Destination: Toledo Bend Reservoir

Texas Tournament Trail, May 11

When the Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail heads to 185,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir May 11, contestants are likely to find that the massive body of water fishes every bit as large as it looks.

“That’s one of the neat things about Toledo Bend,” says Team Land O’ Lakes pro Carl Svebek III of nearby Sam Rayburn, Texas. “It’s a giant fishery and there could be as many as four or five patterns working at the same time. Anglers should be able to utilize a wide variety of lures and techniques to catch fish in a number of areas.”

Several patterns will have close ties to hydrilla, an aquatic plant that is well established in clear-water bays south of Pendleton bridge crossing. Among some of the more popular bays are Hausen, Toro, Arnold, Six Mile, Millers and Tennessee.

“The grass is always a big factor on Toledo Bend, especially once the bass make the transition from their spring to summer patterns,” Svebek explained. “Right about now is when the fish will starting ganging up around the outside grass lines in 14 to 18 feet of water. In fact, that is where this tournament probably will be won, more than likely by flipping a 1-ounce jig/craw or a big, Florida-rig worm.”

Anglers might also work top-water plugs, jerkbaits or wacky worms on outer rims of grass beds and pick up a kicker fish or two during low light periods.

“It’s nothing out of the ordinary to see schools of 3- to 4-pounders busting shad this time of year,” said Svebek. “But it’s usually a short-lived deal. Once the sun gets up, the fish will bury up in the grass and you’ll have to take the bait to them.”

The lake’s upper reaches have also been known to produce some 20-pound bags in late spring, most often for seasoned structure fishermen skilled at pinpointing underwater sloughs, creeks, drops and other fish-holding oddities in relation to the Sabine River channel.

Most of the better sacks come on shad-pattern deep-diving crankbaits dredged in water depths of 12 to 18 feet. Carolina-rigged French fries and lizards can be productive in these areas when the fish aren’t in a chasing mood.

“It can be tougher to find fish north of the bridge,” Svebek said. “But when you do they’re usually stacked. The guys who know the north end are always a big threat, especially once the fish get settled into their summer patterns.”

– Matt Williams

Links:

Wal-Mart’s Texas Tournament Trail to visit Toledo Bend Reservoir
Tournament details and payouts