Spring is for new starts, and what better way to revive your senses than with a trip to scenic Sabine Parish, Louisiana’s stunning, peaceful Toledo Bend Lake Country, where there truly is something for everyone. Visit during spring to spend your days surrounded by friendly locals, great food, arts and crafts, live music at one of several area festivals, and easy access to some of the finest freshwater sport fishing in the country. The 186,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir is justifiably famous as a world-class fishing destination all year round but during spring, when warming waters drive the lake’s largemouth bass population into shallower waters to spawn, the bass fishing reaches its peak. Need proof? Toledo Bend has produced no fewer than 19 lunkers (largemouth bass weighing 10 pounds or more) in the last 60 days alone! But besides the fishing, this beautiful section of north-central Louisiana offers so much more to explore. Take in lush foliage on a driving tour along the Toledo Bend Forest Byway. Splash to your heart’s content with the kids at the area’s newest mini golf and water park attraction, Toledo Bend Adventure Park. Offering world-class fishing, shopping, local events and tasty cuisine, Sabine Parish extends its sunny disposition and warm welcome to visitors near and far.
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Tim Mueller
Sabine Parish is part of the western Louisiana region that was once known as "No Man's Land."
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Just-picked perfection at Many's Bloom on Main event
Experience the Lake Country’s Festivals and Events
This time of year, Sabine Parish is chock-full of festivals that showcase Toledo Bend Lake Country’s friendly vibe. One of the newest events is Bloom on Main, a spring-flavored gardening festival taking place in the parish seat of Many on Saturday, April 1st. Head downtown to enjoy an explosion of outdoor plants, gardening equipment, fresh produce, handmade artisan goods, and more. The day-long gathering also promises food trucks, vendors, music, and entertainment.
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In spring, Toledo Bend hosts the national B.A.S.S. Master Open fishing tournament.
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stammphoto Getty Images/iStockphoto
Toledo Bend Reservoir is famous for producing largemouth bass "lunkers" weighing 10 lbs or more. 19 lunkers have been caught here in the first 2 months of 2023 alone.
The Fishing
Toledo Bend Reservoir was the first fishery in the United States ever to be ranked number 1 on Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list two years in a row. No surprise then, that this April, Toledo Bend will again host the national B.A.S.S. Master Open fishing tournament. From April 13—15, professional anglers from all over the country will take to the lake from the tournament’s headquarters at Cypress Bend Resort in Many, chasing Toledo Bend’s legendary lunkers as they compete for thousands of dollars in prize money. Make plans to follow this exciting event, then head out to wet a line yourself. Tournament information and a free fishing guide are both available by clicking HERE.
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Scenes from the Battle of Pleasant Hill Reenactment, taking place March 31—April 2
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More than 400 costumed reenactors take part in the Battle of Pleasant Hill Reenactment
History buffs won’t want to miss this regional favorite: the annual Battle of Pleasant Hill reenactment taking place March 31—April 2. Go, and you’ll experience more than 400 actors reenacting one of the final battles of the Civil War as it raged across the Pleasant Hill area in early April, 1864. Weekend activities include a pageant, parade, period dancing, and lots of other fun ways to celebrate spring. Another window into the fascinating history of Toledo Bend Lake Country is the bi-annual Choctaw Apache Pow Wow held April 21—22. Here you’ll learn about the regal traditions of the area’s Native American people, including gourd dancing and tribal drumming at this popular get-together held on tribal grounds in the community of Noble. See cultural demonstrations, enjoy tasty food, and bring home one-of-a-kind arts and crafts.
Springtime in the Lake Country is synonymous with the famed Sale on the Trail May 5—6. Hit the highways and byways of Sabine Parish to experience 100 miles worth of shopping in the form of pop-up boutiques, yard sales, flea markets, church bazaars, and other retail opportunities spanning the historic El Camino Real (LA Hwy 6) from Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Nacogdoches, Texas. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for a rolling good time at the Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival May 12—14, a celebration of the historic logging industry and an event enjoyed by thousands each year. Test your forestry skills in live demonstrations and watch friendly forestry contests between experts. Hop on a ‘coaster in the carnival midway, dance to live music, and sample delectable Louisiana cuisine.
Visit toledobendlakecountry.com/calendar to learn more.
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