I’m anxious to see how much bass fishing success improves during the last month of the year at Toledo Bend.
If the region receives enough rainfall to raise the pool level to, say, around 170.0, at minimum, that opens the door for targeting any bass that move to inside grass lines in December. That seasonal migration remains highly possible if mild weather persists through early winter.
It all hinges on the weather. The fewer arctic cold fronts that pass through the region, the better it should be for bass fishing, water temperature-wise. Some systems that bring heavy rains would put water in places that haven’t been wet for months, which means baitfish and bass should follow.
The top lures
Based on that scenario, Carolina-rigged Zoom Super Flukes could rule the day. Also, more and more quality fish should show up, the 3 ½- to 5-pounders, as well as some double-digit bass, the closer it gets to pre-pre-pre-spawn.
Green pumpkin/red, watermelon/red and South African Special Flukes on a 2 ½- to 3-foot long C-rig leader ought to be very productive in any waters with hydrilla, like Housen Creek and Six Mile Creek on the Texas side.
Flukes won’t be the only bullet. Senkos and Neko-rigged “wacky worms” were hard to beat last December. Green pumpkin/purple was the dominant color then and could be hot again.
Plastic frogs may come into play, too, in June bug, black, white, depending on the water color where you’re fishing. My favorite if it’s stained a little is a watermelon/red Stanley Ribbit. Ol’ #204 has been knockin’ ‘em out since I first built Ribbits years ago.
Don’t discount moving baits, foremost among them a gold/orange or chrome/black Suspending Smithwick Rogue. If bass anglers are looking for a bigger bite, tie on a ¾-ounce crawfish-colored (practically any hue of red) Rat-L-Trap. Shad- and crawfish-colored bladed jigs, such as Delta Thunder Jigs, also should account for fish during the last month of the year.
Midday boost
As noted earlier, fishing patterns will change significantly if the water comes up and water temperatures remain unseasonably mild. Even on colder days, take note that a 2- to 3-degree bump in the water temp can boost bass fishing success, and that window opens during the midday hours (especially 2-3 days following a cold front). If water temps go from the high 50s to 60-65 degrees during the warmest part of the day, that’s really promising conditions.
Heck, yes, I’m excited about it, the period from late November to early January. I’m pumped up. After that, we’ll see what the new year brings on Toledo Bend.
But the rest of this year depends on what Mother Nature gives us. So far in October and early November, it’s been pretty mild weather-wise and the bassin’ has been fair to very good most of the time. I’m hoping for some rain to bring the lake up and possibly put bass in 3- to 5-foot depths if it isn’t bitterly cold.
If you want to catch bass in December, I’ve been guiding on this lake most of my life and you’re welcome in my boat. Give me a call at (936) 404-2688.
