballgame on TV as you fish. As with the shallow fishing, when you are looking for fish out deep, the key during this time of year is locating bait fish. Once you locate the bait, you will find bass. The best places in early fall to start looking for bass out deep are humps, roadbeds, ridges, and points that slowly taper out into a channel or creek bend. The fish will be holding in 16-24 feet right now. I like to primarily target these deep bass with Carolina rigs. A 1 oz tungsten weight, four-foot leader, and a 3/0 hook will get the job done. Best baits have been the new Berkley Powerbait Jerk or Power Hawg in watermelon red, watermelon candy, or green pumpkin colors. Once I locate a school of fish on my graph, I am taking notice where exactly the fish are located in the water column. If the fish are suspended off the bottom, I am using deep diving crank baits, swim baits, or big flutter spoons are my favorite. I like the big spoon on the Lake Fork now all the way through the fall. I also throw a Santone Lures 5/8 or 3/4 oz football head jig on the deep bass. I will throw it out there and drag it or sometimes use a stroking technique of hopping it off the bottom to draw strikes from the biggest bass in the school. Best jig colors this month are JC’s Spicy Craw, PB&J, Bass Candy, or Fouzman. Be sure to also check for fish hanging around any brush piles you are able to locate out deeper. They like to school there and it’s a great place for them to suspend over deep water if the lake is turning over. Drop shots, neko rigs, spoons, and forward-facing baits like a jig head minnow and urchin style baits all very effective for catching these fish and can often times salvage an otherwise unproductive late summer day on the lake or help you to catch that fish you need for the tournament.
Well, I hope this helps anyone that’s coming out this month to fish the tournaments or just chase some big bass around. If you would like to fish with me this fall, I still have a few dates available. The rest of my 2026 schedule is filling fast though so contact me as soon as possible if you are wanting to plan a 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****************@***oo.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 7 years and am thrilled to be running the brand new 2026 Lynx model this year. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you get in this boat and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen! 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 the new ride. If you’re interested in checking out any of the Bass Cat models, be sure to reach out to Conroy Motorsports in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. They are the new Bass Cat dealer in Texas, and just a short distance from Lake Fork. They will be serving the area well with their team of sales professionals and service for Bass Cat Boats any of your service needs if you are around Lake Fork. They also have side by sides and ATV’s for hunting as well as other outdoor power equipment for all your recreational needs this fall! Contact Steven Stroman and tell him I sent ya.
I would like to thank all my sponsors and some new ones that have teamed up with me for the 2026 season. I appreciate all their support as I serve all my great guide clients throughout the year on Lake Fork as well! Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Cat Boats, Mercury, Conroy Motor Sports, I Am Second, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Garmin, Santone Lures, AFTCO, Costa Sunglasses, Power Pole, I SEE U, Elite Tungsten, Johnson Communications, Pro Guide Batteries, DD26 Fishing, Bass Boat Technologies, BDS Suspension, and Method Wheels.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:6
Tight Lines & God Bless,
James Caldemeyer
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