1. Larry Barnes 903-765-3858
2. Gerald Boudreaux 225-573-0513
3. James Caldemeyer 903-736-9888
4. Rick Carter 903-765-3474/c903-850-4007
5. Tony Clark 903-473-3956
6. Rick Collis 903-473-8820
7. Sam Cotton 903-268-3399
8. Brian Duplechain 903-574-9442
9. Tom Evans 903-383-3059
10. Skeeter Fowler 903-292-9659
11. Eddy Garrett 972-979-4850
12. Johnny Glass c214-632-9200
13. Tyler Gottiva 918-633-4589
14. Andrew Grills 903-638-1170
15. Johnny Guice 972-800-3882
16. Jeff Gunn 903-765-2155
17. Don Hampton 903-383-7748
18. Heath Hardwick 903-440-2358
19. James Henderson 214-864-2469
20. Zach Hughes 972-979-4163
21. Randy Hutto 903-975-0037
22. Jason Hoffman 903-456-3691
23. Chuck Justice 580-889-6742
24. Jay Kendrick 214-566-8360
25. Jeff Kitchens 903-649-3354
26. Stan Kuhn 903-383-2921
27. Larry Large 903-765-2548
28. Billy Lawson 903-519-4542
29. Robert Littlejohn 903-292-9929
30. Larry Lovell 903-473-1555
31. Rick Loomis 903-383-3050
32. Cody Malone 254-722-9031
33. Richard McCarty 903-383-2864
34. Michael McFarland 602-826-1524
35. Marc Mitchell 903-438-0266
36. Phillip Montano 903-343-6268
37. Mike Moody 903-474-1244
38. Terri Moon 903-383-7773 crappie
39. John Morris 903-413-6919
40. James Niggemeyer 903-312-0780
41. Randy Oldfield 903-962-3056
42. David Ozio 409-782-4269
43. Mark Pack  903-569-1923/c 903-520-8085
44. Gary Paris 903-763-2801
45. Pep Pepmiller 214-663-6683
46. J.W. Peterson 214-236-3320
47. Chuck Pratt 903-882-9038
48. Josh Priest  903-474-4990
49. Jim Purdy 972-495-6073
50. Jim Range  214-938-7155
51. Brooks Rogers 903-878-2727/c 903-780-0680
52. George Rule 214-202-6641  catfish
53. Thurman Selman  972-345-9370
54. Dave Settle 903-440-0044
55. Doug Shampine  940-902-3855
56. Dennis Sheley 903-629-3826
57. Dan Silcox 903-765-3611/903-780-6595
58. Whitt Smith  972-743-2046
59. Gene Snider 9103-638-1868
60. Barbara Stevenson 903-765-3120
61. Mark Stevenson 903-765-3120
62. Dale Stokes 903-850-5319
63. David Strahan 903-850-8511
64. Dean Stroman 903-383-7214
65. “Stubby” Stubblefield 817-366-5492  Catfish,Crappies
66. John Tanner 903-763-0338/ 903-569-7451
67. Tommy Tatom 903-497-6994
68. Jim Taylor 903-355-4176 catfish
69. Pappy Terrell   903-850-1113 crappies
70. David Vance 903-629-7699
71. Ricky Vandergriff 903-530-2201
72. Ray Vereen 972-849-2685
73. Lance Vick 903-312-0609
74. Andrew Vineyard 214-684-3985
75. Greg West 214-557-0135
76. Richie White 903-439-2266/903-383-2725
77. James Williams 903-878-2676
78. Brad Williams 903-355-1464 crappie
79. Eric Wright 972-757-7947

Winter has arrived and the year is winding down here at Lake Fork. December is still an exciting month on Lake Fork as the fish continue to feed up in the winter. This year that bite has been extended due to the somewhat mild temperatures that we have had so far this fall. So expect plenty of opportunities to catch big bass this month while you are at Lake Fork as the big bass continue their feeding habits into early winter.

The lake is currently 3 feet low so we could use a little winter rain. The water levels are still real good going into 2017 though. Water temperatures are ranging from 58-62 degrees currently and will cool even further as the month progresses. Water clarity is fairly clear on the main lake to clear to slightly stained in some of the creeks. There is a lot of grass up in some of the creeks still so this has helped maintain the overall water clarity on the lake.

I am catching fish both shallow and out in deep water right now. It has kind of been a mixed bite for the most as fish in all ranges of the water column have been active. The shallow bite has been good from main lake points to the backs of the major creeks. I am finding most of the fish in 2-8 feet of water. Lipless crank baits and square bill crank baits have been good in any shad pattern. I like red or chrome and sexy shad colors respectively. A Santone Lures spinnerbait, chatter bait, or a 3:16 Lure Company swimbait has also been a great producer especially on windy days. Frontal cloud cover days are usually better for the shallow fishing but I often times find a lot of bass up shallow in the coldest part of the year on a sunny day. They like to sit up there in the sun as it warms the shallow water. As the waters cool and winter sets in don’t forget to break out the jerk baits also. On days that the bite gets tougher you can break out one of these and save the day. I like a traditional suspending rogue in gold/black/orange, black & chrome, or clown colors. Jerking this bait around stumps and grass with slow twitches will draw some big fish out to get it!

The deep bite is still a blast this time of year also. I am using my new Garmin 7612xsv touch screen units right now to find schools of bass offshore. And with my Garmin Clear Vu and Panoptix scans, finding brush piles is a breeze and an added bonus for more productive fishing. I can find these deep-water bass havens relatively easy and the fish love them. Most off the bass are located in 18-25 ft of water but you can find some starting to move even deeper in 26-32 ft. Humps, points, road beds, channel swings, pond dams, and ridges are great places to focus your efforts on. These big fish will be schooling up in these areas following shad, yellow bass, white bass, and crappie around looking for an easy meal. The Carolina rig is deadly on these deep bass. I like to rig my new Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 rods and Revo reels spooled up with 20 lb Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon line and a 1oz weight, 4-5 foot leader, and a 3/0 wide gap hook. The Berkley Havoc Bottom Hopper, Backslide, or a 7” Power Worm on this rig. Best colors are green pumpkin, watermelon candy, blue fleck, or chartreuse pepper. The jig bite out deep can be good for the big ones too. A 5/8- 3/4 oz Santone football jig with a Berkley Havoc Pit Chunk craw style trailer on the back will catch some of the biggest bass out of the school. Best colors on the jig are Black & blue, Bass Candy, and of course my custom “JC’s Spicy Craw” color is always a good choice. The jigging spoon and tail kicker are also very good right now. A big Lake Fork flutter spoon or KT spoon in ½ oz size has been best. Getting over the top of these big schools of fish with one of these or even a Little George can yield some real trophies and are something even the kids or wife can enjoy. I am also catching a number of fish on the Hog Farmer umbrella rig tipped with Santone Rig Heads and Berkley swimbaits. It’s not for the faint of heart casting it all day but it is a very rewarding technique for big bass this time of year for those that choose to fish it.

If you are headed to Lake Fork in pursuit of a trophy bass and are looking to book a guide, I would enjoy the opportunity to take you or your group fishing and show you a great time on Lake Fork. I will also be taking some trips to our local power plant lakes (Monticello and Welsh) for those that want to get in on some of the great winter action there. I still have a few dates available for winter and am already taking 2017 reservations as well. Most people don’t realize how quick my spring and early summer calendar fills up on Lake Fork so please be sure to start thinking about scheduling your 2017 dates soon if you would like to get on my schedule. My available dates are already becoming limited. 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. They make great Christmas presents!!! You can contact me to make your reservation at 903-736-9888 or send me an email at lakeforktrophybass@yahoo.com You can also visit my website for more information about Lake Fork and my guide service at http://www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com You can find me on Facebook and follow my official Lake Fork Guide page at https://www.facebook.com/lakeforkfishingguides

Also, while you are at the lake, be sure to stop by Diamond Sports Marine located on highway 154 just north of the bridge. They are receiving the new 2017 Ranger Boats daily and you do not want to miss the opportunity to check out the new Z series bass boats as well as the economical Ranger aluminum series. These boats have some amazing features are definitely eye catchers! Give Fred a call at 903-383-7829 to set up your personal demo ride in a Ranger Boat.

I would like to thank all of my current 2016 sponsors for supporting my FLW Series tournament fishing and my guide service on Lake Fork: Toyota, Carhartt, Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, I Am Second, Leer, Garmin, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Santone Lures, Costa Sunglasses, Power Pole, Rigid Industries, Road Armor, Fabtech Motorsports, Royal Racks, and Elite Tungsten.

Luke 11:28 – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Tight Lines & God Bless,

James Caldemeyer

It was another beautiful week to fish Lake Fork, TX.  The water continues to clear up and the water temperatures stayed in the mid 70’s.  The Bass appetites did change this week.  We started catching the on California 420 Zoom Ole Monster worms and Strike King 1.5 square bill crankbaits in the Gizzard Shad pattern.  The Wacky worm bite did slowdown in the pads but we managed to catch a few in the Hydrilla.  We did notice our better worm bite with the Ole Monster worm was in 6 to 8 foot around isolated timber.  Our Worm set up this week was an Eagle Claw LO45 worm hook and a South Bend 3/16 ounce bullet weight painted to match the California 420 color Ole Monster worm.  Do not forget to dip the Ole Monster worm tail in chartreus Dip It or use a Zoom chartreuse pen.  Our equipment list was as always Duckett rods, ABU Garcia Orra SX reels and original Stren 17 lb. test line.

The White Bass fishing is still slow and they are they still spread out all over the lake.  Your best bet to catch the White Bass is to head for the back of creeks and use small in-line spinner baits or small Strike King Crankbait.

The Crappie fishing remains good in 11 to 18 foot of water over brush piles.  We are still using Mylar with an orange tail 1/16 ounce jigs and when the fishing gets slow tip it with a small minnow.

The Catfish fishing was a little slow this week.  They were being caught in 17 to 18 foot of water around baited trees.  Punch bait was still the bait of choice.

When you come to Lake Fork this fall do not forget to stop into Lake Fork Marina and check out the newly remolded tackle shop.  They have the latest in tackle, rods and reels.  If you are looking for a Christmas gift for your better half, make sure you check out the clothing in upstairs of the new tackle shop.

Yes, it is fall and fishing is getting better every day.  Here at J & M Guide Service we have some open days for guided trips for Bass, White Bass and Crappie.  Give us a call at (903) 413-6919 or E-mail us at bassmr@geusnet.com.  Have a great fishing week.

We’re also having some big bream move in to the brush piles and around the bridges. We are targeting 12 to 24 ft. of water – but, throughout the day they can be as shallow as 8 ft. or as deep as 22 ft. so really watch that depth finder to monitor any changes in depths of the fish and adjust your casts accordingly…(depth is very critical)! It won’t be long and they will be migrating up the creeks following the baitfish.

This time of year a good depth finder is priceless. I just put a Lowrance HDS12 Gen 3 on the front of my boat and it is awesome! That large screen is sure appreciated by these “old eyes”! Something else I’m sure appreciating is not having to jerk my trolling motor up and down 20 times a day – then to have the anchor button – “PRICELESS!” MinnKota has got it going on! I’m amazing people every day when they see this Ulterra in action. It has definitely made my life easier and the older I get the more I like easier! Now as far as the baits we’re using – Lake Fork Tackle’s “Live Baby Shad” w/paddle tail in just about anything with pink in it – like pink/pearl, pink/ chartreuse and on darker days pink/black have been producing for us. Also it doesn’t hurt to tip it with a Berkley Power Nibble. Really watch your line – these crappie have been pushing the bait up. If you see slack line, it’s probably a fish! It’s really been a fun month of fishing and my thanks to all of you!

Don’t forget this is “Customer Appreciation” month at Lake Fork Marina. The rooms are $50 and 25% off all tackle, gifts and apparel. It’s a great time to start your Christmas shopping for the fishermen in your life. My best to you all and “Happy Birthday” to my brother John and glad you’re feeling better Pops! Love to all!!

DATES:  24 – 30 October 2016

What a beautiful week to fish Lake Fork.  With the weather in the 80’s all week, the water temperatures stayed in the mid to upper 70’s.  The water clarity is great and the Bass are biting.  During this week a lot of really good fish were being caught along with a ton of really small ones.  The wacky riged Zoom chartreuse/pumpkin trick worm still was the best producing bait this week.  It even produced some really good fish such as my nice 9.2 pound Bass I caught on Tuesday morning.  If you are fishing south of the 515 bridge you might want to change to the California 420 color on your trick worm.  One pattern that really worked well was a orginal chatter bait with a Smash Tech swim bait used as a trailer.  We took the skirt off the chatter bait and just used the swim bait.  It is noted if you are fishing more than 5 foot deep you are fishing to deep!  Our equipment list for the week still remained, Duckett rods, ABU Garcia Orra SX 2 reals, Stren “orginal “ line and Zoom trick worms.

The White Bass are in the northern Creeks of the lake chasing shad.  They can be caught on small Strike King Gizzard Shad 1.5 Square Bill crankbaits.  If you are Crappie fishing in the northern creeks you will pick up a few on minnows.

The Crappie fishing remains good all over the lake.  The better Crappies are coming in 11 to 15 foot over brush piles.  Mylar with orange tails 1/16 ounce Crappie jigs worked really well.  When the bite slows down, tip the crappie jig with a minnow.  Works every time!  Have fun!!

The Catfish fishermen continue have good success in 12 foot of water using punch pait.  They are being caught around baited trees.  A few Catfish are showing up on brush piles in front of docks in 6 to 8 foot of water.  

While you are at Lake Fork, make sure you stop into Lake Fork Marina and check out all the new tackle such as the new Strike King Chatter Baits and the Smash tech swim baits.  They also have a good selection of Duckett Rods and ABU Garcia Reels.

Fall fishing is in full swing.  Here at J & M Guide Service we have several dates open for guided trips for Bass, Crappie and White Bass fishing.  Give us a call at: (903) 413-6919 or E-mail us at bassmr@geusnet.comn .  Have a great fishing week and keep a tight line.

November is customer appreciation month at Lake Fork Marina.