The Toledo Bend Lake Association (TBLA) fingerling distribution for release into Toledo Bend will take place on Wednesday June 7, 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. at The Cypress Bend Marina.
You must be a current TBLA member to participate. You can join at the site or renew with cash only if you are currently not a member.
The TBLA will distribute two bags of fingerlings per member actually present at the distribution, maximum of six bags per vehicle or boat.
Members will receive plastic bags containing fingerlings, chemically treated/cooled water and pure oxygen. These bags must remain sealed until time of release into the lake. The bags should be handled by grasping the topknot with one hand while supporting the bottom of the bag from underneath with the other hand. Avoid grasping the lower portion of the bag as this will result in squeezing the fish inside. Members must provide proper containers for transporting the sealed bags. It is suggested to use clean ice chests or large tubs to prevent puncture of the plastic bags. Containers with lids or covers are recommended in order to shield the fingerlings from bright sunlight which may cause increased stress during transport. Fingerlings will only be given to members that arrive with proper containers for the fish.
Fingerlings should be transported and released as soon as possible, within two hours of being received at latest. Release sites are to be chosen by Members but should provide adequate protective cover for the fingerlings in the form of substantial vegetation or a structure such as a dock or boathouse. The water containing the fingerlings will be colder than the lake water at any release site. The sealed bags should be placed into the lake, preferably in a shady location for 5 minutes to begin bringing the water temperature inside the bag closer to the lake temperature. After 5 minutes, the bags should be opened and a volume of lake water equal to 1/3 the volume of bagged water be allowed to enter and mix with bagged water for two minutes. This partial mixing should be repeated along with another two-minute wait. At that point, the bag contents should be emptied into the lake and the bag should be properly discarded.