Texas Porch

Lakes & Fishing

Fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir from Shelby County

Toledo Bend Reservoir sits on Shelby County's eastern edge and is one of the largest reservoirs in the South, known for bass, crappie, and catfish.

Shelby County The Great Outdoors

Toledo Bend covers about 181,600 acres on the Sabine River, forming the Texas-Louisiana border. The dam was completed in 1969. The reservoir touches Shelby, Sabine, and Newton counties on the Texas side. Largemouth bass is the most popular game fish. The lake also holds crappie, catfish, striped bass, and white bass. Bluegill and redear sunfish are common too.

About 33 public access areas with boat ramps sit on the Texas side. The Sabine River Authority of Texas operates 11 of those access areas. To fish, you need a valid Texas fishing license — or a Louisiana license if you are fishing from the Louisiana side. Anglers under a certain age are exempt; check TPWD for current age exemptions. Maps and current regulations are available at the TPWD website and at local sporting goods stores near the reservoir.

Source to confirm: TPWD — Fishing Toledo Bend Reservoir

More Shelby County notes

Property Tax

Who handles your property tax in Shelby County

Two separate offices handle property taxes in Shelby County — the appraisal district sets your value, and the tax assessor-collector sends your bill.

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Tax Exemptions

Lower your tax bill: homestead and timberland exemptions

Texas law gives homeowners and working landowners ways to reduce their property tax bill — but you have to apply.

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Wildlife Management Area

Hunting and camping at North Toledo Bend WMA

North Toledo Bend WMA is a 3,650-acre public hunting and camping area in Shelby County, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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National Forest

Sabine National Forest: public land in Shelby County

Sabine National Forest covers parts of Shelby County and offers camping, fishing, and hiking on federal land along Toledo Bend Reservoir.

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