Top 5 Baits for Catching Bass on Toledo Bend
Toledo Bend, one of the largest and most productive reservoirs in the country, is a dream destination for bass anglers. With its diverse underwater terrain, from creek channels to submerged timber, and its healthy population of largemouth bass, Toledo Bend offers endless opportunities to catch the fish of a lifetime. But no matter how good the lake is, success on the water often comes down to one thing: using the right bait.
Here are the top 5 baits that will help you catch more bass on Toledo Bend:
1. Jigs
Jigs are a go-to bait for targeting big bass in heavy cover, and Toledo Bend has no shortage of it. Whether you’re fishing around submerged timber, docks, or grass beds, jigs excel at getting into those tough-to-reach areas where bass hide. The slow, deliberate action of a jig mimics crawfish, one of the primary prey for largemouth in Toledo Bend.
- Tip: Use a heavier jig (½ to ¾ ounce) for deeper water or heavy cover, and pair it with a trailer like a craw or creature bait to add extra action.
2. Texas-Rigged Worms
The Texas rig is one of the most versatile and effective setups for bass fishing, especially on a lake like Toledo Bend with its diverse underwater structure. A soft plastic worm, rigged Texas-style, is perfect for working through grass, along points, or near submerged brush piles without getting snagged.
- Tip: In clearer water, opt for natural colors like green pumpkin or watermelon. For murkier water or low-light conditions, try darker hues like black or junebug.
3. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are excellent for covering water and finding active fish, especially in the open areas of Toledo Bend. They come in different depths, allowing you to target bass from shallow flats to deep ledges. The erratic wobble of a crankbait mimics a fleeing baitfish, triggering reaction strikes from nearby bass.
- Tip: Use a medium-diving crankbait (5 to 10 feet) to target mid-depth areas where bass often suspend during the spring and fall. In summer, go for deeper-diving models to reach bass hanging out in the cooler water near the thermocline.
4. Spinnerbaits
When the wind kicks up or the water gets a little murky, a spinnerbait becomes a bass-catching machine on Toledo Bend. The flashing blades and vibration of a spinnerbait make it easy for bass to locate, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Spinnerbaits work particularly well around the lake's numerous grass beds and submerged timber.
- Tip: In windy conditions or overcast days, a white or chartreuse spinnerbait can be incredibly effective. Fish it through shallow cover or along windy points for best results.
5. Topwater Lures
When the water is calm, and the bass are feeding near the surface, nothing beats the heart-pounding action of topwater fishing. Early morning or late evening on Toledo Bend is prime time for topwater lures like poppers, walking baits, or buzzbaits. The explosive strikes that come with topwater fishing make it one of the most exciting ways to catch bass.
- Tip: Look for surface activity, such as baitfish jumping or bass chasing prey. Target shallow flats, points, and areas with emergent vegetation.
Conclusion
Fishing on Toledo Bend is all about adapting to the conditions and using the right baits for the job. Whether you’re flipping a jig into thick cover, burning a spinnerbait along a windy shoreline, or tossing a topwater lure at sunrise, these five baits have proven themselves time and again to catch bass on this legendary lake.
Of course, knowing where to cast is just as important as what you’re casting. Having a detailed map of Toledo Bend’s fishing hotspots can help you locate the most productive areas and give you the edge you need to land that trophy bass.
Good luck out there, and tight lines!
