TEXAS SRA EXTENDS/UPGRADES LAUNCHING SITE # 7
Like many other anglers and boaters on the south end of The Bend, I am excited and pleased at the work currently being performed on launch site # 7 located on the west side (Texas side) of Toledo just off of highway # 255. This is a major project as the ramp is being extended thirty feet from existing ramp/concrete. In addition to the extension, the cove is also being dredged, enlarged and deepened. The ramp has been closed since mid-September and by the time this article is published, the ramp should be up and running. When completed, the finished product should be similar to the extension done by Texas Sabine River Authority last year on the Six Mile Creek site located just off highway # 87. Not many of us have been cheering the SRA the past few years. However, these ramps will be two of the best on the entire lake and the Texas SRA is to be commended for the work performed as well as targeting funds for lake improvements. Cheers!
LAKE CONDITIONS: The lake level stands at 161.79 feet. Generating has been curtailed to one generator running from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. two to three times each week. Water temperatures have dipped to 77-79 degrees. North Toledo is stained, mid lake is slightly stained and south Toledo is clear.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS
High winds have been a major factor during the past several days, especially last weekend. Cooler water temps will improve fishing and cooler air temps will make fishing a super experience. One suggestion in late September is to focus on main feeder creeks and ditches that connect to them. Shad will migrate up these and bass will follow the food chain. Excellent grass coverage, especially hydrilla, will be a strong magnet as cool water temps make the shallow areas comfortable for Mr. Bass. A Stanley Titanium Wedge spinnerbait (1/4 & 3/8 ounce) worked over and through shallow grass will produce. White/chartreuse, solid white, chartreuse/blue are all top colors for spinnerbait. Also, Berkley's Frenzy Mid-diver crankbait is super for depths of 8-12 feet with
top colors including firetiger, blue/chartreuse and Tennessee Shad. For deep cranking points and creek channels consider Norman's DD 22.
Soft plastics have been excellent the past few weeks with TX rigs and Carolina rigs nailing bass on brush from 10-25 feet. Green pumpkin Power lizards and small creature baits accounted for lots of action. Drop shot rigs in depths of 15-30 feet is definitely another consideration. I always have one tied on and like Berkley's Gulp! 5" Wacky Crawler, ReAction's 4.5 inch Drop Shot Worm and a 5 inch Finesse worm. Another strong pattern is to wacky rig a Berkley Sinking Minnow or Senko along the edge of grass from 2-12 feet depths.
CRAPPIE: Baited holes with live shiners in 18-30' are still producing crappie but good populations of white perch are moving along the edge of points and grass ledges in depths of 12-18 feet. A 1/16 oz crappie jig on 4-6 pound Vanish Fluorocarbon line is a super way to have a fun day fishing in the fall. Early mornings and late afternoon usually produce the fastest action and a small jig and light line will catch a variety of fish in addition to crappie.
STRIPER AND YELLOW BASS: Striper will become more active as water cools and at times will move on flats to feed in the early mornings and late afternoons and will crush a top water. They also will school on areas just off the main river from mouth of Housen/Six Mile all the way to the dam. Favorite top water baits include Berkley's Saltwater edition of Frenzy Walker, Spook and Pencil Poppers. Also, a striper jig with pearl trailer is deadly in schools as well as slow-trolling. Yellow bass are in good numbers in the fall and will hit a tail spinner and jigging spoon in depths of 15-35 feet.
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, Red River Marine Alexandria, LA, Berkley, Fenwick, Abu Garcia, Daiichi, Jay's Carpet One and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at (337) 463-3848 or joejoslin@cox.net.
Guide Joe Joslin
Joe Joslin Outdoors Fishing Guide Service
124 Eddy Road
DeRidder,
LA 70634
( 337) 463-3848
joejoslin@cox.net