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Lakes & Reservoirs

Toledo Bend Reservoir Fishing Guide

Louisiana

A huge Sabine River reservoir on the Texas line and one of the top bass lakes in the country.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Toledo Bend Reservoir for largemouth bass and crappie. The best months overall are Oct to Apr. In October, largemouth bass is in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Keith's Toledo Bend Tackle in Hemphill, 5 mi away. Sam Rayburn Reservoir is 31 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Oct to Apr

In October

Largemouth Bass

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Toledo Bend Reservoir Species

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

9 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Soft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Largemouth Bass

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  • Bass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Largemouth Bass

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  • Spinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.

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  • Bladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.

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  • Squarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in

    Lure

    Crankbait · Largemouth Bass

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  • Lipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Crankbait · Largemouth Bass

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  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.

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  • Crappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Crappie

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  • Live Minnows 1 to 3 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Crappie, Largemouth Bass · Under a slip float.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Largemouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.

Crappie

Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.

Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Toledo Bend Reservoir

Reels

Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel

A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.

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Panfish Lures

Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs

A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo

Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Line

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament

Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Toledo Bend Reservoir

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water