Lanes on Toledo Bend

Never been on Toledo Bend put are going in two weeks. Has anyone got a chip for sale showing where not to go?

If you have a Humminbird, buy the LakeMaster Mid South version. Great mapping and boat lanes are marked and accurate. Depending on location of the lake, buoys will mark the primary boat lanes. LA side of the lake has a better boat lane marking system (in my opinion). TX side has floating buoys that seem to move and/or disappear from time to time. As a first timer, I highly recommend that you idle through any area that is not a marked lane. You might consider hiring a guide for your first day too. That might help you locate some fish in a smaller section of the lake. Have fun!

Don't think there is a chip showing where not to go. The Lakemaster V3 is your best bet if you're running Humminbird electronics, Navionics seems to work best in Lowrance. Otherwise run the buoys and idle elsewhere.

http://www.boatlanes.com/

You can visually see the boat lanes. Just take your time and watch the weather! Any chance of a storm get off the water!

word of caution - Don't run pinned back on the Texas side. The lanes will end and are missing bouys. You can be running fine and then your suddenly in the middle of where you don't want to be if you don't pay attention..
When in doubt, shut it down and idle. And, don't count on the guy in front of you actually knowing where he is going either.

I have boat lanes and the Lakemaster chip. Allowed me to get around pretty well as long as I paid attention.

Be careful on main lake. Doesn't take much north or south wind to make it rough.

https://youtu.be/VOFg7eXSxng

Good advice here. I went to Toledo for the first time last month. The combination of the Lakemaster and Boat Lanes chips are very helpful. I'm really disappointed in the buoy system on the TX side. There are some missing and out of place. Having a missing buoy is frustrating as you are straining to see the next one. The out of place buoys are flat dangerous. One out of place will pull you off the lane an into an area you don't want to be. Watch your electronics, pay attention, and you will be fine.

Some missing and out of place is an understatement! I ran the short distance from Carrice to Palo Gaucho, it was interesting. The Louisiana side has their stuff together.

To the original poster, you might let folks know where you are going to stay, you may get some idea of boat land conditions.

I grew up on Toledo Bend. The texas side does have a few big turns that you could miss.
I agree let us know what section you will be staying and might help with the lane information.
Depending on the water level it may look like an unmarked lane and be a boat trap.
I stayed at Big Bass Marina on the LA side and ran from there.
Mid point from the Dam to Pendleton Bridge.

Thanks for all the information guys. It appears I need to be very careful.
I'm staying on the Louisiana side mid-lake. Again, thanks for the info!!