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

Saturday

Chance Rain

Hi: 73

Saturday Night

Chance Rain Showers

Lo: 59

Sunday

Chance Rain Showers

Hi: 64

Sunday Night

Mostly Cloudy

Lo: 60

Monday

Partly Sunny

Hi: 75

Monday Night

Clear

Lo: 62

Tuesday

Sunny

Hi: 86

Tuesday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 71


Toledo Bend Lake Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 5/10: 172.66 (+0.66)



Toledo Bend Lake

Fishing Report from TPWD (May 7)

SLOW. Water stained; 72 degrees; 0.56 feet below pool. Fishing has been fair due to recent storms with more storms in the forecast. Typically the water level falls this time of year, but it is on the rise. Shallow bass fishing is fair with topwaters, frogs and swim jigs. Still very little shad spawn action going on because the water temperature is too cool. Mid range bass are fair 8-12 feet of water with Carolina rigs, Texas rigs and mid range crankbaits. The deeper bite has slowed due to the rising water level. Crappie do not like the flow and rising water so the bite is hit-or-miss. Dam is running both generators 24/7. No flood gates are open at this time. Report by Stephen Johnston, Johnston Fishing.

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