Submitted by Jeff Buchanan -- Pro Guide Service and Lodging

Date Fished: 6/23/2006
Water Temperature: 80s
Water Clarity: 2-3 feet

Today was the first day of the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash on Toledo Bend, and the leader is James Elliott from Center, TX with a giant summer bass that weighed 12.38. This is a huge lead with the second biggest bass caught by Warren Whitaker of Woodville weighing in a 9.01 pound fish. The fishing looks like it is pretty good considering the time of the year and conditions. On average, anglers only need a fish in the 3 pound range to get a 12th place check each hour.

After talking to some of the locals about James’s giant bass, they seem to think the fish was caught along a river ledge in the upper lake. Others think the grass beds on the south end is where she came from. Speculation is all there is at this stage in the game–you can bet James is not broadcasting where this fish came from or what bait he caught her on!

The fishing on Toledo has been good and steady. The fish are in their summer patterns with the water temps in the 80's and the lake level at 5 feet below pool. The fishing on the upper lake has been good, with shallow fish being caught early. But the best fishing has been on the deeper drops and river humps in 14-18 feet of water. A Carolina rig or a heavy TX rig is the best way to fish these depths, with a deep running crank bait mixed into the pattern. The best plastics are usually a 7-10 inch worm or a creature bait in red bug, plum, or tequila sunrise. Fish these baits slowly and methodically along humps, ridges, or drains for a big bite. If you have our Insider’s Favorites Map for Toledo Bend North, check out spots 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 29, 30, 46, and 56. These structure spots will all hold big ones and are worth fishing.

The south end of the lake has lots of grass coming up and some pads that are holding big fish. If you have our Toledo Favorites Map for the South end of Toledo, here are some of the spots to look at that have been producing good fish: The schooling fish have been coming up during the midday hours around spots 18, 21, and 29. . If you are looking for the big bass that live in the grass check out spots 8, 18, 24, 25, 29, 48, 50, and 52 where you will find good, deep grass. Fish the grass casting a Texas rigged worm with a 3/16 to 1/4 ounce weight, or flip the thicker grass with a ½ to 3/4 ounce 10 inch worm with best colors on the worm being red bug, plum apple, watermelon, and June bug. The pads in areas 27 and 34 will also be holding big bass, and can be caught on frogs and worms in the heat of the day.

For more information on our Insider’s Maps, you can go to our website at www.insidersmaps.com or call us at the numbers listed below. Because of the incredible amount of great information and the size of the lake, we have divided Toledo Bend into two different maps with the Pendleton Bridge as the divider. These maps are much more than just maps, they are 100-plus page guide manuals for fishing Toledo Bend made with the help of some of the most knowledgeable anglers and guides on the lake. We have unlocked many of the secrets of the lake and opened it up to our customers that are looking for an edge. Toledo Bend is a very challenging lake, and we make it easy by putting you where the fish are, telling you how to catch them, and showing you how to get to each spot with an individual map and specific descriptions of each spot. This is a must have map if you want to learn more about this lake.

Hope the report helps and good luck to all the anglers in the McDonald’s event this weekend. Check out the first day standings at http://www.kicks105.com/pages/basstoledo.html

God bless and good fishing,

Jeff Buchanan

INSIDER'S MAPS www.insidersmaps.com

BACKLASH LODGE www.backlashlodge.com

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