So Yall Want To Learn Toledo Bend?

[Corkpuller]

There's miles of brush. The problem is right now there's too much water behind it. The closer to the bank you find it the better. 

I see lots of places that has a good 10-20 feet of water between the outside edge of the brush and the bank. Depends on where exactly you are at, but some of that water may be 2-3 ft deep. Perfect to make a nest and not allow access to Mister Fisherman. 

[Catt]

@Corkpuller

 

 

[Catt]

Extreme Close-up Angling

 

It's the middle of the spring spawn and the hawgs are on the bank, problem you can't see the bank. The banks on Toledo Bend are covered with buck brush, button brush, willow trees, cypress trees, & numerous other types' vegetation. In fall the lake level is 7 ft. below normal pool, which is allowing more vegetation to grow. From late January through April, the spring rains will bring the water level back to and above normal. Now all that under growth is in 7 to 10 ft of water and the bank is some 30 yards from the outside edge of the brush. Question how does one take these extreme amounts of cover and turn it into a productive pattern.

 

First, you gotta park that big ole bass rig in exchange for an all welded aluminum rig. The aluminum rig is lighter, narrower in both bottom width & beam width.

 

The approach is simple but methodical, start by selecting an area of brush that is thinner or where you can see openings/trails.

 

At pitching distance from the outside edge, work any isolated brush. Work a 20-ft path on both sides of the selected point of entry, and then slowly work to within flipping distance. Once you worked the outside edge thoroughly, you can start flipping the first 10-ft into the cover. Target the outer branches first, then all the way to the trunk. The next part is where the extreme fishing begins, use your trolling motor to pull you as far into the as it can. With you and a partner standing on the bow deck grab the branches and pull your boat forward. Look for openings in the brush and maneuver the boat in that direction but stopping every 10 yd. to flip the area.

[RCCA]

They're in the brush. Grass or not. One minute it seems they are in the deepest most isolated bushes then the next thing you know you catch em around cypress trees way back in the shallowest water surrounded by bushes. I think it's certain areas but who knows?  All I know is I can't catch em right now without grinding out the flip stick. I tried. 

[Catt]

@Little Fish.... there is a deep water offshore bite going on!

[RCCA]

Yes Sir, thanks but I'm not too good at that. 

[A5BLASTER]

I'm offshore but spoke with dad and the swim bait frog bite is doing well for him around cypress trees and buck brush, some size starting to show up.

 

Dang this rig is killing my spawn mojo I need to be at home.

[Bass_Coach]

Is there a percentage of bass that will spawn on the humps out in open water and not on the bank? If so, what do you guys think that percentage would be and how deep do you think this spawning would take place in? Thanks in advance for you valuable response to this question. God Bless!!

[Bass_Fanatic]

I have no idea what the percentage is, but I know for sure that many fish will spawn on shallow humps on the main lake.  Bugg island and the entire flat at the mouth of Carrice is prime spawning grounds. As for depth, I’d say it has to do with water clarity, but I believe they will spawn as deep as 8’ or so on the main lake.

[Bass_Coach]

The reason that I am asking is because I will be coming up to The Bend on Sunday and staying for a week with our little club. I know the full moon will be approaching and the spawn should be taking place. I also know there will be thousands of boats beating the bank, so I am willing to try an alternative. I also know that the lake is up and these possible humps will have more water on them. But, with all that said, I have not ever done this and I have very limited knowledge of the Bend. I know there are some fine folks on here that I have read there posts time and again who are much more experienced on this lake than I am. Just looking for options. 

 

[Catt]

@Bass_Coach

 

The first time I heard of bass spawning offshore was during the early 70s when Tommy Martin who scuba dives saw bass spawning on top of stumps in 8-10' on Tennessee Bay.

[Riverbilly]

I moved back to where I'm around some water from the Texas Panhandle about 6 years ago. I've never been to to TB and would like to see if I could get some ***/advise about Teneha area up north. Wanta catch a few bass but don't know if this the area to be. Hey thanks for helping an Ole Cowboy out.

[beauxnarreaux]

Is the lake level at 172' and are the creeks clear or muddy and do you expect the current conditions to remain through Saturday?

[RCCA]

The lake level is at 172.9' with 11 gates open 1 foot and both generators running 24 hrs a day. Backs of creeks on the south end looked good to me (stained). As for conditions remaining the same, I doubt it. Everyday is different to me. Good luck. 

[jcdogfish]

I'm trying to get up there this week. How is the boat traffic little fish?

[RCCA]

It was terrible at the end of last week. I need to remember when Texas' spring break is and the TOBI was going on. Rayburn was busy too but not like The Bend. Should be better this week cause I can't go lol. Good luck.  

[Marshfly]

Well, looks like I'm headed up to the Bend for next weekend. The wife is driving the kids up to grandmas for easter week so I'm going to head to one of the NF campgrounds on the Texas side on Thursday morning and grind it out until Sunday. 

 

Anyone have any tips on the best one's for primitive sites on the water so I can keep the boat on the bank rather than pulling it out every day? I'm thinking Indian Mounds just because it's centrally located.

[Catt]

@Marshfly I would start with Indian Mounds ?

[RCCA]

You can check out Willow Oak in the back of Sandy. Maybe less people. 

[Marshfly]

I'll be by myself. Is the ramp at Willow Oak pretty close to the camp sites? I'll have to walk back and forth to shuttle the truck and boat.

[Catt]

1 minute ago, Marshfly said:

I'll be by myself. Is the ramp at Willow Oak pretty close to the camp sites? I'll have to walk back and forth to shuttle the truck and boat.

 

Ya mean White Oak?

 

[Marshfly]

1 minute ago, Catt said:

 

Ya mean White Oak?

 

Willow Oak.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/texas/recarea/?recid=30270

 

But nevermind, I looked at Google Maps and there is no way to keep the boat in the water behind the campsite. I'm going to stay at Indian Mounds.

But the area right around Willow Oak looks awesome for spring fishing...

[Catt]

@Marshfly White Oak holds some decent fish & Indian Mounds has produced some Hawgs!

[Amateur Hour]

I love that community flat outside of white oak.  There are also a few humps that i have caught some good fish on.

[RCCA]

Marshfly, you can park your boat right behind your tent at this water level.  Good luck wherever you go.