Toledo Bend Lake Association

Toledo Bend Lake Association & Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Working Together

The TBLA is proud to be able to work with the LDWF by assisting them with resources and supplies for fisheries programs aimed at improving fishing on Toledo Bend Reservoir.

There are several on going projects that everyone should be aware of that greatly add to the quality of fishing on Toledo Bend. Most of these programs are coordinated with Ricky Yeldell through the facilities of the LDWF research laboratory located near the Toledo Bend dam.

Bass Brood Pond

Our first assisted project involves the ongoing support of the bass brood pond located near Converse. The TBLA purchased equipment that improved the operation of the pond and continues to purchase food for the bass fingerlings. This pond is used directly to help restock the waters of Toledo Bend. LDWF stocks fingerling Florida Largemouth Bass into the pond in the spring of the year and grows them out into the fall. The target size range for these fish is 6 - 8 inches. These larger fish have a much, much higher survival rate.

Artificial Reef Program

The second project that the TBLA supports is the Artificial Reef program. As Toledo Bend Lake ages precious timber that once covered the lake deteriorates and disappears. This removes very important structure for many of the species of fish that live, feed and breed on or near the vertical trunks and horizontal limbs. The TBLA has purchased materials and assisted the LDWF in deploying plastic artificial reefs that are placed in certain areas of the lake that are void of old trees. There have recently been groups of theses artificial trees, 18 in total, placed around the bridge pilings under the lights on the east end of the Pendleton (Highway 6) Bridge.

Habitat Barge

The third project that the TBLA is very proud to sponsor is the new “Habitat Barge”. This working barge will be dedicated to the Toledo Bend Reservoir and will be under the guidance of Ricky Yeldell at the research center. This piece of equipment is currently being built and will be used in several different ways to improve the lake. The “Habitat Barge” will be used to create sand and gravel beds that would be attractive to bass and sunfish for spawning. They can load spawning materials onto the deck of the barge and wash these materials from the barge deck into the water with a water pump. The barge will also widely be used for transporting and planting more of the Artificial Reefs around the lake. The barge will provide a good working platform for other research projects such as those utilizing SCUBA gear to monitor and assess the artificial reef structures as well as gathering and analyzing aquatic vegetation. This barge will greatly help enhance the habitat of Toledo Bend and improve fishing for years to come.

Restocking Program

The fourth project is the annual release of twenty thousand plus phase II Florida strain bass fingerlings that are typically four to seven inches in length. LDWF guides the selection of the nursery that supplies the fingerlings. They also assisted in the development of the procedures that are followed to ensure successful releases. Included among these procedures are :1) gaining permission from LDWF Baton Rouge; 2) placing the order; 3) communicating with lake residents; 4) transferring the fingerlings from the delivery truck to plastic bags; 5) transporting the bagged fingerlings to the release points; 6) releasing the fingerlings; and 7) feeding the released fingerlings