Toledo Bend's Premier Crappie Fishing Adventure

Two crappie fish caught in Hemphill during a fishing trip

White crappie fish caught while fishing in TX

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Toledo Bend's Premier Crappie Fishing Adventure

What you will be catching:

Crappie

6-hour crappie fishing trip on Toledo Bend Lake with expert guide
30-foot Crestline Party Barge accommodates 4-6 guests comfortably
40+ years local experience provides hands-on instruction for all skill levels

Trip Pricing and Availabilities :

Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.

Catch of the day.

Angler-approved Toledo Bend trips.

Cast away your worries, catch some crappie.

Catch today, remember forever.

Reel in the Fun: 6-Hour Crappie Bonanza

Get ready to chase some slabs on Toledo Bend Lake with Captain Damon Borel! This 6-hour extended half-day trip is perfect for crappie enthusiasts and newcomers alike. You'll be fishing from Damon's comfy 30-foot Crestline Party Barge, decked out with all the bells and whistles to put you on the fish. With 40 years of experience on these waters, Damon knows every honey hole and crappie hideout. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to wet a line with the family, this trip delivers big time.

A Day on Toledo Bend

Your adventure kicks off bright and early at 342 Ramsey Dr in Hemphill, TX. Captain Damon's spacious party barge is a far cry from your typical fishing boat – it's like a floating living room with a serious fishing addiction. You've got a cozy cabin to duck into if the weather turns, a livewell to keep your catch fresh, and even a fighting chair for when you hook into something big. The onboard GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of finding the hotspots, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish and having a blast.

This isn't some hurry-up-and-fish sprint; with 6 full hours on the water, you've got time to really settle in and enjoy the experience. Damon's approach is hands-on and educational, perfect for anglers of all skill levels. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to crappie fishing, or swap advanced techniques if you're an old hand. And with room for 4-6 people, it's an ideal setup for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies.

Crappie Tactics 101

On Toledo Bend, crappie fishing is an art form, and Captain Damon is a master painter. You'll likely be using a mix of techniques, depending on the time of year and where the fish are hanging out. In the cooler months, you might find yourself spider rigging – that's when you've got multiple poles sticking out the front of the boat like spider legs, slow-trolling to cover more water. When the crappie are stacked up around structure, you'll probably switch to vertical jigging, dropping your bait right on their noses.

Damon's boat is rigged with top-notch electronics, so you'll be able to see the fish and structure in real-time. It's like having X-ray vision for the lake! You'll learn to read the fish finder and understand what those blips and blobs really mean. And when it comes to bait, you might be using live minnows or soft plastics – Damon knows what the crappie are in the mood for on any given day.

Target Species

Crappie are the stars of the show on Toledo Bend, and for good reason. These tasty panfish are known for their light, flaky meat and the fun fight they put up on light tackle. Toledo Bend is home to both black and white crappie, with fish commonly ranging from 3/4 to 2 pounds. The really big ones, what we call "slabs," can tip the scales at over 3 pounds!

Crappie are schooling fish, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They love to hang around structure like submerged timber, brush piles, and drop-offs. In the spring, they move into shallower water to spawn, which can make for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. During the summer heat, they'll retreat to deeper, cooler waters, and that's when Damon's knowledge of the lake's structure really pays off.

These fish are known for their paper-thin mouths, which means a light touch is key when setting the hook. It's a delicate dance that adds to the excitement – you need just enough pressure to stick 'em, but not so much that you tear the hook right out. Mastering the art of crappie fishing is a rewarding challenge that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Toledo Bend isn't just any lake – it's consistently ranked as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country, but the crappie fishing here is world-class too. The lake's diverse habitat and ample forage base mean the crappie grow big and fat. And with Damon's decades of experience, you're not just fishing; you're getting an insider's tour of one of America's premier fishing lakes.

But it's not just about the fish. A day on Toledo Bend is a chance to unplug and reconnect with nature. You might spot bald eagles soaring overhead, or see deer coming down to the water's edge for a drink. The lake's 1,200 miles of shoreline mean there's always a new cove to explore or a quiet bay to drop a line in.

Time to Get Your Crappie On!

If you're itching to fill the cooler with some of Toledo Bend's famous crappie, Captain Damon's extended half-day trip is your ticket to success. With his wealth of knowledge, top-notch equipment, and passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a treat. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to hone your skills or a family wanting to create lasting memories, this trip delivers the goods.

Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the crappie fishing paradise that is Toledo Bend. Book your trip with Borderline Crappie Trips today and get ready to make some serious fishing memories. The crappie are biting, the lake is calling, and Captain Damon's got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis)

Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes.

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers.

Crappie Distribution Map — Crappie Map of Habitat

Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins.

Crappie Size and Weight

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.

Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
Crappie travels in schools.
Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation.

When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.

Crappie Spawning

Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch.

Crappie Food

Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion.
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.

Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures:

Spinners
Pan-fish jigs
Small crankbaits
Insects
Worms
Streamer flies
Small minnows
Nymphs

About the Borderline Crappie Trips

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 12

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Hop aboard Captain Damon Borel's spacious 30-foot Crestline Party Barge for a laid-back 6-hour crappie fishing trip on Toledo Bend Lake. This comfy vessel has all you need for a great day on the water - a cabin to escape the sun, a livewell to keep your catch fresh, and high-tech GPS and fish finder to track down the best spots. With room for 4-6 people, it's perfect for a fun family outing or a day out with friends. Captain Damon knows these waters like the back of his hand after 40 years of fishing here and 6 years as a guide. He'll show you the ropes and share local knowledge to help you reel in Toledo Bend's prized crappie. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, you'll have a blast learning new techniques and enjoying quality time on this beautiful lake.

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