Toledo Bend Bass Fishing Report February 2004
The lake level is 169.32 ft msl, almost a foot and a half rise since my last report from heavy rains and flash flood warnings are forecast for tonight. High pool is (172ft). Surface water temperatures are running in the upper 40s to low 50s. The north end of the lake is stained with feeder creeks muddy from the run off. SRA is not presently generating or releasing any water but with the expected rains this will probably change. Black Bass: The Blacks are staging and moving into their typical pre-spawning patterns. A number of patterns and lures are working from spinner baits to Jigs and Carolina Rigged plastics. 27 lbs took the Sealy Team tournament last weekend with a White Spinner bait with chrome willow leaf blades rolled in 4 to 5 foot of water over grass. Half ounce Black/Blue jigs worked in 10 to 12 foot ridges and stump areas produced the second winning stringer at 20 lbs. (Note: this team reported catching a 13 lber the day before that was certified at Toledo Town), and Carolina rigs with watermelon lizards fished in 7 to 20 foot of water on secondary points and ridges produced the third largest sack at 19 lbs. With the rising water, watch for the bass to increase their movement into the coves and creeks. Secondary points, creek ledges (points and bends), and shallow ditches and guts with cover are key areas to concentrate. Bad weather and high winds kept most the Crappie fishermen on the bank last week but there were a couple days we were able to venture out. The bite was slower than it has been and the fish were smaller but we did manage to bring in some good numbers. We’ve had to go further south out of Huxley to find some cleaner water to catch the Crappie. The north holes have slowed way up because of the stained water. Shiners are working best in 20 plus foot of water along river ledges when fished over brush tops. Just a matter of time before the Crappie start moving off the river ledges into the deep creeks leading to the backs of coves and pockets. The White Bass have started moving into the river proper with some good stringers being caught. The expected heavy rains should really start the White Bass run. It will take a little while for the river to settle down for the Whites to start biting. If we get as much rain as they are expecting, the sloughs should have plenty of water in them and will clear up first. If the sloughs don’t get enough water in them, work the river sand bars, points and bends. Road Runners, tail spinners, slab spoons and shallow diving traps can all be productive. Live crawfish will be the best bait to use when you can get them. For more information or to book a trip, please visit my website at www.toledo-bend.net/toledobend or give me a call at 936.368.7151. Note: I’ve just acquired a tri-toon pontoon boat with a 120 hp motor and can accommodate groups up to six for those wanting to take their family or group for Whites, Crappie and bream fishing. Tours and sunset cruises also available. Greg Crafts Toledo Bend Guide Greg Crafts Phone: 936.368.7151 gcrafts@bigfoot.com