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Records — Conservation & Water Security

Toledo Bend Conservation & Water Security

The ecological and economic lifeblood of Sabine Parish — built entirely without federal funds and sustained entirely by local stewardship.

185,000
Acres of Reservoir
$47M
Annual Fishery Value
200K
Acre-Feet at Risk
0
Federal Funds Used

Sabine River Authority — Jointly Managed

The Reservoir & Its Authorities

The Toledo Bend Reservoir is the ecological and economic lifeblood of Sabine Parish. Built entirely without federal funds by the Sabine River Authorities of Texas and Louisiana, the 185,000-acre lake provides flood control, hydroelectric power, and sustains a $47 million recreational fishery.

  • Flood control for the lower Sabine River basin
  • Hydroelectric power generation at the Toledo Bend Dam
  • $47 million annual recreational fishing economy
  • Managed jointly by TX and LA Sabine River Authorities

Advocacy — Protect Toledo Bend

Protecting the Reservoir

In recent years, local citizens and environmental advocates have organized to protect the reservoir's water security. Movements like "Protect Toledo Bend" have formed in response to controversial proposals to sell up to 200,000 acre-feet of lake water to Texas municipalities.

Local conservationists argue that strict, legally-binding drought contingency clauses are vital to prevent ecological degradation and protect the local tourism economy from severe water-level drops.

200,000 Acre-Feet
Proposed for Sale

Wildlife Conservation — Sabine River Authority

The Lunker Legacy Program

Conservation also extends to the wildlife. The Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program encourages anglers who catch a largemouth bass weighing 10 pounds or more to turn the fish over to the Sabine River Authority for tagging and live release.

This program ensures the premier genetics of the lake are preserved for future generations — sustaining the world-class bass fishery that defines the regional economy.

10 lbs+
Qualifying Catch
Tag & Release
Program Method
SRA
Program Authority
#1
U.S. Bass Fishery

Planning a fishing trip to Toledo Bend? Browse licensed local guides in our Toledo Bend Fishing Guides directory.