FISHING REPORTS/BASS: For my guideservice the past week we have been having better results late morning, mid day and even the late afternoon as the water warms up. This is a normal pattern with water temps still in low 50s. Another hint is that the northern banks of the lake and feeder creeks will be the first to warm up as these are exposed to more direct afternoon sunlight. A 2-3 degree difference in water temperatures can make a huge difference.
Slow presentations remain crucial with cold water but things are close to changing. By weekend, bass might even chase a bait for a change. I'm ready for that, how about you. The only way we have been getting bites is to hit them on the head with the bait and leave it there while they decide to hit it our not. Jigs and Carolina rigs in deep brush has been good in depths of 12 to 18 feet in part of the lake with clear water. In off colored areas, they are in 4 to 12 feet.
Spinnerbaits (3/8 ounce double willow in white/chartreuse) worked over and through grass continues to catch good bass as have lipless crankbaits (Frenzy Rattl'r and Rat-L-Traps) worked along edge of grass and over 4-8 ft. flats. Deep diving crankbaits are always a great tool for catching bass moving into staging areas. Wacky worms are starting to be a good presentation. My jigging spoon areas did not produce much this past week and I will put these away for a while. Drop shot is still on the table but I will move up to 18 to 28 feet instead of 30 to 45.
CATFISH: Catfish are on the move and lake biologists tell us that catfish are more than plentiful in Toledo and are the most under fished specie in the lake. The big cat pictured was caught jug fishing but trout lines as well as rod and reels are also productive. Locals use live bait, cut bait, prepared bait (Catfish Charlie and Gulp!) as well as other home-made concoctions.
CRAPPIE: The best reports are from anglers fishing live shiners at night under bridges in feeder creeks all over the lake. Patroons, Palo Gaucho, Lananas and Carrice Creeks and Six mile are those mentioned. A few fish are still being caught at The Chicken Coop at night and early morning.
AUTHOR INFO: Joe Joslin is a syndicated columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. His sponsors include Skeeter Performance Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lake Charles Toyota, Red River Marine/Alexandria, LA, Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Bill Norman , Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles,
Extermatrim Exterminating, Inc. and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com
