will get my first ever opportunity to fish toledo bend for a couple of days (July 4-6) and would appreciate a little advice about places to eat, launch the boat, and any pointers on running the lake safely. i will be staying real close to the lake in hemphill on state highway 21 west.

THX IN ADVANCE

Good seafood restaurant off 21 on left going toward Many,La. in Louisiana. As far as safely running the lake stay in the boat lanes. Get the card if you can. There is a free public ramp by Carrice Creek that is good. It is next to Keith�s tackle if I remember correctly.

Coming east from 21 before you get to the lake you can take a right onto 3121 and then either-
take the first left(242) and go to the end of the road and launch at Alpine Marina
OR stay on 3121 and as soon as you go over the bridge Harborlight Marina is right there on your left.

The creek is called Palo Guacho and has plenty of cover and areas to fish especially if its windy and you don't want to fight the big lake. I find the boat row to be marked well thruout the creek besides to the west of the 3121 bridge. From Alpine its just a short run to the main lake and you can head north or south easily.

For food after you cross the big bridge on 21 into La there is a catfish place on your left that's good and then if you keep going you'll see Toledo Town and Tackle which has food and rather nice selection of tackle. Good luck!! PM me if you like.

fishermens galley just across bridge in la, then pretty good places to eat in many. Mexican food restaurant in hemphill is ok. just stay in the boat lanes where they are marked & u will be ok.

I'll add hemphill BBQ to the food list. Always a great meal for us after tournaments. Tia Juanita's on 96 south towards Jasper. Probably 35 min from hemphill though. Lake fishes like 3 lakes really. North end is timber and ridges and Cypress trees. Mid lake alot of the same but also some shallow stuff in 1215 area. South is a deep 15-25+ bite in Summer. Main lake points and drops. Night time can be even better

thx for the info gents. i will probably head south and hope to find a group of giants out deep. thx again