Toledo Bend Bass Fishing Report March 2004
The lake level is 171.14 ft msl, almost a foot and a half drop in the last two weeks and continuing to fall. High pool is (172ft). Surface water temperatures are running in the 60s. SRA is running both generators 24/7, discharging approximately 14,000 cfs. Caution should still be used running unmarked areas of the lake since most the timber is just under the surface of the water. Black Bass: The water clarity on the north end of the lake is clearing and the bass are finally stacking up in the shallows and the bite has been good. Heavy winds this week have made covering the lake difficult but if you can find clean water you should find the shallow fish biting. Finesse plastics have been producing best when flipped and pitched in heavy cover in one to four foot of water (Senkos, Flukes and Wacky Worms). Also, shallow ridges surrounded by deep water and major points close to the spawning flats have been holding some good females waiting to move up on the beds. Carolina or Texas rigs with Lizards, French Fries or worms producing well in watermelon colors. If you are unable to find a shallow bit or fish in the bushes, back out to the first drop close to deep water and work that area with spinner baits, lipless cranks. or Carolina or Texas rigged plastics. The White Bass have moved out of the shallow sloughs in the river north of Circle Drive with the river falling and have been scattered. Live crawfish working best on river channel sandbars. A lot of Whites are starting to show up on the north end of the main lake along main lake points, the mouth of major feeder creeks, and along flats close to the river channel. Traps, crank baits, slab spoons and tail spinners working best. While the Whites slowed up this week the Yellow bass have taken off with good catches coming in on live crawfish fished along the river channel sandbars. No reports of any Crappie being caught other than under the boat docks on shiners and jigs. No reports on the bream yet but it want be long before they start moving into the shallows. 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 now have 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 or bream fishing. Tours and sunset cruises also available. Greg Crafts Toledo Bend Guide Greg Crafts Phone: 936.368.7151 gcrafts@bigfoot.com