Emory Fishing Guides
Emory fishing charters work the waters of Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni for trophy largemouth bass, slab crappie, and hard-fighting catfish.
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Emory, TX Fishing Guide
Emory, Texas, sits between two of the most productive freshwater lakes in the state — Lake Fork to the east and Lake Tawakoni to the west. Most charters in the area run half-day or full-day trips targeting largemouth bass on Fork or crappie and blue catfish on Tawakoni. Bass guides on Fork often launch from public ramps like the ones at Lake Fork Marina, Oak Ridge, or Pope’s Landing, while Tawakoni trips commonly start from ramps near Holiday Marina or the State Park. The structure in these lakes varies — Fork is famous for its flooded timber, creek channels, and points that hold bass year-round, while Tawakoni has open-water humps, submerged roadbeds, and brush piles that load up with crappie and catfish.
Run distances are short — once you launch, productive water is often just minutes away. Spring through early summer sees bass staging and spawning in shallow coves on Fork, with crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics producing well. On Tawakoni, spring and summer crappie bite is strong on brush piles and bridge pilings, while catfish action heats up on cut shad drifted over flats. In fall, shad schools pull gamefish shallow on both lakes, and winter brings big catfish into predictable deep-water zones on Tawakoni, with bass stacked on deep structure in Fork.
Techniques here are as varied as the fishery. Bass anglers work light to medium baitcasting or spinning gear with jigs, worms, and crankbaits. Crappie fishing is usually done with ultralight tackle and small jigs or minnows. Catfish trips often rely on heavy rods, circle hooks, and fresh-cut bait, with some guides also offering trophy blue cat trips in winter. While Fork and Tawakoni are the main draw, some locals also fish smaller nearby waters like Lake Quitman for a quieter trip. With two world-class lakes at your doorstep, Emory offers year-round action for anglers who know where to look.
Fishing Seasons in Emory
Spring (March–May)
Bass on Lake Fork are in pre-spawn and spawn modes from February through April, with fish moving shallow to lay eggs. Guides work secondary points, creek channels, and flooded timber with jigs, lizards, and spinnerbaits. Crappie on Tawakoni are active around shallow brush and docks, and blue catfish feed heavily on cut shad along windblown shorelines. The weather can be unpredictable, so layered clothing is smart. Spring charters often focus on half-day trips to take advantage of the warmest part of the day and avoid early morning cold snaps.
Summer (June–August)
Post-spawn bass on Fork head toward deeper points, ledges, and humps, with deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and big worms working well. Tawakoni’s crappie bite stays strong early in the summer, especially around mid-depth brush piles, while channel cats and blue cats are active on baited holes. Some guides run early-morning or evening trips to beat the heat and chase schooling bass or sand bass busting shad. Summer storms can roll in quickly, so staying aware of weather changes is important.
Fall (September–November)
Shad migration triggers aggressive feeding on both lakes. Bass school up on points and creek mouths, hitting topwaters, spinnerbaits, and lipless crankbaits. Tawakoni’s catfish action peaks with trophy blue cats moving shallower, while crappie bite well around brush and bridge pilings. Fall charters often mix species — starting with bass in the morning, then switching to crappie or catfish later in the day. Mild weather and steady action make this a favorite time for many locals.
Winter (December–February)
Winter on Fork means slow presentations for bass on deep structure — jigging spoons, shaky heads, and drop shots are common. On Tawakoni, this is prime time for trophy blue catfish, with fish over 50 pounds possible. Guides drift fresh-cut bait along deep flats and channel edges. Crappie stack up in predictable deep-water areas and will bite small jigs and minnows if fished slowly. Cold fronts can shut fish down temporarily, but patient anglers often land their biggest catches of the year in winter.
Gamefish in Emory
- Largemouth Bass – 2–10+ lbs. Lake Fork’s flooded timber and creek channels produce giants year-round, with spring spawn being peak.
- Crappie – 0.5–2 lbs. Found on Tawakoni’s brush piles, docks, and bridge pilings, best in spring and early summer.
- Blue Catfish – 5–50+ lbs. Tawakoni’s deep flats and channels produce trophy blues in winter on cut shad.
- Channel Catfish – 1–10 lbs. Active in summer around baited holes and windblown shorelines on Tawakoni.
- White Bass – 1–3 lbs. Schooling fish in summer and fall on Tawakoni, hitting slabs and topwaters.
- Hybrid Striped Bass – 2–8 lbs. Found on Tawakoni’s humps and points in summer, feeding on shad schools.
- Sunfish – 0.25–1 lb. Common around docks and shallow cover, great for kids and beginners.
Emory Fishing FAQs
Where do most Emory fishing charters launch from?
Lake Fork trips often launch from marinas like Oak Ridge, Pope’s Landing, or Lake Fork Marina. Tawakoni trips usually start at Holiday Marina or the State Park ramp.
What trip lengths are common in Emory?
Half-day and full-day trips are most common, with trophy catfish and bass trips sometimes running longer in winter or during tournaments.
Is fishing gear included with charters in Emory?
Yes, most guides provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. You’re welcome to bring your own if you have a preferred setup.
Do I need a fishing license for Emory waters?
Yes, anyone 17 or older needs a valid Texas fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local retailers.
When is the best time to fish Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni?
Spring and fall are prime for bass and crappie, while winter is peak for trophy blue catfish on Tawakoni. Summer offers steady mixed-species action.
What techniques are popular with local guides?
On Fork, expect jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics for bass. On Tawakoni, crappie jigs, minnows, and drift fishing with cut bait are common.
What species can I expect on a multi-species trip?
Bass, crappie, and catfish are the main targets, with white bass and hybrids often mixed in, especially on Tawakoni.
Can kids fish on Emory charters?
Yes, both lakes are kid-friendly, with plenty of panfish and active summer catfish to keep young anglers engaged.
Are there night fishing trips in Emory?
Some guides offer summer night trips on Fork for bass and on Tawakoni for catfish, especially during hot weather.