Last updated:
Toledo Bend Reservoir Fishing Report & Water Level
Toledo Bend Reservoir is at 167.87 ft above mean sea level and 84.8% full as of Oct 20, 2026 (TWDB daily average). That is 4.13 ft below the 172.0 ft conservation pool.
Toledo Bend Reservoir water level today & trend
The lake is 4.1 ft below its conservation pool. Some shallow ramps and coves may be affected; run cautiously in unfamiliar water.
| Level (daily avg.) | 167.87 ft msl (Oct 20, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conservation pool | 172.0 ft msl |
| Percent full | 84.8% (-0.5 pts in 7 days, +0.9 pts in 1 year) |
| Conservation storage | 1,897,234 of 2,236,450 acre-feet |
| Current surface area | 162,889 acres |
| Latest USGS gauge reading | 167.78 ft (lake elevation, NAVD88) at Oct 20, 7:00 AM CDT, USGS 312914093422701. Instantaneous provisional value; datum can differ slightly from TWDB. |
Percent full from 2025-10-20 (83.9%) to 2026-10-20 (84.8%). Range shown 83.2%–95.9%.
Sources: TWDB Water Data for Texas: Toledo Bend Reservoir (CSV), USGS. Provisional data, updated daily.
Toledo Bend Reservoir fishing report: recent conditions & what's biting
No recent angler reports yet: submit yours. Reports are reviewed before they're published. We never make up reports.
Seasonal pattern for October (general guide)
Fall transition. Shad migrate into creeks and coves and bass follow them, so moving baits that cover water are often effective. Fall turnover can make fishing inconsistent for a short time on deeper lakes. Schooling fish appear in open water.
This describes typical October patterns on Texas reservoirs. It is not an observed report for Toledo Bend Reservoir. Water temperature, lake level (currently -0.13 ft this week) and weather move fish more than the calendar does.
Get water levels, big changes and the coastal outlook in your inbox weekly. Subscribe free to the Texas Lake Report newsletter.
Best baits & techniques for Toledo Bend Reservoir bass fishing
General, proven approaches for the species TPWD lists in Toledo Bend Reservoir. These are not lake-specific hot baits.
- Largemouth bass
- Texas-rigged soft plastics (worms, creature baits), jigs, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, crankbaits (squarebills shallow, deep divers on ledges), lipless crankbaits, and topwaters in low light. Florida-strain trophies are often caught on big worms, jigs and swimbaits.
- Striped & hybrid striped bass
- Live shad, slabs/jigging spoons, swimbaits and topwaters when fish are schooling. Watch for gulls and surface activity, and use electronics to find schools in open water.
- Crappie
- Live minnows and small jigs around brush piles, standing timber, docks and bridge pilings. Spider-rigging and vertical jigging are common.
- Catfish
- Cut bait and live bait for blue and flathead catfish, prepared/stink baits and worms for channel catfish. Drift-fishing and baited holes are both popular.
Comparing gear? See our baitcasting reel and bass rod spec comparisons.
Fish species in Toledo Bend Reservoir
- Largemouth bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- White & striped bass
| Location | On the Sabine River in Shelby, Sabine and Newton counties, straddling the Texas-Louisiana state line. The dam is in Newton County approximately 24 miles northeast of Jasper. |
|---|---|
| Surface area (at full pool) | 181,600 acres |
| Maximum depth | 110 feet |
| Impounded | 1967 |
| Typical fluctuation | 1-5 feet |
| Normal water clarity | Clear in middle and lower lake to slightly turbid in upper region |
| Controlling authority | Sabine River Authority Toledo Bend Division |
TPWD's page notes a fish consumption advisory for this lake. Check the fish consumption bans and advisories before keeping fish to eat.
Species and lake facts from TPWD: Fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Bag and size limits can be lake-specific; check the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
Toledo Bend Reservoir boat ramps & public access
Status: check before you go. We don't track ramp closures. Ramps can close for low or high water, construction or flood damage, and the lake is -4.1 ft vs. conservation pool today. Confirm with the operator (Sabine River Authority Toledo Bend Division).
Approximately 33 public access areas (parks, commercial facilities and marinas) are located on the Texas side of the reservoir. Boat launching facilities are provided at most access areas. The Sabine River Authority of Texas operates 11 access areas; the rest are private concessions. Many areas offer camping; check with the operating agency for each site for information about electrical hookups, drinking water, sanitary and shower facilities.
| Map | Boat ramp / access point & location | Amenities (TPWD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Joaquin Public Ramp Located off US 84 on Texas side of Sabine River Two-lane ramp, not usable at low water; No fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | parking | Check before you go |
| A2 | Swede Johnson Located off FM 139, 5 miles south of Joaquin One-lane ramp accommodates all boat types; No fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, parking, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| A3 | Tenaha Creek Located off FM 139, 10 miles south of Joaquin One-lane ramp handles all boat types; may not be usable at low lake levels; No fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | parking | Check before you go |
| A4 | Bill's Landing Located off FM 3172, 5 miles north of junction with FM 2694 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; may not be usable at low lake levels; Fee required; Operated by private concession (936) 368-2542 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| A5 | Huxley Bay Marina Located off FM 2694, 2 miles east of junction with FM 3172 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (936) 368-2495 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, weigh stations, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| B1 | Bayou Siepe Located at end of FM 100A One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, parking | Check before you go |
| B2 | Ragtown Ramp Located off FM 3184, 6 miles east of junction with FM 139 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; may not be usable at low lake levels; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, parking | Check before you go |
| B3 | East Hamilton Located off FM 2261, 9 miles east of Patroon One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, parking | Check before you go |
| C1 | Shamrock Boat Ramp Located off FM 276, 4 miles east of Texas Highway 87 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-1077 | parking | Check before you go |
| C2 | Holly Park Marina Located off FM 276, 3 miles east of junction with Texas 87 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-4424 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| C3 | Best Park Located off FM 276, 5 miles east of junction with Texas Highway 87 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; may not be usable at low water levels; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-4341 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, camping | Check before you go |
| C4 | Newell's Fishing World Located off FM 276, 5 miles east of junction with Texas Highway 87 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; may not be usable at low lake levels; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-4928 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, camping | Check before you go |
| D1 | Pendleton Harbor Located off Texas Highway 21, 7 miles east of Milam One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-4912 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| D2 | Carrice Creek Ramp Located off Texas Highway 21, 6.5 miles east of Milam One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | parking | Check before you go |
| D3 | Lost Frontier RV Park Located off Texas 21, 5 miles east of Texas Highway 87 Three-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-4712 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, weigh stations, camping | Check before you go |
| D4 | Alpine Marina Located off FM 242, 2 miles east of junction with Texas 21 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-3518 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, boat gas, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| D5 | Mid-Lake Kampground Located off FM 3121, 1.5 mile south of junction with Texas 21 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 625-4611 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| D6 | Harborlight Marina Located off FM 3121, 2 miles south of Texas Highway 21 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 787-3212 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| E1 | Lowe's Creek Marina Located 7 miles east of Hemphill on FM 83 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 787-2600 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, boat gas, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| E2 | Indian Mounds Located off FM 3382, 5 miles south of junction with FM 83 Three-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, parking, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| E3 | Jack's 944 Marina Located off FM 944, 8 miles south of Hemphill One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 787-2277 | restrooms, parking, camping | Check before you go |
| E4 | Fin & Feather Marina Located off FM 2928, 4 miles northeast of junction with Texas Highway 87 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 579-2056 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, weigh stations, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| E5 | Fox's Lodge Located off FM 2928, 7 miles east of Texas Highway 87 One-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 579-3232 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, boat gas | Check before you go |
| E6 | Six Mile Marina Located off FM 3449, 0.5 miles east of Texas 87/FM 2928 junction. Turn right on 3449 and go one block past elbow in road. One-lane ramp handles all boat types; No launch fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 579-3078 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| E7 | Six Mile County Ramp Located 6 miles east of Yellowpine on Texas 87 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; No fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, ADA Accessible, parking, courtesy docks | Check before you go |
| F1 | Willow Oak Located off Texas 87 in Fairmount Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | restrooms, parking, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| F2 | McGee's Landing Located off FM 3315, 4 miles east of Fairmount Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 579-3075 | restrooms, cleaning stations, parking, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
| F3 | Paradise Point Marina Located off FM 3315, 4 miles east of Fairmount Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by private concession (409) 579-3075 | restrooms, cleaning stations, live bait, parking, boat gas, camping | Check before you go |
| F4 | Newton County Ramp Located 3 miles west of Toledo Bend Dam on RR 255 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | parking | Check before you go |
| F5 | Public Ramp Located 3 miles west of Toledo Bend Dam on RR 255 Two-lane ramp handles all boat types; Fee required; Operated by Sabine River Authority of Texas (409) 565-2273 | parking | Check before you go |
Access list from TPWD: Toledo Bend Reservoir public access facilities (map and locations on TPWD; retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Includes some privately owned facilities that may charge fees.
Texas law requires draining all water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh water (zebra mussel prevention). Clean, drain and dry.
Local guides & marinas at Toledo Bend Reservoir
Run a guide service, marina or bait shop on Toledo Bend Reservoir? Get listed free.
Toledo Bend Reservoir weather forecast
- Today
79°F, Sunny
Wind NE 5 mph - Tonight
54°F, Mostly Clear
Wind NE 0 to 5 mph - Wednesday
81°F, Sunny
Wind NE 0 to 5 mph - Wednesday Night
53°F, Clear
Wind 0 mph - Thursday
84°F, Sunny
Wind NE 0 to 5 mph - Thursday Night
54°F, Clear
Wind 0 mph
National Weather Service point forecast for 31.196, -93.572 (NWS SHV), issued Oct 20, 6:30 AM CDT. Full forecast at weather.gov.
Toledo Bend Reservoir FAQ
What is the water level at Toledo Bend Reservoir today?
On Oct 20, 2026, Toledo Bend Reservoir was at 167.87 ft above mean sea level and 84.8% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. That is 4.13 ft below the 172.0 ft conservation pool.
What fish are in Toledo Bend Reservoir?
TPWD lists these predominant species for Toledo Bend Reservoir: Largemouth bass, Crappie, Catfish, White & striped bass.
Who manages Toledo Bend Reservoir?
Sabine River Authority Toledo Bend Division is the controlling authority, according to TPWD.
Nearby lakes
- Sam Rayburn Reservoir · 33 mi · 62.2%
- Lake Livingston · 94 mi · 92.2%
- Caddo Lake · 107 mi · 48.7%
- Lake O' the Pines · 121 mi · 90.6%
- Lake Palestine · 125 mi · 87.6%
- Lake Houston · 129 mi · 97.9%