Bassquatch Fishing 435.313.1838

Austin Bass Fishing Guide & Tournament Angler

Inks Lake Fishing Report – Pre-Spawn Vegetation Bite & Transition Bass (Feb 21, 2026)

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Inks Lake is sitting at a normal level with stained water and 2–4 feet of visibility, with water temperatures around 60 degrees. Bass are in a mix of pre-spawn and spawning phases, with fish positioned both staging and actively moving shallow as the lake continues transitioning toward the primary spawn.

One of the more consistent patterns has been fishing crankbaits and drop-shot rigs around submerged vegetation in 8–12 feet of water. Bass are using these areas as staging and spawning transition zones, and slowing down around productive stretches of vegetation can lead to multiple bites in a relatively small area.

Big Bass Score = 4; Numbers Score = 3; Total = 7

A client with a quality pair of Inks Lake bass caught while targeting submerged vegetation in classic late winter pre-spawn staging areas.

Inks Lake Fishing Report – February 17, 2026

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Inks Lake is sitting at a normal level with stained water and 2–4 feet of visibility, with water temperatures around 60 degrees. Bass are in a mix of late pre-spawn and early spawning phases, though the reduced water clarity has made sight-fishing for spawning bass more challenging than usual.

A wider variety of baits is producing right now, including crankbaits, finesse jigs, umbrella rigs, Neko-rigged finesse worms, and compact soft-plastic stick baits. Fishing docks and rocky structure continues to be the most consistent approach, though some fish are still relating to the small amount of remaining submerged vegetation. The majority of bites are coming from less than 15 feet of water as bass continue transitioning shallow.

Big Bass Score = 4; Numbers Score = 3; Total = 7

Inks Lake Fishing Report – February 13, 2026

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Inks Lake is sitting at a normal level with stained water and 2–4 ft visibility. Water temperatures are around 59°, and bass are clearly settling into pre-spawn patterns as we move closer to the primary spawning push.

Fishing crankbaits around rocky structure continues to be one of the most consistent ways to catch them. We are also doing well with Neko-rigged soft-plastic worms around deeper docks with hard bottoms, with fish coming from just a few feet of water out to about 15 feet deep. Finesse jigs fished in these same areas will also pick up bites. The bass are grouped up in predictable staging areas, so once you catch one, it’s common to catch multiple fish in a small zone.

Big Bass Score = 4; Numbers Score = 2; Total = 6

Client holding two largemouth bass caught on Inks Lake in February during pre-spawn staging conditions near rocky structure and docks in 5–12 feet of water.
Double trouble on Inks Lake.

These pre-spawn bass are beginning to group up, and when you land in the right area, it’s common to catch multiple quality fish in a short window. Both of these fish came from the same general area as they stage up ahead of the primary spawning push.

Inks Lake Fishing Report – February 9, 2026

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Inks Lake is sitting at a normal level with stained water and 2–4 ft visibility. Water temperatures are around 56°, and as the lake warms back up following the recent freeze, bass are beginning to shift into more pre-spawn patterns, with the primary spawning push likely only a few short weeks away.

The most consistent bite has come from fishing crankbaits around rocky areas and shaky head rigged finesse worms around docks, primarily in 5–12 feet of water. The bass are grouped up, and when you find one, it’s common to catch multiple fish in a very small area by slowing down and thoroughly working productive spots.

Big Bass Score = 3; Numbers Score = 3; Total = 6

Fishing guide holding two largemouth bass over five pounds caught on Inks Lake in February 2026 using crankbaits around rocky structure.
A pair of Inks Lake bassquatches caught on crankbaits around rocky areas during unseasonably warm winter conditions.

Inks Lake Fishing Report – January 31, 2026

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Inks Lake is sitting at a normal level with stained water and 2–4 ft visibility. Water temperatures have dropped into the 46–49° range, and the lake is now firmly set up in full winter patterns.

The most consistent bite has come from fishing crankbaits and drop-shot rigged finesse worms around rocky areas and submerged vegetation in up to 15 feet of water. The fish are grouped up and relating closely to these areas, so slowing down and thoroughly working productive zones has been key under these colder winter conditions.

Big Bass Score = 5; Numbers Score = 3; Total = 7

Client holding two largemouth bass caught on Inks Lake in January 2026 during winter fishing conditions.
Client with a solid pair of winter bass from Inks Lake, caught the same day as the report while fish were grouped up in cold-water conditions.