Summer jig tips




Deep and slow always seems to be a solid summer bass strategy, and a jig presentation fits the bill.

Hydrilla and aquatic weeds:
Bass take refuge in the cool beneath masses of hydrilla and other aquatic weeds. Plenty of bass hide along the outskirts of the mats where a ¾-ounce jig head with a plastic worm or craw trailer easily pushes through the looser vegetation while presenting a large profile that typically generates big bites.

Natural colors like green pumpkin, brown and watermelon work best in clear water, while black/blue or dark neons provide the necessary contrast if the water is stained.

Football jig heads, ¾ ounces with a full skirt is a top choice. The full skirt is guaranteed to move a lot of water, drawing the bass’ attention. This jig can also stir up plenty of response along the bank especially if there has been a lot of rain when the water gets dirty and the fish move up shallow to feed.

The football jig head generates lots of fish-attracting commotion when it traverses wood or rock. A slow drag gives fish plenty of time to spot the bait, important during the summer as the bass don’t want to move far to get the bait.

Out deep:
If you concentrate on fish out deep, go with a 3/8- to ½-ounce flipping jig with a plain chunk trailer that allows for a quick return to the bottom after each stroke. This technique works best when fish suspend 4-5 feet off the bottom. Pop the jig on slack line. The key is to create a bottom disturbance and triggers a reaction strike.

 




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Toledo Bend Lake Current Weather Alerts

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Toledo Bend Lake Weather Forecast

Friday

Thunderstorms

Hi: 79

Friday Night

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 65

Saturday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 85

Saturday Night

Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 66

Sunday

Thunderstorms Likely

Hi: 80

Sunday Night

Slight Chance Thunderstorms

Lo: 66

Monday

Chance Thunderstorms

Hi: 86

Monday Night

Mostly Cloudy

Lo: 71


Toledo Bend Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 5/3: 172.93 (+0.93)



Toledo Bend Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 1)

GOOD. Water slightly stained; 75 degrees; 0.19 feet above pool. More rain in the forecast so water levels are high and rising. Main lake is clear, but some of the big creeks with the flow are muddy and will take some time to clear up. There is a shad spawn going on in the morning and some afternoons attracting the bass. Bass are good on spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and small swimbaits. Once the rises work Texas rigs and wacky worms along edge of the flooded brush. On an overcast day, bass can be caught on topwaters and frogs all day long. Lots of fish, just not many over 4 pounds. Crappie are fair on brush piles and deeper docks using 1/16 ounce jigs with a white or smoke color grub and live bait. Best area has been away from the big flow in the creeks, as crappie do not like the rushing water. Report by Stephen Johnston, Johnston Fishing.

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