Toledo Bend Bass Fishing
Attention anglers: If you want to break a personal record, look no further than Toledo Bend.
There must be something in the water at Toledo Bend. Located on the Sabine River straddling the Texas line, the 185,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir boasts a 1,200-mile shoreline filled with endless opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The main attraction at the largest man-made body of water in the South is undoubtedly the fishing. The bass are biting and they’re larger than life. Now’s the time to find your own big catch in the waters of west-central Louisiana.
Take Johnny Watkins of Lake Charles, for example. Over the course of one April day, he and his fishing partner Lance Melendy kept pulling in big catches. “Our five largest bass totaled over 26 pounds,” Watkins said. The largest the pair managed to catch was a lunker weighing in at 9.1 pounds — a common catch in spring.
Best Time for Toledo Bend Bass Fishing
When the water starts to warm up in late spring, only the biggest bass are left swimming — and spawning starts. After a few weeks, the newly hatched fry take over, and the big fish migrate to deeper water. As summer progresses, there will be more fish in the water, but it will be harder to break your personal record for the biggest catch. If you land a big one, share your fish tales with other proud anglers.
Toledo Bend Fishing Tournaments
Even with the season for the biggest bass coming to an end, Toledo Bend hosts fishing events all summer long. With $440,000 given out in prizes over the course of three days, the Big Bass Splash tournament, hosted by Sealy Outdoors, lets amateur anglers win like professionals. The action takes place in early spring and other events throughout the year. Check out this full list of fishing tournaments at Toledo Bend and around Sabine Parish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Toledo Bend?
Yes, a fishing license is required to fish in Toledo Bend Reservoir. Since the lake spans both Texas and Louisiana, anglers can use a fishing license from either state when fishing from a boat on any part of the lake. However, if you're fishing from the shoreline, you must have a license from the state you're in. For example, fishing from the Louisiana shore requires a Louisiana license, and fishing from the Texas shore requires a Texas license.
2. Can I rent fishing equipment at Toledo Bend?
Yes, several marinas and local businesses on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend offer fishing equipment rentals, including rods, reels, and boats. Living the Dream Guide Service has pontoon boat rentals, kayaks and floating islands and Toldeo Town & Tackle offers a variety of fishing supplies and gear.
3. Where is Toledo Bend Reservoir located?
Toledo Bend Reservoir is situated on the Sabine River, straddling the Louisiana-Texas border in west-central Louisiana. It covers 185,000 acres and offers over 1,200 miles of shoreline.
4. What is Toledo Bend best known for?
Toledo Bend is renowned for its exceptional bass fishing, attracting anglers nationwide seeking large, plentiful bass. The reservoir has earned a reputation as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the United States.
5. When is the best time to fish at Toledo Bend?
The prime time for fishing large bass at Toledo Bend is spring, when the fish are actively feeding and spawning. As water temperatures rise, bass remain abundant, but the largest fish tend to move to deeper waters.
8. What other outdoor activities are available at Toledo Bend?
Beyond fishing, Toledo Bend is a perfect spot for boating, kayaking, bird watching, camping and hiking.
9. Are there facilities for cleaning fish at Toledo Bend?
Yes, many public fishing areas and marinas around Toledo Bend have fish-cleaning stations, including North Toledo Bend State Park. Check with specific marinas or campsites for available amenities.