How to Fish Toledo Bend Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques

Toledo Bend Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Toledo Bend Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-60	Bass are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding on crawfish and shad while transitioning between winter and spawning grounds Fish are relating heavily to vegetation edges, particularly hydrilla in 8-12 foot depths, using these areas as primary feeding zones Aggressive reaction strikes occurring during warming trends, with fish moving shallower on warm days and dropping back during cold fronts	Hydrilla edges in 8-12 foot depths, particularly where vegetation meets creek channels Secondary points and creek swings with mixed rock and brush in 6-10 foot depths Protected areas in the backs of creeks near potential spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits ripped through vegetation, especially during warming trends Carolina Rigs worked slowly along points and creek ledges Texas Rigs pitched to isolated cover like stumps and brush	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in spring Shad present in creek arms and around vegetation edges Bluegill beginning to become active in shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	52-65	Carp are becoming more active in pre-spawn, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones 8-10ft deep along ledges Actively feeding on insects and natural forage along structure transitions, particularly during warmer parts of the day	Ledges and drop-offs in 8-10ft depth range on the south end of the lake Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with method feeders and pack bait on hair rigs Bottom fishing with weighted rigs near structure transitions Hover/Mid-Strolling along defined ledges	Insects, particularly bottom-dwelling invertebrates Natural aquatic vegetation and roots Small crustaceans and mollusks	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter patterns, suspending near vertical cover in 8-12 feet of water and showing increased feeding activity Fish are responding negatively to cold fronts by pulling back from shoreline areas to nearby deeper water and structure Showing preference for staging near timber and brush piles while waiting for stable warming trends	Standing timber in 8-12 foot depths, particularly near creek channels Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with structure that offer wind breaks	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with vertical presentations Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Hover/Mid-Strolling around suspended fish	Small minnows Young of year crawfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	58-70	Gar are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower pre-spawn staging areas near spawning flats Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during warmer periods of the day	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near river channel edges where water warms first Timber-lined secondary channels and backwater areas with moderate depth Transition areas between deeper wintering holes and spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with float deployment for suspended presentations Trolling Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools congregating in warming shallows Various sunfish species moving to spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves, transitioning from winter deep water patterns to staging areas near spawning flats Fish are suspending near vertical structure (standing timber) and moving up and down in the water column based on daily temperature changes	Secondary points with standing timber in 8-14 foot range adjacent to spawning pockets Hydrilla edges near creek channel swings in 10-15 foot depth Main lake points with transition from rock to timber in 12-20 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked through standing timber with speed variations to trigger reaction strikes Shakey Heads worked slowly along depth transitions near points Lipless Crankbaits burned through sparse hydrilla tops	Pre-spawn shad schools suspending near timber Crawfish becoming active on rocky points and transitions Small bluegill moving shallow near vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively moving into shallower flooded brush areas following shad movements and preparing for spawn Fish showing increased feeding activity in stained water conditions, using structure as ambush points	Flooded brush in creek arms and coves Channel ledges adjacent to spawning flats Primary points with timber near channel swings	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly through brush Live Bait Rigs near channel swings Carolina Rigs dragged along ledges	Shad moving into spawning areas Small sunfish in brush	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	54-59	Bass are in various spawning phases, with some staging on points and creek channels (54-59°F) while others are moving to spawning flats Fish are actively feeding during pre-spawn, targeting both crawfish and shad, with increased activity around vegetation edges and shallow structure	Points and creek channels where pre-spawn fish are staging Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range Shallow flats with spawning potential near deep water access	Bladed Jigs worked around vegetation edges and shallow flats Lipless Crankbaits ripped through submerged vegetation Neko Rigs worked slowly on points and staging areas Hard Jerkbaits for actively feeding fish chasing bait	Shad - primary forage noted in multiple reports Crawfish - indicated by successful red/craw colored baits Bluegill - particularly around spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	55-68	Active spawning and pre-spawn behavior in shallow areas, especially around submerged vegetation and open water basin transitions Increased feeding activity as water warms, with fish actively searching for insects and other benthic food sources	Open water basin areas with access to shallow feeding flats Submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth ranges Complex shoreline areas with coves and bays	Carolina Rigs with pack bait and method feeders Live Bait Rigs with natural presentations Bobbers for shallow spawning areas	Insects and invertebrates Natural benthic organisms	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are in transition between pre-spawn staging and spawning, temporarily pushed off shallow areas by recent cold front Fish are suspending near vertical cover in timber, particularly around root balls, showing typical spring cold front behavior	Standing timber in 9-14 foot depths, especially areas with visible root balls Protected coves with timber that warm quickly after cold fronts Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water staging areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with LiveScope for precise presentations to suspended fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around timber Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and finding active fish	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Small bluegill and sunfish in timber areas	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	65-75	Gar are moving into shallow, vegetated areas and backwaters for spawning, typically gathering in groups Actively feeding in preparation for and during spawn, with increased surface activity during warmer parts of the day	Hydrilla beds and grass flats in 2-6 feet of water Shallow backwater areas with timber Protected coves with warm water pockets	Live Bait Rigs with float to keep bait near surface Hard Topwater (Walking) worked slowly over vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved near surface	Shad congregating in spawning areas Various small sunfish in vegetation Young of year baitfish in backwaters	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Males actively guarding nests in shallow areas while females move between deep and shallow water	Protected pockets with gravel or rocky substrate near standing timber in 2-6 foot depth Secondary points with access to deeper water for staging Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and spawning areas Shakey Heads on secondary points for staging fish Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish transitioning between depths	Shad schools suspending near spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Catfish moving into shallower areas (2-12 feet) to spawn, particularly seeking out flooded brush, timber, and protected coves where water warms first Pre-spawn feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish actively hunting shad and other forage near channel swings and ledges Males guarding nests in cavities and undercut banks once spawning begins	Flooded brush and timber in protected coves Channel swings near tributary arms Rocky or clay banks with undercut areas Shallow flats adjacent to river channels	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait near spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with scented baits around flooded cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Bluegill in shallow brush areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-84	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to summer haunts, showing preference for submerged vegetation edges and matted grass as evidenced in recent reports Fish are responding best to slow presentations across all techniques, likely due to post-spawn recovery and varying water temperatures (58-84°F noted in reports)	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 8-12 foot depth range Matted grass areas, especially outer edges Ledges and points near spawning flats	Wacky Rigs worked slowly, particularly effective as shown in multiple recent reports Drop Shot for deeper fish, especially around ledges Soft Jerkbaits with slow dragging retrieve Hard Topwater (Popping) worked very slowly with long pauses	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Crawfish - typical spring forage based on lake profile	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	62-75	Post-spawn carp are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily focusing on shallow flats and transitional areas between 3-8 feet deep Fish are showing increased activity during warmer parts of the day, moving between feeding areas along well-defined ledges Carp are exhibiting aggressive group feeding behavior, particularly around insect hatches and benthic food sources	Shallow flats adjacent to ledges in 8-10ft range, especially in protected coves Weed beds and emerging vegetation in 3-6ft zones River channel edges where they intersect with shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with pack bait or method feeders Bobbers with suspended natural baits Texas Rigs (Worming) with soft plastic crawfish imitations	Aquatic insects and larvae Benthic invertebrates Emerging vegetation and water plants	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are recovering and beginning to transition to early summer patterns, moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Fish are actively feeding to regain energy, suspending near vertical cover and along depth transitions Schools are starting to group up more tightly as they leave dispersed spawning areas	Standing timber near river channels in 15-25 foot depths Dock edges with access to deeper water Brush piles positioned on depth transitions	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting	Small shad and juvenile baitfish Small bluegill Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	65-78	In post-spawn spring, Gar are becoming more active and starting to establish regular feeding patterns, often moving into shallower areas to hunt Fish are utilizing grass edges and timber areas as ambush points, particularly during warming trends Actively feeding during daylight hours, especially in areas where shad are congregating near vegetation	Grass edges and hydrilla beds in 3-8 feet of water Standing timber areas adjacent to river channels Shallow backwater areas with good vegetation coverage	Live Bait Rigs with large shad under bobbers Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near vegetation Frogs/Toads worked across vegetation mats	Shad schools gathering near vegetation Young-of-year baitfish starting to emerge Panfish in shallow vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, suspending near vertical structure and moving between shallow and mid-depth zones Relating heavily to points and timber in 8-14 foot range, opportunistically feeding on shad schools	Main lake points with standing timber in 8-14 foot range Hydrilla edges near creek channel swings Secondary points with submerged timber adjacent to spawning pockets	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through timber at various depths Shakey Heads worked slowly along point transitions Spinnerbaits parallel to hydrilla edges	Shad schools suspending near timber Smaller baitfish relating to hydrilla edges Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Post-spawn catfish actively feeding and recovering, following shad schools and utilizing abundant cover from flooded brush and timber Fish transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper ledges and channel edges, becoming more active with warming water	Secondary points and ledges near spawning flats, especially those with standing timber River channel edges with brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Flooded brush and timber in coves and creek arms	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and near brush piles Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in flooded brush and timber areas	Shad schools moving along channel edges and points Various sunfish species in flooded brush areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	82-90	Fish are holding on deeper structure during hot daytime temperatures (82-90°F), with increased activity around vegetation edges and channel-swing areas Actively feeding on shad schools, particularly during wind-blown conditions, with secondary focus on bluegill in brush pile areas	Hydrilla edges near creek channels and points, especially wind-blown areas Ledges adjacent to river channels with bait balls present Brush piles in deeper water offering shade and cooler temperatures	Lipless Crankbaits ripped through vegetation edges, especially in windy conditions Drop Shot rigs worked slowly around ledges and bait schools Shakey Heads and Wacky Rigs worked methodically in vegetation and along channel edges	Shad - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports and bait ball sightings Bluegill - secondary forage particularly around brush pile areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Common Carp	68-85	Carp actively feeding in shallow, weedy areas and along ledges during early morning and evening hours Moving to deeper, cooler water (8-10ft) during mid-day heat, following established ledges as travel routes	Shallow weed-covered flats and bays (2-6ft) with soft bottom for feeding Ledges and drop-offs in 8-10ft range for resting periods River channel edges where current creates oxygenated water	Live Bait Rigs with pack bait or method feeders, fished on bottom in feeding areas Texas Rigs (Worming) with soft plastic craw presentations along ledges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with corn or dough-based baits in feeding zones	Benthic invertebrates and insects in shallow feeding areas Aquatic vegetation and root systems Small crustaceans and mollusks	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Crappie are suspending in timber and holding tight to brush piles in 20-25 foot depths, showing classic summer pattern behavior Fish are likely feeding during dawn/dusk periods, moving between timber and brush pile sanctuary areas during bright conditions	Brush piles in 25 foot depths, particularly those near channel swings Standing timber adjacent to river channels in 20-25 foot depths Deeper docks with brush or structure nearby	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around suspended fish in timber Live Bait Rigs on brush piles Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water between productive areas	Shad Small sunfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Gar	75-90	Gar are highly active in warm summer waters, frequently surfacing to gulp air and actively hunting shad in river channels and near vegetation Peak feeding occurs during early morning and late evening, with fish moving between deeper channel areas and shallow ambush points	River channels with adjacent timber structure Hydrilla/grass edges near deeper water Backwater coves with baitfish concentrations	Bobbers with large cut bait or live bait suspended near surface Live Bait Rigs worked along channel edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') near vegetation edges	Shad Small sunfish Juvenile catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	75-88	Spotted bass are actively feeding on shad in standing timber and along points, typically suspending at 8-14 feet during early/late day and moving deeper during peak sun Fish are relating heavily to structure transitions where timber meets ledges or points, using these areas as ambush points for schooling shad	Standing timber adjacent to main lake points in 12-20 foot depth range Deeper edges of hydrilla beds where they intersect with channel swings Main lake points with timber that transition into deeper water	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked through standing timber and along points Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through timber and along structure transitions Drop Shot worked vertically in timber for suspended fish	Shad schools suspending in and around timber Bluegill around shallow timber edges and vegetation Smaller spotted bass and juvenile fish species	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	75-88	During summer, catfish exhibit strong nocturnal feeding patterns, moving into shallower areas during night and early morning hours to actively feed on shad and other forage Fish are holding near deep structure (ledges, channels) during bright daytime hours, moving up to feed along adjacent flats and shoreline areas during low light periods	Main river channel ledges and drops adjacent to flats where shad congregate Standing timber areas near creek channel intersections Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range near primary points	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) working steep ledges and timber during daylight hours Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented baits worked through brush piles	Shad schools congregating around main lake structure Sunfish and small baitfish in shoreline brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Toledo Bend Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	75-82	Bass are actively feeding on shad, with reports showing schooling activity and aggressive feeding near matted grass and timber Fish are utilizing both shallow and deep water (10-14ft ledges and surface/shallow vegetation), suggesting a transitional fall pattern	Matted grass areas with clear edges and holes Channel swing ledges in 10-14 foot depth range Standing timber areas where shad are schooling	Soft Jerkbaits worked with slow swimming retrieve and strategic pauses Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along ledges Hard Topwater (Popping) for schooling fish	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Baitfish schools around structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Common Carp	55-72	Carp are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, targeting insect populations and other benthic food sources in moderately shallow areas Fish are utilizing ledges and river channels as travel routes between feeding areas, showing increased activity during warmer parts of the day	River channels with defined edges and current breaks Ledges in 8-10ft depth range near shallow feeding flats Protected coves with abundant natural food sources	Carolina Rigs with pack bait and scented offerings Live Bait Rigs with natural presentations Bottom fishing with method feeders	Insects and invertebrates Natural bottom-dwelling organisms Aquatic vegetation and roots	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-68	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water and forming larger schools around key structure as water cools Fish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods	Standing timber near river channels in 15-25 foot depths Deep water docks adjacent to channels Brush piles in 20-25 foot depths	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Young-of-year shad schooling near structure Small bluegill around brush and timber	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Gar	65-78	Gar are actively feeding on shad schools in preparation for winter, taking advantage of baitfish concentrations near channel edges and timber Fish become more concentrated around key structural elements as water temperatures decline, moving from shallow grassbeds to deeper channel breaks	River channel edges where timber meets deeper water Deep grass edges adjacent to channel swings Backwater areas with remaining vegetation and baitfish schools	Live Bait Rigs with large shad or cut bait under bobbers near channel edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel breaks with large offerings Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through transitional areas	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Various sunfish species around timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	68-88	Actively feeding on shad in moderately stained water, utilizing points and timber as ambush zones Beginning transition to deeper structure as fall progresses, suspending near vertical cover	Main lake points with access to deeper water Standing timber areas adjacent to creek channels Submerged vegetation edges in 8-14 foot range	Carolina Rigs worked along points and depth transitions Shakey Heads near vertical structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to points	Shad Smaller sunfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	62-75	Catfish actively feeding and moving to deeper channel edges and ledges as water cools, following shad migrations Increased feeding activity during early fall as fish prepare for winter, particularly during low-light periods	Deep river channels and major creek intersections with ledges Standing timber areas adjacent to deep water Sharp bends in river channels with wood cover	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along ledges and timber Trolling Deep (20'+) following channel contours	Shad schools moving into creek arms and channels Sunfish and small baitfish near timber Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	74-83	Bass actively feeding on submerged vegetation edges in 6-9 foot depths, particularly along creek channels Showing aggressive reaction to fast-moving baits, especially when ripped through grass Fish utilizing boulder areas on point breaks as secondary holding areas	Submerged hydrilla edges along creek channels Points with boulder structure in 6-8 foot range Grass lines adjacent to deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked aggressively through grass Neko Rigs worked around boulder structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to grass edges	Shad schooling along grass edges Crawfish utilizing boulder structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Common Carp	45-55	Common Carp are maintaining active feeding patterns on ledges and deeper structure, consistently taking method feeder presentations with pack bait Fish are schooling in groups near depth transitions, as evidenced by multiple reports of double catches	Ledges in 8-10 foot depth range where depth transitions create natural feeding zones Deep water staging areas adjacent to feeding flats River channel edges where current creates natural food collection points	Live Bait Rigs with method feeders and pack bait, using hair rigs for bait presentation Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with scented baits near identified feeding zones	Insects and invertebrates, particularly those attracted to pack bait Natural bottom-dwelling organisms stirred up by method feeders	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	47-63	Crappie are holding tight to vertical structure (standing timber, dock posts) in deeper water, typically suspending at 15-24 feet with some fish hugging bottom in 20-40 foot depths Fish showing typical winter lethargy during cold fronts, requiring slower, more precise presentations directly in front of their nose Movement patterns indicate transition between main river channel and creek arms, with cold fronts pushing fish deeper	Standing timber near main river channel in 20-40 foot depths Deeper docks (8-10 feet) with brush near main channel Main creek arms with standing timber in 18-24 foot depths	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with slow, precise vertical presentations Crappie Dock Shooting for fish relating to deeper dock structures Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding tight to bottom during cold fronts	Suspended baitfish in and around timber Small sunfish near dock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Gar	48-58	Gar remain active but move slower in winter, congregating in deeper river channels and around timber where shad school for warmth Feeding periods become shorter and more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, typically early afternoon	Deep river channels with depths of 15-25 feet where shad congregate Standing timber areas adjacent to channel bends Transitional areas between channels and shallow flats where baitfish school	Live Bait Rigs with larger profile baits worked slowly Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near timber and channel edges Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges where bait schools are marked	Schooled Shad in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish around timber	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass are suspending near standing timber, actively feeding on shad in winter conditions Fish are likely to school more tightly in winter, following baitfish concentrations Feeding periods are more concentrated during warmer parts of the day	Standing timber in 8-14 foot depth range, especially near channel swings Deep points with timber or brush that intersect with shad schools Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs with shiners (validated by recent success) Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Drop Shot with smaller profile baits around timber	Shad (primary winter forage confirmed by reports) Live shiners (proven effective based on recent reports)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish are concentrated in deeper, stable water areas near ledges, moving less but still actively feeding when food sources are nearby Fish are responding strongly to scent-based presentations, typical of winter feeding patterns when metabolism is slower	Deep ledges along river channel edges where stable winter temperatures persist Deep holes near tributary confluences where bait concentrates Main lake structure adjacent to deep water access	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or stinkbait fished along bottom contours Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with scented baits near structure Trolling Deep (20'+) along ledges to locate active fish	Winter-killed or struggling shad Bottom-dwelling creatures like crawfish Small sunfish in deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Toledo Bend Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Hydrilla edges in 8-12 foot depths, particularly where vegetation meets creek channels	Secondary points and creek swings with mixed rock and brush in 6-10 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Ledges and drop-offs in 8-10ft depth range on the south end of the lake	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Standing timber in 8-12 foot depths, particularly near creek channels	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near river channel edges where water warms first	Timber-lined secondary channels and backwater areas with moderate depth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with standing timber in 8-14 foot range adjacent to spawning pockets	Hydrilla edges near creek channel swings in 10-15 foot depth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Flooded brush in creek arms and coves	Channel ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points and creek channels where pre-spawn fish are staging	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Open water basin areas with access to shallow feeding flats	Submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth ranges
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Standing timber in 9-14 foot depths, especially areas with visible root balls	Protected coves with timber that warm quickly after cold fronts
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Hydrilla beds and grass flats in 2-6 feet of water	Shallow backwater areas with timber
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets with gravel or rocky substrate near standing timber in 2-6 foot depth	Secondary points with access to deeper water for staging
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Flooded brush and timber in protected coves	Channel swings near tributary arms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 8-12 foot depth range	Matted grass areas, especially outer edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Shallow flats adjacent to ledges in 8-10ft range, especially in protected coves	Weed beds and emerging vegetation in 3-6ft zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Standing timber near river channels in 15-25 foot depths	Dock edges with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Grass edges and hydrilla beds in 3-8 feet of water	Standing timber areas adjacent to river channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with standing timber in 8-14 foot range	Hydrilla edges near creek channel swings
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Secondary points and ledges near spawning flats, especially those with standing timber	River channel edges with brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Hydrilla edges near creek channels and points, especially wind-blown areas	Ledges adjacent to river channels with bait balls present
Summer	Common Carp	Shallow weed-covered flats and bays (2-6ft) with soft bottom for feeding	Ledges and drop-offs in 8-10ft range for resting periods
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 25 foot depths, particularly those near channel swings	Standing timber adjacent to river channels in 20-25 foot depths
Summer	Gar	River channels with adjacent timber structure	Hydrilla/grass edges near deeper water
Summer	Spotted Bass	Standing timber adjacent to main lake points in 12-20 foot depth range	Deeper edges of hydrilla beds where they intersect with channel swings
Summer	Catfish	Main river channel ledges and drops adjacent to flats where shad congregate	Standing timber areas near creek channel intersections
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass areas with clear edges and holes	Channel swing ledges in 10-14 foot depth range
Fall	Common Carp	River channels with defined edges and current breaks	Ledges in 8-10ft depth range near shallow feeding flats
Fall	Crappie	Standing timber near river channels in 15-25 foot depths	Deep water docks adjacent to channels
Fall	Gar	River channel edges where timber meets deeper water	Deep grass edges adjacent to channel swings
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Standing timber areas adjacent to creek channels
Fall	Catfish	Deep river channels and major creek intersections with ledges	Standing timber areas adjacent to deep water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Submerged hydrilla edges along creek channels	Points with boulder structure in 6-8 foot range
Winter	Common Carp	Ledges in 8-10 foot depth range where depth transitions create natural feeding zones	Deep water staging areas adjacent to feeding flats
Winter	Crappie	Standing timber near main river channel in 20-40 foot depths	Deeper docks (8-10 feet) with brush near main channel
Winter	Gar	Deep river channels with depths of 15-25 feet where shad congregate	Standing timber areas adjacent to channel bends
Winter	Spotted Bass	Standing timber in 8-14 foot depth range, especially near channel swings	Deep points with timber or brush that intersect with shad schools
Winter	Catfish	Deep ledges along river channel edges where stable winter temperatures persist	Deep holes near tributary confluences where bait concentrates

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in spring	Shad present in creek arms and around vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Insects, particularly bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural aquatic vegetation and roots
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows	Young of year crawfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools congregating in warming shallows	Various sunfish species moving to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Pre-spawn shad schools suspending near timber	Crawfish becoming active on rocky points and transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad moving into spawning areas	Small sunfish in brush
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage noted in multiple reports	Crawfish - indicated by successful red/craw colored baits
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Insects and invertebrates	Natural benthic organisms
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Small bluegill and sunfish in timber areas
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Shad congregating in spawning areas	Various small sunfish in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Crawfish - typical spring forage based on lake profile
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Aquatic insects and larvae	Benthic invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad and juvenile baitfish	Small bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools gathering near vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish starting to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near timber	Smaller baitfish relating to hydrilla edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving along channel edges and points	Various sunfish species in flooded brush areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports and bait ball sightings	Bluegill - secondary forage particularly around brush pile areas
Summer	Common Carp	Benthic invertebrates and insects in shallow feeding areas	Aquatic vegetation and root systems
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small sunfish
Summer	Gar	Shad	Small sunfish
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending in and around timber	Bluegill around shallow timber edges and vegetation
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools congregating around main lake structure	Sunfish and small baitfish in shoreline brush areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Baitfish schools around structure
Fall	Common Carp	Insects and invertebrates	Natural bottom-dwelling organisms
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year shad schooling near structure	Small bluegill around brush and timber
Fall	Gar	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Various sunfish species around timber
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad	Smaller sunfish
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools moving into creek arms and channels	Sunfish and small baitfish near timber
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling along grass edges	Crawfish utilizing boulder structure
Winter	Common Carp	Insects and invertebrates, particularly those attracted to pack bait	Natural bottom-dwelling organisms stirred up by method feeders
Winter	Crappie	Suspended baitfish in and around timber	Small sunfish near dock structures
Winter	Gar	Schooled Shad in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish around timber
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad (primary winter forage confirmed by reports)	Live shiners (proven effective based on recent reports)
Winter	Catfish	Winter-killed or struggling shad	Bottom-dwelling creatures like crawfish

Bait Colors by Season for Toledo Bend Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Common Carp	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Common Carp	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Common Carp	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals