Neko rig

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 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 17, 2026

Inks Lake Fishing Report – February 13, 2026