50 years of Toledo Bend

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In 1960, the Sabine River snaked unobstructed along the Texas/Louisiana border.
In 1960, the Sabine River snaked unobstructed along the Texas/Louisiana border.
A group of legislators formed a flotilla in 1960 that traveled down the Sabine River, across the Gulf of Mexico, up the Atchafalaya River and down the Mississippi River to the Louisiana State Capitol to pressure then Gov. Jimmy Davis for funding.
A group of legislators formed a flotilla in 1960 that traveled down the Sabine River, across the Gulf of Mexico, up the Atchafalaya River and down the Mississippi River to the Louisiana State Capitol to pressure then Gov. Jimmy Davis for funding.
Despite initially opposing the formation of Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana Gov. Jimmy Davis joined Texas Gov. Price Daniel at the official groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 5, 1961.
Despite initially opposing the formation of Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana Gov. Jimmy Davis joined Texas Gov. Price Daniel at the official groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 5, 1961.
Construction of the Toledo Bend Reservoir dam was a massive undertaking ostensibly for the production of electricity. Even as work began on the structure, few could envision the impact the 186,000-acre lake would have on the fishing world over the next five decades.
Construction of the Toledo Bend Reservoir dam was a massive undertaking ostensibly for the production of electricity. Even as work began on the structure, few could envision the impact the 186,000-acre lake would have on the fishing world over the next five decades.
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The dam was originally built as a hydroelectric reservoir. Fishing was a secondary concern, although over the years Toledo Bend has become one of the most storied lakes in the United States.
The dam was originally built as a hydroelectric reservoir. Fishing was a secondary concern, although over the years Toledo Bend has become one of the most storied lakes in the United States.
Construction of the Pendleton Bridge connected the Louisiana and Texas sides of the lake at about the midpoint of the reservoir.
Construction of the Pendleton Bridge connected the Louisiana and Texas sides of the lake at about the midpoint of the reservoir.
The original plan called for the timbering of the entire lake bed before the reservoir was raised to full pool.
The original plan called for the timbering of the entire lake bed before the reservoir was raised to full pool.
Heavy equipment including stump grinders were in use to clear the lake bed for flooding, starting at the area just north of the dam.
Heavy equipment including stump grinders were in use to clear the lake bed for flooding, starting at the area just north of the dam.
However, Mother Nature had other plans: In 1967 heavy rains swamped the region, sending Toledo Bend to full pool of 147 feet a full 14 months before the planned flooding was set to begin. All of the heavy equipment and a majority of the trees that were to be timbered were left in the reservoir.
However, Mother Nature had other plans: In 1967 heavy rains swamped the region, sending Toledo Bend to full pool of 147 feet a full 14 months before the planned flooding was set to begin. All of the heavy equipment and a majority of the trees that were to be timbered were left in the reservoir.
While the dam began producing electricity, it didn’t take long for anglers to realize the thick forests of flooded trees in Toledo Bend held treasure troves of fish.
While the dam began producing electricity, it didn’t take long for anglers to realize the thick forests of flooded trees in Toledo Bend held treasure troves of fish.
Over the succeeding decades, Toledo Bend Reservoir rose to prominence as an amazing fishery. Bass tournament circuits — including Bassmaster events — began making the pilgrimage to the lake.
Over the succeeding decades, Toledo Bend Reservoir rose to prominence as an amazing fishery. Bass tournament circuits — including Bassmaster events — began making the pilgrimage to the lake.
Many miles of travel lanes were cut through thick stands of water-covered stumps to ensure safe navigation and attract national-level fishing tournaments.
Many miles of travel lanes were cut through thick stands of water-covered stumps to ensure safe navigation and attract national-level fishing tournaments.
Millions upon millions of Florida bass have been released into Toledo Bend Reservoir over the years, producing a fishery that regularly produces double-digit bass. Much of the stocking effort has been driven by bass anglers who helped distribute the fast-growing largemouth across the lake.
Millions upon millions of Florida bass have been released into Toledo Bend Reservoir over the years, producing a fishery that regularly produces double-digit bass. Much of the stocking effort has been driven by bass anglers who helped distribute the fast-growing largemouth across the lake.
The creation of artificial reefs in the lake also has been a part of the fishery's success, creating new habitat for fish and focal points for anglers.
The creation of artificial reefs in the lake also has been a part of the fishery’s success, creating new habitat for fish and focal points for anglers.
Toledo Bend was named the No. 1 bass fishery in the country for 2015 and 2016 on the strength of the reservoir’s production of double-digit bass. The Toledo Bend Lake Association presents replicas to each angler who lands a double-digit bass, enters the fish into the program and allows it to be released live back into the lake.
Toledo Bend was named the No. 1 bass fishery in the country for 2015 and 2016 on the strength of the reservoir’s production of double-digit bass. The Toledo Bend Lake Association presents replicas to each angler who lands a double-digit bass, enters the fish into the program and allows it to be released live back into the lake.
Scottie Lucas of Scottie’s Taxidermist creates the replicas of double-digit bass entered into the Toledo Bend Lunker Program.
Scottie Lucas of Scottie’s Taxidermist creates the replicas of double-digit bass entered into the Toledo Bend Lunker Program.
The reputation of the reservoir as a lunker producer has attracted anglers from all over the country. Facilities including Cypress Bend State Park have been built to support large tournaments including the Sealy Big Bass Splash, which pulls hundreds of anglers to compete for hourly prizes.
The reputation of the reservoir as a lunker producer has attracted anglers from all over the country. Facilities including Cypress Bend State Park have been built to support large tournaments including the Sealy Big Bass Splash, which pulls hundreds of anglers to compete for hourly prizes.
Toledo Bend has held numerous Bassmaster events over the years, including this month’s Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open.
Toledo Bend has held numerous Bassmaster events over the years, including this month’s Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open.
Huge Toledo Bend bass, like this 9-pounder caught by Travis Alcock during the first day of the 2019 Bassmaster Central Open, drive hefty tournament bags.
Huge Toledo Bend bass, like this 9-pounder caught by Travis Alcock during the first day of the 2019 Bassmaster Central Open, drive hefty tournament bags.
Toledo Bend is surrounded by rolling hills that provide beauty to this amazing fishery.
Toledo Bend is surrounded by rolling hills that provide beauty to this amazing fishery.