Hello, Anglers. Where has Summer 2010 gone? A reminder to all local anglers who fish Sam Rayburn and the Texas saltwater coastal areas that Texas fishing licenses expire on August 31 which is Monday. Of course you can get them at selected Texas sports marts and tackle shops but you may also call 1-800-895-4248 or online at Texas Parks and Wildlife at www.tpwd.state.tx.us. You will need a credit card and drivers license.
If you are a frequent reader of this weekly column you know that I am basically smitten with passion when it comes to Toledo Bend. This lake is just too good to be true and too close not to visit even if landing a ten pound bass does not get you excited. Many people simply enjoy just being on the water for the sake of the experience of being outdoors in God's creation. I am in no ways bored during the times I am on the water without a fishing rod in my hand. If one is observant, there is simply too much going on in nature to lose interest in what is happening around you.
A normal day could easily include bald eagles flying overhead (we now average seeing at least one per day), a deer coming down the bank to get a drink of water, bigger fish chasing smaller fish, other boats speeding by or being checked by a Fish and Game Officer. It does not get boring!
I was checked this spring by a Texas Parks and Wildlife officer and had a young 12-13 year old angler with me who stated that it was his most fun part of the trip. The officer was professional and courteous and we were all legal but it (more than likely) was not my favorite part of the day.
LAKE CONDITIONS: Water temperatures have cooled slightly to 84-85 degrees with the cool front. Mornings have been very comfortable with lower humidity's and the lake level is 168.70 feet with two units operating weekdays from 2 to 8 p.m. North Toledo is slightly stained, mid lake is clear and south Toledo is very clear. Winds have been light out of the north but are changing to more southern directions the next few days.
FISHING REPORTS/BASS: I just got off the lake(Toledo) about two hours before doing this report and it was a very comfortable outing starting out this morning at 6 a.m. with a temperature of 67 degrees before climbing into the mid 80s by the time we called it a wrap around noon. The next 3-4 months will offer some of the best and most enjoyable fishing of the year. Following Labor Day, boat traffic will greatly decline as a significant number of outdoor lovers will re-tool for hunting season. Numerous boats will be parked, rods/reels will be put away and favorite shotguns and rifles will be strapped on ATVs.
Fall fishing patterns are already in early stages as water temperatures are decreasing and large shad populations are moving up main creeks, ditches and drains. Schooling activity(bass chasing bait on the surface) is also increasing as cooler temperatures start to signal the fish population that winter is approaching. Bass are starting to focus on points even more so as fall approaches.
When anglers ask me how to improve their skills, I often say "when in doubt, fish a point". A point sometimes can be a confusing term. A visible primary point is a significant land mass which sticks/protrudes out into the lake. Secondary points could be small extensions of land mass out into the lake on an otherwise straight shoreline. These landscapes changes or abnormalities, if you will, attract and hold fish. In addition, falling water levels, which is also occurring currently on The Bend, has a tendency to pull bass to points.
Suggested baits and patterns currently include a three-eighth ounce double willow Stanley WedgePlus spinnerbait in white or white/chartreuse skirt worked over grassy points and banks where grass extends 40-50 feet off shore in depths of 4 to 12 feet. Best times are sunrise, sunset and with cloud cover and a slight ripple on the surface makes this even better. Also, TX and Carolina rigs worked on outside edge of grass in 12 to 16 feet.
Deep diving crankbaits (Norman's DD22 and Fat Free Shad) are also catching good bass in 10 to 25 feet near points. Berkley Power Bait 7 and 10 inch worms are also working well on deep brush in 15 to 25 on both TX and Carolina rigs. We are also catching bass on jigging spoons and drop shot in 18 to 30 feet.
CRAPPIE/YELLOW BASS: Longtime crappie guide,Noe Garcia, states he has had the best summer ever for big crappie. Garcia, who is located just north of Pendleton Bridge, has been catching 40 to over 100 fish per trip the past month and is fishing baited brush piles in 18 to 30 feet with live shiners.
E-mail me if you need info on Garcia. Yellow bass populations are strong and fall migrations from main lake to creeks are in place. Jigging spoons and Knock Off (tailspinner by Bill Norman Lures) are highly successful to locate and catch these tasty pan fish. We are catching them along major feeder creeks in 15 to 30 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, 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 and Stanley Jigs Inc. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yashoo.com. or www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.
