Fall fishing is in full swing at Lake Fork! With cooler weather setting in, it’s the perfect time to hit the water. This month offers great opportunities to catch quality bass with minimal boat traffic, as many anglers switch gears to hunting season. It’s also an ideal time to take the family out for some fishing fun. For tournament enthusiasts, don’t miss one of the year’s best events—the 19th Annual Berkley Big Bass Tournament, happening October 19-20. Hosted by Bass Champs and based at Lake Fork Marina, this exciting event features hourly big bass weigh-ins, cash prizes, and even boat giveaways. The tournament grows every year, and you won’t want to miss the action!
Current Lake Conditions
Lake Fork is in great shape, with water levels at 401.10 feet, just shy of full pool at 403 feet. Water clarity is excellent in the mid to southern areas of the lake, though some northern spots are stained from the annual fall turnover. New hydrilla and other vegetation are helping filter the water, keeping it clearer. Water temperatures are mostly in the 70s, reaching the low 80s on warmer days, providing optimal conditions for bass fishing.
Fishing Tips for October
Shallow Water Strategies
Fishing shallow waters has been the most consistent pattern lately. Start your mornings with topwater action around points, where bass are actively feeding on shad. The Berkley Bullet Pop or J-Walker are effective on calm days, while the Berkley Choppo works better when there’s a breeze. Best colors: Danald, bone, or black.
Once the topwater bite slows, switch to a Berkley Square Bull crankbait in the timber. This bait deflects off wood, triggering strikes. Ideal sizes are 5.5, with colors like Gilly, Sexier Shad, and black/chartreuse. For fishing around standing timber and docks, slow down with a Texas-rigged Berkley Powerworm (7”-10”) in 4-8 feet of water.
If you’re fishing shallow areas with emerging grass, try a Berkley Warpig or the new “Jack” lipless crankbait in 1/4- or 1/2-ounce sizes, using colors like chrome/blue or special red craw. For windy days, the Berkley SlobberKnocker bladed jig paired with a Berkley “Deal” or Power Swimmer trailer can be highly effective. Colors to use: white, white/chartreuse, or green pumpkin.
Going Deep
Though deep-water fishing isn’t as productive in fall, it can still be worthwhile. Focus on spots like humps, points, roadbeds, pond dams, and ridges in 14-22 feet. Fish here will often be schooling and following baitfish such as shad, yellow bass, and crappie. A Carolina rig is a great choice for these areas. Use a 1 oz weight, 4-5 foot leader, and a 3/0 wide gap hook with a Berkley Jerk, Bottom Hopper, or 7” Power Worm. Recommended colors: shady watermelon candy, watermelon magic, blue fleck, or plum.
For finicky schools, switch to a drop shot setup using a Berkley Zenon spinning rod and reel, 10 lb Berkley Nanofil main line, and a 15 ft fluorocarbon leader. Add a Berkley 4” Bottom Hopper in plum, red bug, or South Africa special colors.
Tournament Essentials
If you’re participating in the Berkley Big Bass Tournament, make sure to bring a selection of Berkley Dredger crankbaits and Berkley Stunna jerkbaits for suspended fish. Don’t forget to try a deep-running swimbait like Berkley Swim Shads or Flat Nose Minnows on a jig head, especially when fish are chasing shad.
Gear and Guides
I’m excited to guide my clients using my new 2024 Bass Cat Puma STS, which has been a game-changer. If you’d like to fish Lake Fork this year, I have a few dates still available. For 2025, bookings are filling up fast, so reserve your trip soon! Gift certificates for guided trips make great presents—reach out to me at 903-736-9888 or la****************@ya***.com.
For more information, visit my website at www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com or follow my Facebook page for the latest updates.
Special Thanks to My Sponsors
I’m grateful to all my sponsors for their ongoing support:
- Toyota, AFTCO, Bass Cat Boats, Mercury
- I Am Second, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Garmin
- Santone Lures, Costa Sunglasses, Power Pole
- Elite Tungsten, Johnson Communications, 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
Whether you’re here for the tournament or just to enjoy some fall fishing, Lake Fork is the place to be. Good luck, and I hope to see you on the water!
