I believe 2016 was the last time Toledo Bend was on fire. Well, 2024 has been very similar to that year so far. The Bend is once again an awesome fishery that is putting out not only quality bass, but bass over ten pounds. This past May during the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash was the proof that anglers were looking for.
Now understand, all lakes go through some periods of decline and most rebound with good management. It's like a deer lease; the only way to have quality deer is to manage the herd. It's been through the coordination and dedication of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Management (TPWM) that Toledo Bend has been able to rebound and become one of the best fisheries in the south.
Here are some numbers from mid-May's Sealy Big Bass Splash that will illustrate just how good the Bend is fishing at this time.
- Over the course of three days anglers brought in 94 bass over 6 pounds with 35 of those over 7.00 pounds.
- For the first time in years the top 4 bass of the event were over 10 pounds....10.06, 10.52, 10.58, along with the winning bass of 10.64 lbs.
All Sealy events also have an hourly payback for the top 15 bass each hour. Here's what it took just to make the Top 15 each hour.
- Friday - it took a 4.16 lb. bass to make the Top 15.
- Saturday - it a 4.13 lb. bass to make the Top 15.
- Sunday - it took at least a 3.72 lb. bass to make the Top 15.
Now to the average person these numbers may not mean much, but to an avid bass fisherman they are eye popping. The numbers show just how good of a fishery Toledo Bend is currently. Additionally, it proves that the lake is putting out quality bass and that will encourage tournament organizations to schedule more events on the Bend.
Now there are other factors that have helped the Bend to become, once again, one of the best bass lakes in the country. Over the last year, there has been a resurgence of grass or what biologist call hydrilla. Both ends of Toledo Bend have good grass beds from Blue Lake (north of San Miguel) down to Housen Bay and Six Mile areas. Lower water levels of 2023 and early 2024 have also been a factor due to the fact it has allowed more vegetative growth in the shallow water areas.
One thing is clear, Toledo Bend is once again in the category of "Best Lakes in America." While Mother Nature is the determining factor on just how good this lake will be in the future, it's up to all anglers to do our part with fish management. It's our job to take care of our catch on tournament day and make sure the fish we release back into the lake are in great condition to be caught again.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and let's all try to practice catch and release on all our waterways. Keep what you can eat and throw the rest back to be caught another day.
Steve Graf
Angler's Perspective
