The lake is 170.8 ft msl, high pool is 172 ft msl. The water temp is running in the upper 40s to low 50s. The very north end of the main lakeis muddy along with the feeder creeks. Both generators are running 24/7. The electric companies are churning out the juice resulting in a fall of almost a foot in just the last week. The fishing is starting to bust wide open. We've been fishing mostly for White Bass in the river and waiting for the main lake to settle downfrom all the fresh water and cold temperatures. Last week we were catching a lot of Whites in the flooded sloughs on Road Runners and
Rattle traps but the river started falling fast and moved them into the river proper. They were scattered for a couple three days but they are
starting to bunch back up. You can limit out in no time if you get in the right spot. Work the river sand-bars and bends with slab spoons or
live crawfish.
The Blacks are starting to stage with reports getting better everyday. Work the creek channel and ditches leading to the spawning flats. The
bite has been better in the afternoon as the shallow water starts warming. A half- ounce spinner bait slow rolled in 4 to 6 feet of water has been producing some good 4 to 6 lbers. If the shallow bite isn't there, back out to deeper water and fish the drops with a Carolina Rig
or crank bait. And as always, pitching or flipping flooded brush close to deep water with a jig, tube, lizard or finesse bait can get you a wall hanger this time of year.
There haven't been any reports on the Crappie the last couple weeks but as soon as the lake settles and the water temp increases the Crappie will start turning on. Work the creek channels leading to the spawning flats.
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Greg Crafts
Toledo Bend Guide Service & Lake Cottage
159 Toledo Forest
Shelbyville, TX 75973
936.368.7151
www.toledobendguide.com
gcrafts@bigfoot.com