Toledo Bend

From: Greg Crafts
Email: GCrafts@bigfoot.com
Date: 12/15/03
Temp:
Visibility:

Comments

The lake level is 167.04 ft msl, and holding steady. High pool is (172ft). Surface water temperatures are running in the low to mid 50s. The north end of the lake is stained and clearing south. SRA is not generating.

High winds have still been a problem fishing the main lake this past week but when we have been able to get on the water the fishing has been good. Crappie have been the main focus of most fisherman on the lake with large slabs and good numbers being reported. This has been one of the best seasons we've had for Crappie in the last couple years and it should continue as long as we don't have a large influx of fresh water into the lake. The Whites scattered this week after the last cold front and rise in the lake but should group back up when the lake stabilizes. The Blacks are moving into deeper water as the temperature continues to fall. The Black Bass are ganging up along the deep creek channel shelf and ledges and the river channel shelf and ledges. Soft plastics are working best when the bass are holding on the shallow shelf or just on the drop. Baby brush hogs and 6" lizards in watermelon producing some good numbers. If the shallow shelf bit isn't working, back out to deeper water and throw a deep- diving crank bait. A lot of fish have been suspended around 20 ft. of water.

The Crappie and Yellow bass are stacking up over brush tops along the main lake river channel and deep creek channels in 16 to 24 ft of water; good numbers and big stringers. Watch for the Crappie to move into deeper water as the temperature continues to fall. The bite has been better early morning and slowing in the afternoon unless we have cloud cover. Shiners seem to be producing better than jigs.

The White Bass are also starting to group up on the main lake river channel sand bars with some good stringers and large fish being caught. Slab spoons and Rinky Dink tail spinners working best.

Now's the time to check your calendar and pick the dates you would like to book your fishing trip for next season to insure you get the dates you want. For a rough idea of the best times for the type of fish you want to catch, visit my website site and check out the "seasonal tips" section and it will give you a good idea of the best times for catching your favorite fish. It's also not to late to give that favorite person a gift certificate for a fishing trip and since the price is the same for one or two people, they might invite you along.

Happy Holidays and good fishing!!!!!!!! Greg Crafts-Guide, Toledo Bend Guide Service And Lake Cottages 936.368.7151 GCrafts@bigfoot.com www.toledo-bend.net/toledobend