Hello, Anglers. It was great to see many of you at the Lake Charles boat and tackle show last weekend as the weather was beautiful and the warming trend continued into this week. Outdoor sportsmen are starting to focus mainly on fishing as boat ramps last weekend were full on most rivers and lakes in the area. Reports from Toledo last weekend stated that boat traffic was heavy. It has not been bad at all this week but that is the beauty of being able to fish during the week. My condolences to you weekday nine to five'ers.
LAKE CONDITIONS: Toledo's level is 168.6 feet and water temperatures are in the mid 50s. North lake is stained, mid lake is slightly stained with south Toledo having clear water conditions. Both generators are shut down, according to SRA info.
LAKE EXTRAS: There is an abundance of wildlife on the lake including pelicans, geese, thousands of ducks, eagles, osprey, loons plus other creatures that are often seen on the banks around the lake. One morning recently we arrived at sunrise on a fishing spot and a big buck was standing out on the point. He did not seem threatened by the bright yellow Skeeter and three fishermen as he slowly fed down the bank.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS: Multiple patterns are producing depending on weather/frontal conditions. Early this week following 4 days of warm weather, a good population of bass had moved into shallow water as little is 2 feet. A large number of smaller bass are finding their way into the backs of creeks and coves. These are referred to as buck bass as they are usually the smaller males who move into the spawning areas before the larger females. The bigger bass are, for the most part, holding in depths of 8-12 feet although it is possible to find them very shallow during perfect weather conditions.
We are now in the pre spawn season and Mother Nature sends the fish population a signal that the time is near to reproduce. This basically makes them want to move shallow and is why that a lot of big bass are caught during this season because they become more accessible to the average angler. Since more larger bass are caught this time of year, it is vital that fishermen practice catch and release with the bigger fish. Also, if you want to get a big fish mounted, the process is to weigh, photo and measure the bass and then release the bass to live, spawn and remain in the gene pool.
Take your big bass info to your local taxidermist and request a fiberglass replica. A replica is actually better than having the actual bass mounted as it will never deteriorate and is easily maintained with just a damp cloth. It will look in twenty years as it does when you first get it. The best part is that the bass lives. One of my most rewarding fishing experiences is to catch and release a big bass back into the lake. It gives me a rush...wow! I have caught numerous bass from 6 to 11 pounds and have yet to take a big bass out of any fishery. I am certainly not alone as a high percentage of bass anglers exercise the same practice.
As far as current bass patterns, spinnerbaits(Stanley double willowleaf) and lipless crankbaits (Frenzy Rattl't and Traps) worked over and around scattered grass in 2 to 8 feet have been very productive. Also, from 8 to 12 feet work a Frenzy Mid Diver, DLN or Bandit crankbait along outside edge of grassy points. If they will not hit these moving baits, slow down and fish Berkley's new Gripper Finesse Jig, a weightless Sinking Minnow or Senko. On tough days, try deep diving crank baits, Carolina rigs, drop shot and jigging spoon patterns off of main lake points in depths from 20 to 35 feet.
CRAPPIE: A few fish are being caught at The Chicken Coop but nothing like it usually produces. It has been a confusing time for a lot of Coop regulars and guides. I was talking to Toledo guide, Jack Adams, at the boat show about the Coop and he said he had lost a month's worth of business because of the 'no show' crappie. If water temps continue to climb, crappie will start the spawning migration to the backs of creeks/ditches and to shallow water.
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, Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One DeRidder, The Floor Trader Lake Charles and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.