Mississipp Dept of Wildlife i Fishing report by region
NORTHEAST
Aberdeen Lake - 8/15/2011
ABERDEEN LAKE (TENN-TOM):
The bass reports the last week or so have been pretty slow. Fair numbers of bass are being caught but the quality bite is tough to come by. Best baits have been t-rigged plastics, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Some anglers are targeting shallow wood on the channel while others are fishing some of the deeper sloughs. As slow as the bite is, the more water you cover the better. The few anglers targeting catfish are using jugs and trotlines with nightcrawlers on the navigation channel. The few anglers crappie fishing are hitting the old river run laydowns with minnows.
Columbus Lake - 8/15/2011
COLUMBUS LAKE (TENN-TOM):
The bass reports have been slow to fair. The few reports coming in are primarily from the weekend crowds. There have been several reports of bass being caught off shoreline structure on the channel and the gravel pits near the east bank ramp. Most reports indicated texas-rigged plastics were the most popular baits, with spinnerbaits and frogs catching a few active fish early out of the grass in the pits. Anglers may want to consider trying the spotted bass bite around and up the Buttahatchie as the cooler running water makes for a more stable bite. The catfish reports were fair this week. Catfish are biting along the channel and also below the dam. Both jugs and trotlines are catching some nice catfish. Nightcrawlers and cutbait have been best baits. The gravel pits and the mouths of the old river runs are still popular areas for the crappie anglers. Crappie have been holding in the deeper water suspended. Minnows should catch these fish.
Bay Springs - 8/15/2011
BAY SPRINGS:
The bass reports overall have been slow but a few folks are finding some fish. The bass bite has been deep with main lake points and the Josh Pond levee being popular areas. Best baits have been 11 or 12-inch texas rigged works and football jig-n-pig combos. The bass bite in the canal is a little better, particularly after any rain as the run-outs are holding some fish. Buzzbaits, t-rigged plastics and shallow crankbaits have been best baits. The catfish reports are fair with most folks jug fishing in the canal between Bay Springs and Pickwick. The few crappie reports coming in are from deep water near the McDougal and Ashcraft areas of the lake. The deep ledges and brushpiles in 15-25 ft of water seem to be holding fish. Both minnows and jigs are catching fish.
Tombigbee State Park - 8/15/2011
TOMBIGBEE STATE PARK:
The few bass being caught are coming on small buzzbaits and t-rigged plastics. The best times have been early and late. Several bass anglers are having luck by down-sizing their tackle and using light line and 4-inch finesse worms on drop-shot or shakeyhead rigs. If the fish are active, small crankbaits and spinnerbaits will work as well. The bream bite is fair. Most anglers are fishing in coves with deeper water. Tight-lined crickets and redworms seem to be the technique of choice. Look for the bite to improve this week due to the full moon. The crappie bite is slow. Try trolling minnows or jigs on mainlake structure.
Lake Lowndes - 8/15/2011
LAKE LOWNDES STATE PARK:
Water temps are running in the low 90’s. The bass reports are fair. Crankbaits and live minnows are attracting the most bites. Creek channel ledges, especially any with brush, are holding good numbers of fish. Also, try topwaters around shallow, grassy areas early and late. The bream bite is fair. They are biting redworms on the shallow flats in 4-5 ft. Look for some fish to be on the beds this week due to the full moon. Both bank and boat anglers are having some success. The crappie bite is slow, but minnows fished in and around deep cover is producing some bites. No catfish report this week.
Alicevile Lake - 8/15/2011
ALICEVILLE LAKE (TENN-TOM):
The bass reports are fair. You can choose to fish points and cover on the channel or the old river runs. A few of the deeper creeks like Coalfire are also holding fish. Best baits on the channel have been spinnerbaits and crankbaits while t-rigged plastics have been good choices on the river runs. The catfish bite is fair to good along the navigation channel and the mouths of the old river runs. Cutbait and liver have been best baits. The few crappie anglers have been picking up a few fish by targeting standing timber in 6 to 10 ft of water and deeper ledges off the old river run in the Pratt’s area. Minnows have been best baits.
Tippah County Lake - 8/15/2011
TIPPAH COUNTY LAKE:
The bream reports are fair to good with most reports are coming out 3-8 ft of water. Crickets and worms are good bait choices. Look for a little improvement this week due to the full moon. The bass reports were good this past week with several 2-3lb fish being caught. Most anglers are reporting success targeting deeper brush around points and creek channels using texas-rigged plastics and crankbaits. Don’t overlook a topwater bite early and late in the day around grass. The crappie reports are poor for the few anglers fishing. Target suspended crappie by trolling jigs or minnows along the creek channel and brush tops in 10-15ft of water. Once you’ve caught a fish or two, slow down and cover the area thoroughly. A few catfish anglers are catching a few 1-3 pound fish on nightcrawlers.
Elvis Presley Lake - 8/15/2011
ELVIS PRESLEY LAKE:
Most folks fishing this past week are coming out late in the evening and early in the morning. The bream bite is fair with several being caught in 5-12 ft of water with worms. Look for the bite to improve and move a bit shallower this week due to the full moon. The road bed in the upper part of the lake would be a good place to start looking for these fish. A few crappie anglers have been picking up some fish trolling the open water areas of the lake with jigs. Look for any lake structure to hold fish. Once fish have been located anglers have slowed down a used minnows. Some bass anglers are still catching a few on topwater baits but most are coming on soft plastics. The best areas have been main lake points. Shakeyheads and small T-rigged plastics should provide some action. If the bream are bedding, look for a few fish to be holding on the outer parts of the beds. The catfish report is fair also with a few medium sized fish being caught deep on liver and worms. Best depths have been 12-25 ft.
JP Coleman/Pickwick Lake - 8/15/2011
PICKWICK LAKE/J. P. COLEMAN:
Pickwick Lake elevation: 414.5 ft. Water temps are still hovering close to 90. Not much change to report. The bass fishing is still fair to good. Fish seem to be scattering now with no one spot holding big numbers of fish. Anglers are having to hit multiple spots to find good sized fish. Carolina-rigged plastics, deep diving cranks, and heavy jigs are still the best bets out on the humps and ledges. But keep a topwater bait tied on since schools of fish will pop-up chasing schools of shad. The nightfishing bite has declined over the past week, but some are still being caught on dark colored jigs and spinnerbaits. Not much change to report for catfish. Most catfish anglers are still hitting the gravel bars and the river ledges. Best depths will be 15 to 25 feet deep, with deeper water in the river channel nearby. Nightcrawlers, wigglers, liver, and cutbait are all catching catfish. Most of the good stripe reports over the last week or so are coming from below Pickwick Dam with a few schools popping up on the mainlake in some of the same areas as largemouth.
Lake Monroe - 8/15/2011
LAKE MONROE:
Surface temps are in the low 90’s. Not much change to report. The crappie bite has slowed some, with trolling jigs in deep water producing the most bites. Best colors are watermelon and black/blue. The bass reports are slow, with a few being caught in deep water on T-rigged plastics. Most bass anglers are fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. The bream reports have been few but the anglers are still picking up some nice bream off the ends of the fishing piers. Look for a few bream on the bed this week due to the full moon. Tight-lining red wigglers and crickets has been the best technique. The catfish anglers are catching a few off the boat ramp and fishing piers late in the evening. Liver seems to be the bait of choice.
Oktibbeha County Lake - 8/15/2011
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY LAKE:
Most anglers are fishing early and late with a few braving the heat during the day. The bass reports are slow to fair. Some anglers are having success throwing t-rigged plastics. Motoroil and Redbug seem to be popular colors right now. Try looking for cover adjacent to deeper water. A few catfish anglers are fishing along the dam and also targeting the creek channel with cutbait and liver. They are having a little success. The bream reports have been fair. Most anglers are fishing from the piers on the big lake and along the shoreline on the small lake. Casting beetlespins or tight-lining crickets in 3-5 ft of water has been the best pattern. There might be a few on the bed this week due to the full moon.
Trace State Park - 8/15/2011
TRACE STATE PARK:
The bass anglers are reporting a fair bite. Targeting the deeper points, coves, and creek channels in 10-25 ft of water toward the middle of the day for best results. Move a little bit shallower during the twilight hours. The best baits have been topwater, big t-rigged plastic worms, and crankbaits. The bream reports are still fair to good. Bream are being caught on jigs, crickets, and wigglers in 5-20ft of water around creek channels. Look for some fish to move to bedding areas this week because of the full moon. The crappie reports are fair as few anglers are hitting the deeper structure and creek channels in 10-25 ft of water. Both minnows and jigs are catching fish. The catfish reports are fair and are coming from the day-use area and in the creek channel in 15-35 ft. Tight-lining liver and nightcrawlers has been the best pattern.
Water levels in the MS river near Desoto Lake are 9.6 ft (Helena gauge) and should be on a slow fall through the weekend.
Ricos bait shop reported of several people still catching crappie with minnows. Most anglers catching crappie suspended at 6-8 ft in about 10 ft of water.
For catfish, try using trotlines, jugs, or tightlining on the bottom with natural bait such as worms, chicken livers, or cut shad.
There's no new reports for bass, try fishing early in the morning with topwater lures and soft plastics near structure is probably your best bet.
Lake Whittington - 8/18/2011
LAKE WHITTINGTON
Little Man's Landing on Lake Whittington is open. Little Man's is located southwest of the Benoit Outing Club and is the only public boat ramp on Whittington. There is a $5.00 launch fee to use the ramp.
Anglers on Whittington have been doing very well catching crappie, either by jigging or using minnows. Most anglers are still catching crappie suspended at 6-7 ft in 10-12 ft of water. Try fishing around the docks at the Outing club and around the shoot near Catfish Point Hunting Club. Most are using minnows and catching big fish.
Many bream anglers are reaching their limit of 100 fish a day using crickets and fishing in 3-5 feet of water. Most people are fishing around the sunken barges by the outing club or around tree tops.
Tunica Cutoff - 8/15/2011
The Mississippi River at Memphis was at 11.1 ft Monday and is predicted to fall to 9.2 ft by Saturday. Flood stage is 34 ft. Best fishing is usually on a slow fall from 15 to 10 ft. The lake will be falling through this range this week. For the river level and 5 day forecast, call (901)544-0408 (press 2) or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt.
Charlie at Charlie’s Camp reported Monday bream fishing continues to be good fishing crickets or redworms 3 to 4 ft deep near the bottom in shoreline cover; a few catfish may also be caught like this. For crappie, best luck lately has been trolling 7 ft deep in 11 ft of water. Catfish can be taken in large quantities; fish trotlines baited with nightcrawlers or about any other way you want to fish for them. A recent bass tournament had most teams catching fish, but no reports of where or on what. At these water levels, soft plastics or crankbaits fished off steep points should work. Look for white bass on sandy, steep points and fish shad-imitating lures like jigs or small crankbaits. No bait shops on the lake are open. Charlie’s ramp is cleaned off; please use the honor box if no one is around.
The boat pass required of anglers fishing the lake has been lifted; no pass is required to fish the lake.
Horn Lake - 8/15/2011
The Lakeview Boat Dock bait shop has been demolished. The ramp is gated off.
Crappie limits on Horn Lake are a 10 inch minimum size, 30 fish daily per person. Size and creel limits on crappie are the same in the Tennessee and Mississippi portions of the lake.
MDWFP trapnet sampling in March found a lot of black crappie from the big 2008 year class just under 10 inches long. White crappie grew much faster with some good fish seen. Crappie had a weak 2009 year class, but last year’s spawn was fairly good. Spawns were similar for bream. A lot of 3 to 10+ lb channel catfish were noted.
Beulah Lake - 8/18/2011
LAKE BEULAH
Mississippi river stage at Arkansas City is around 16.0 ft. and should be on a slow fall for the next several days.
Most anglers are fishing for bream and are still catching nice fish. Most are using crickets and are targeting tree tops or the piers along the eastern shoreline.
There's no new reports from crappie or bass anglers. Crappie should be holding in deep water in the middle of the lake, especially in the blue holes. Try trolling jigs at different depths until you find what depth they are at and then fish that depth. For bass, any structure such as piers, fish attractors, or stumps could be holding a nice bass. Fishing early in the morning or late in the afternoon is the best time to catch them this time of year.
Lake Beulah can be located by turning West on Main Street from Highway 1 in the town of Beulah. Take the left ramp to go up the levee then the next right. This will take you to the public boat ramp on the North end of Beulah.
Lake Beulah is at a relatively high elevation compared to other Mississippi River oxbow lakes. When the river is below 18 feet (Ark. City) the water level of the lake is stable. Between 18-20 feet lake level is controlled by drainage through culvert in dam. Above 24 feet lake rises/falls close to same rate as changes in river.
A description and a general map of this lake can be seen at the internet address - Http://outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Beulah under "more area lake maps".
Fishing may slow down this week with the cold front coming through and north and east winds blowing, but it sure makes it more comfortable to fish. Best luck on crappie lately has been pulling crankbaits or pushing jigs and/or minnows. Fish have been caught anywhere from 5 to 15 ft deep. Pole fishing has dropped off with few folks landing more than 5 keepers. A recent crappie tournament was won with 13.19 lb (7 fish); big fish was 2.61 lb. Most catfish being caught are incidental to crappie fishing, but they can be caught tightlining natural baits. With the water falling, bass have been pulling into creek channels; fish cover on channel edges. White bass have been schooling on main lake points and have also been mostly incidental catch crappie fishing. Fish shad-imitating jigs, spoons, or small crankbaits to catch all you want; there are no size or number limits on white bass.
The spillway had one gate open 7.5 ft (2200 cfs) Monday. Best luck down here has been for catfish. A few crappie have been landed lately in Elbow Creek.
The spillway smells from hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg gas). The gas is a byproduct of vegetation decomposing in deep water with no oxygen. High water in the lake flooded lots vegetation, so lots of hydrogen sulfide gas is dissolved in deeper water. The spillway pulls water off the lake bottom; as it re-oxygenates splashing down the spillway, the dissolved gas is released into the air and makes a big stink.
Contact the COE office (662)562-6261 for accessible ramps at current water levels.
The daily creel limit for crappie on Arkabutla Lake is 20 per person. Crappie must be over 12 inches. Anglers fishing Arkabutla Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. The 12 inch length limit does not apply to the reservoir spillway, but the spillway has a 20 crappie creel limit.
Fishing may slow down this week with the cold front coming through and north and east winds blowing, but it sure makes it more comfortable to fish. Best reports on crappie have been trolling crankbaits 16 to 22 ft deep from above Holiday Lodge to the dam. Lespideza Point has been popular. Fish larger lures to keep from tempting the big 2009 year class that is not keeping size yet. Some crappie have been landed around standing timber and keeper black crappie can be caught fishing deep brush piles. Best reports on largemouth bass have been fishing crankbaits on the edges of creek channels where the water is pulling into the channel off the flats. White bass have been schooling on shad off sandy main lake points and in creek mouths; fish small, shad imitating lures (jigs, spoons, small cranks). There are no size or number limits on white bass. For catfish, use natural baits in river and creek channels or drifted just over the bottom in the mid-to-upper lake areas.
The spillway had 2 gates open 6.0 ft (2750 cfs) Monday. Best luck has been for catfish on various natural baits. You’ll catch some drum doing this, too. White bass have been hitting crankbaits or jigs fished in the fast water.
Contact the COE office (662)563-4531 for accessible ramps at current water levels.
MDWFP fall, 2010, electrofishing showed a good crop of 2009's crappie just under 10 inches, plus a good proportion of keepers, and good numbers of blue catfish (white river cats) in the 5 to 25 pound range. Bass were fairly abundant with a lot of fish near 15 inches but some up to 6+ lbs. Generally, bigger bass were on main lake cover, while smaller bass were in the coves.
The University of Mississippi continues a MDWFP funded crappie tracking study on the lake to look at how fish respond to water levels. Please be sure to report any captures of tagged fish by calling the number on the tag. Record the 5-digit ID code and where you caught the fish. Your reports are very important to us. Healthy tagged fish may be kept or released with the transmitter attached at your discretion returned transmitters from harvested fish can be re-used. PDF file of the latest tracking report can be found at http://home.mdwfp.com/ContentManagem...h.ashx?id=1750
The daily limit on black bass (largemouth and spotted) is 7 fish, any size.
The daily creel limit for crappie is 20 per person. Crappie must be over 12 inches. Anglers fishing Sardis Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. The 12 inch length limit does not apply to the reservoir spillway, but the spillway, including Sardis Lower Lake, has a 20 crappie creel limit.
Lake Washington - 8/18/2011
LAKE WASHINGTON
Bream are still on the beds! Try fishing in 3-5 ft of water around grass beds and cypress knees. Crickets and wax worms will get the job done.
Catfish can always be caught at Washington near the shoreline fishing on the bottom with live bait like nightcrawlers or chicken liver. Look for bream and bass near structure such as cypress knees or fishing piers. Early in the morning is the best time to fish this time of year before it heats up.
For up-to-date fishing information or to pick up live bait and fishing supplies, contact Ms. Pam Hammond at Roy's Store (662-827-2588, http://www.royscabins.net/roys%20home.htm ) or Mike Jones at the Bait N Thangs bait shop (662-827-2666).
Also check out the Bait N Thangs facebook page for pictures of big fish from Lake Washington!
Creel Limits:
The creel limit for crappie at Lake Washington is 30 a day. There is a 10" minimum length limit for crappie, but 5 fish under 10" may be kept.
The creel limit for largemouth bass at Lake Washington is 10 a day. There is a 15" minimum length limit for bass, but 2 fish under 15" may be kept.
The limit for bream is 100 per day, and there is no limit on catfish harvest.
Directions to Lake Washington:
Lake Washington is located off of Hwy 1 south of Greenville in Washington County. To get to the public boat ramp, Turn off Hwy 1 on Hwy 436 going west towards Glen Allan. When the road ends at the lake, take a left and the ramp is located in the town of Glen Allan by the old Cotton Country Inn. Lake Washington Rd. E runs along the entire eastern shoreline of the lake and has multiple boat ramps, RV parks and cabins, and bait shops.
Yo-Yo Requirements:
All yo-yo's must have a waterproof or metal tag attached and visible above the water surface. The tags must contain the angler's full name and address. Yo-yo's must be attended on Lake Washington. Attended means devices must remain within sight of the angler during daylight hours.
Fishing may slow down this week with the cold front coming through and north and east winds blowing, but it sure makes it more comfortable to fish. Trolling for crappie has improved recently, but there are still a lot of short fish being caught. Best luck has been trolling crankbaits 12 to 20 ft deep. Some folks are using jigs and/or minnows. Use bigger baits to catch more keepers and less short fish. Some folks are catching keeper black crappie fishing deep brushpiles. For largemouth bass, fish crankbaits or soft plastics off secondary and main lake points or other deepwater structure (river channel edges, drop-offs, brush piles, etc.). Bass should be stacking up in creeks and the river where the lake has pulled into the channel. Catfish can be taken on trotlines, noodles (jugs), and rod-and-reel on various baits. White bass should be schooling off sandy points in the main lake; fish shad-imitating jigs, spoons, or small crankbaits. There are no size or number limits on white bass.
The spillway had 1 gate open 0.5 ft, 1 gate open 1.0 ft Monday (600 cfs). Best luck down here has been for catfish on natural baits; expect some drum, too.
MDWFP fall, 2010, electrofishing showed a good crop of 2009's white crappie just under 10 inches plus a good proportion of keepers. Bass were abundant with a lot of fish near 15 inches but quite a few in the 5 to 7 lb range. Generally, bigger bass were on main lake cover, while smaller bass were in the coves.
The daily limit for black bass (largemouth and spotted) is 7 fish, any size.
The daily creel limit for crappie on Enid Lake is 20 per person. Crappie must be over 12 inches. Anglers fishing Enid Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. The 12 inch length limit does not apply to the reservoir spillway, but the spillway has a 20 crappie creel limit.
Lake Ferguson - 8/18/2011
LAKE FERGUSON
Mississippi River stage at Greenville is close to 28.8 ft. and should is on a slow fall for the next several days.
Anglers are still catching lots of bream at Ferguson. Most are fishing early in the morning and getting off the lake before the heat of the day. Bream are still being caught deep, from 6-8' down, along the outside edge of trees. Other people are still catching bream near Archer Island or near the piers on the northern sections of the lake.
Most bass anglers are also targeting the piers north of the boat ramp and catching good fish early in the morning.
A few anglers are catching lots of catfish south of the boat ramp underneath the grain elevators. Tightlining, trotlines, and jugs can all be used to catch these big, well fed fish.
Fishing may slow down this week with the cold front coming through and north and east winds blowing, but it sure makes it more comfortable to fish. Collins’ Bait Shop (662)226-3581 and MDWFP creel surveys show no real pattern to crappie fishing with scattered catches throughout the lake and few reports. Some recent good success has been fishing from daylight until about 9 AM landing 10 - 15 keepers and a similar number of throwbacks. About the most consistent pattern has been trolling crankbaits 15 to 18 ft deep near the main lake point where the 2 rivers join. Drifting big minnows has also been producing. Largemouth bass are on main lake points, humps, and old roadbeds; fish crankbaits until the bite slows, then try Carolina-rigging soft plastics. Bass should be stacking up in creeks and rivers where the lake has pulled into the channel. Catfishing has been fair with mostly blue (white river) cats taken on noodles (jugs), trotlines, and rod-and-reel. Few reports on white bass. Fish sandy main lake points in the evenings with small, shad imitating lures (jigs, spoons, small cranks). There are no size or number limits on white bass.
The spillway had 1 gate open 6.0 ft (1800 cfs) Monday. Fishing effort down here has been low with best luck for catfish on various natural baits.
Contact the COE office (662)226-6090 for accessible ramps at current water levels.
MDWFP started a roving creel survey on the lake in March. Personnel will be contacting anglers 8 randomly chosen days each month through October.
The daily creel limit for crappie on Grenada Lake is 20 per person. Crappie must be over 12 inches. Anglers fishing Grenada Lake may use no more than 3 poles per person. The 12 inch length limit does not apply to the reservoir spillway, but the spillway has a 20 crappie creel limit.
Moon Lake - 8/18/2011
MOON LAKE
Fishing pressure remains very low on Moon Lake.
For bass, fishing early in the morning before it gets too hot with topwater lures and soft plastics near structure is probably your best bet. Try along the island or near the piers on the eastern shoreline
For catfish, try using trotlines, jugs, or tightlining on the bottom with natural bait such as worms, chicken livers, or cut shad.
Lake Charlie Capps - 8/18/2011
LAKE CHARLIE CAPPS
LAKE IS CLOSED TO FISHING
Lake Charlie Capps is now Charlie Capps Wildlife Management Area.
The lake has been drained and a 40 acre lake was constructed in part of the old lake bed. This new lake was stocked with bream in the fall of 2010 and largemouth bass in the spring of 2011.
The rest of the lake remains drained and will be managed for duck hunting. For more information on Charlie Capps WMA, look under the wildlife tab for WMA's in the Delta Region
Bee Lake - 8/18/2011
BEE LAKE
Bee Lake is open to boating and fishing, but fishing pressure has begun too pick up. few people have been trolling for crappie with good success. Try trolling in the deep parts of the lake, especially near the bridge. Start by fishing jigs or minnows at different depths to see at what depth the fish are holding, then once they start biting at a certain depth stick with that depth.
Bream are still on beds, find a bed and you can pull them in all day long. Try using crickets or wax worms for bait.
For bass, target structure such as piers, logs, or cypress trees near the shorelines. For bass try soft plastics, topwater lures early in the morning, or shallow running crankbaits.
Fishing success on Chotard and Albermarle is always dependent upon the MS River level and movement. As the water slowly leaked out of the oxbows and back into the River over the last few weeks, fishing was dynamite! Bass, crappie and bream were reportedly caught by the cooler fulls. The river is currently at around 23 ft and steady. When the river is steady, there is little to no movement of water in these lakes. The fishing always slows down under these circumstances. For best results on these lakes, always check the MS River report to know if the river is moving in or out of the lake and target areas of moving water for improved fishing.
Bass fishing has been very good on the lake lately. The high pressure front and lack of movement from the River has slowed down the bite. They should start biting better as we move further along in the week. Target the trees and laydowns along the bank with soft plastics such as lizards and worms. Crankbaits and rattletraps have reportedly been a good bait around the ends of the ditch which connects Chotard to Albermarle. The roadbed on Albermarle has also been hot, although the bite slowed down after the front. Bass should be back on the roadbed chasing shad by now. Also, try spinnerbaits in all of these areas.
Big bream were caught hand over fist the last few weeks, but the bite has recently slowed down. Some believe the moon cycle contributed to this(being on the other side of the full moon), but the water movement was probably just as much of a determinant. Try using crickets or redworms around treetops along the bank.
Crappie fishing has also been great with a recent slow down. The fish should be ready to bite again by this weekend. These lakes are known to have big crappie and a lot of them. Try using minnows or jigs around the willow trees. If you cannot find them there, try some of the deeper treetops along the lake. Also, slow-trolling open waters along the bank can be a very effective method on these lakes.
Catfishing is always good on the lakes. As an oxbow of the MS River, catfish will always be a good option. Try tightlining in deep water with chicken liver, cutbait, or nightcrawlers.
See the Mississippi River Report for updates on current river levels. For most boats, access to the river is near impossible when the River is below 13 feet (Vicksburg Gauge).
Online Map
A description and a map of these lakes can be seen at - www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Albermarle or Chotard under "more area lake maps".
Wolf Lake - 8/17/2011
Wolf and Broad Lakes have reopened for fishing and boating. These lakes are known for excellent crappie and catfish fishing, while bass fishing has improved dramatically over the last few years. High water in successive years has resulted in great bass spawns. Fishing was tough early in the week as the front moved through the state, but should get better as the week continues.
Bass fishing has reportedly been tough. A big spawn of shad and carp has certainly kept the fish happy and full. With an overabundance of food, fishing can be tough. White spinnerbaits as well as chrome colored crankbaits and rattletraps should be effective in open waters. Target dropoffs and deep treetops with these baits. The outer cypress tree trunks and knees should hold some fish as well. Try pitching jigs and other soft plastics around these structures and run them slowly.
Crappie fishing has been decent. Fishermen have reported catching a few good sized fish. Try fishing minnows or jigs around treetops in deep water and around the outer edges of cypress trees along the bank. Trolling can be an effective method in open waters as well.
Bream fishing is should be good. No reports. Try fishing crickets or worms around treetops in 5-6 ft of water.
Catfish can always be caught on Wolf Lake. Good sized fish have been caught consistently. Trotlines and jugs are very popular fishing methods on the lake, but tightling with a rod and reel can be just as good. Try using cutbait and chicken livers.
BOATING SUGGESTIONS - When fishing in the river use a boat with the size and horsepower appropriate for the current. (Remember the river as it passes Mississippi drains almost 1/2 of the continental U.S. That is a lot of water that can be moving extremely fast.) Try to go up-stream from the boat ramp and try not to cross the river if you don't have too. Give barges a wide bearth, they are too big to be able to stop and in constricted waters they have the right of way . The wake behind a barge can be very dangerous, and at certain river conditions barges create dangerous turbulance for quite a large distance behind them. WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES WHEN BOATING OR FISHING IN FAST CURRENT.
BOAT RAMP INFORMATION:
Helena - End of boat ramp - N34.52179 – W090.58259 (north side of low water ramp) – the end of the ramp on the north side is at a level equivalent to approximately -4.5 feet on the Helena gauge. The end of the slab is 110 feet from the end of the parking area located on the slope of the ramp. The north side of the ramp extends farther and deeper than the south side. The ramp has an 8.5/1 slope.This ramp is in the river park. Take US 49 Business to second traffic light and turn right. You will pass the court house and the WWI memorial. Top of ramp - N33.52163 – W090.581582
Quapaw Landing - End of boat ramp - N34.26344 – W090.74493, a level equivalent to approximately 0 feet on the Helena gauge. The ramp has an 7.1feet / 1feet slope. This ramp is 9-10 miles west of Rt 1 at Farrell turnoff to ramp is 1-1 ½ miles past crossing of main line levee. Look for crossing over spur levee. The ramp is on the chute to Island 63. Access to the river is open to about -2 feet on the Helena Gauge (with 3' depth over shoal)
DeSoto Lake, Hill House Ramp - End of boat ramp - N34.13525 – W090.84303 (east side of low water ramp) – the end of the ramp on the east side is at a level equivalent to approximately 1 feet on the Helena gauge. The end of the slab is 61 feet from the top of the eastern slab that is below the line of mature willow trees, or 31 ½ feet below end of that slab, or 18 feet from top of last slab on west side. The east side of the ramp has a 1.2 foot drop-off. The west side of the ramp is covered in semi-firm sand that drops off at the following rate – 3’ deep at 9’ out 4’ at 13’ and 4.7’ at 17’. (P.S. This sand was not there in 2004, so it may not be there in the future.) The middle section of the ramp has an 7.55’/1’ slope, the last slab on the west has a 4.25’/1’ slope, while the upper section, that portion to the willow trees, has a 15.6’/1 slope. NOTE: Boaters need to be VERY cautious of rock wall in the chute at levels 8- 10 feet (Helena gauge).
DeSoto Lake, DeSoto Landing Park Ramp - End of boat ramp - N34.16040 – W090.80569 - the end of the ramp is at a level equivalent to approximately 1.5 feet on the Helena gauge. The end of the slab is 65 feet from the top of the slab that is nearest to the line of mature willow trees. The ramp ends in firm sand that drops off at the following rate – 3’ deep at 9’ 4’ at 12’ The ramp has a 7.35’/1’ slope, with the last 9 feet of the ramp having a 4.5’/1’. Top of ramp - N33.15988 – W090.80501
Dennis Landing - Directions turn west on paved road 1.7 mile north of jct Hwy 32 and 1. It is 3.5 miles to ramp- bear to the right where pavement ends, ramp is 1 mile, bear left on levee, then run down spur levee. The end of the ramp is near 1 foot on the Arkansas City gauge, but the end of the ramp sits on a maticulated concrete mattress. Dennis landing near River Mile 610, 10 ½ miles upstream of the “new” mouth of the White River and 15 miles downstream from chute to DeSoto Lake.
Log-Loader Lake (Port of Rosedale) - End of boat ramp – N33.81910 - W091.02115 - the end of the ramp is at a level equivalent to approximately -1 on the Arkansas City Gauge. The end of the slab is 81 ½ feet from the broken off end of the curve that is on the north side of the ramp. There is a ½ foot drop off from the slab onto a firm bottom that slopes off at .2 feet per foot. Slope of the ramp drops 0.15 foot per foot. The wide part of the ramp ends at N33.81926 – W091.02097 – the ramp continues on the north side - this spot is 30 feet from first break in curve on north side of ramp. Top of ramp – N 33.81987 – W091.02041 – equivalent to 50 feet on the Ark. City Gauge. Log Loader Lake is located at the Port of Rosedale. The port is located on the south side of town, off route 1.
Lake Ferguson (Main St.)- End of boat ramp - ??? – The best low water access is middle ramp: this ramp is between the words ‘city’ and ‘of’ in signage on levee that reads “Greenville Port City of the Delta”. At lake level equivalent to 11 feet on the Greenville gauge a boater has 23 feet of good ramp that will drop down 2.9 feet deep (this point is N33.41211 – W091.06781 and is 24 feet from the end of the small hump in the middle of the ramp). Another slab is beyond this point but it has slipped on a drop-off. There is a ½ foot drop off to this slab and the slab is on a much steeper slope.The end of the parking lot is equivalent to 9.5 feet Greenville gauge and it has a sharp drop of 1 foot or more. The end of the parking lot is in line with the break between the 2nd and third triangular canopies to the gangway of the Bayou Caddy Casino. Top of ramp - N33.41158 – W091.06674
Lake Ferguson, New Public Ramp - End of boat ramp – N33.41211 – W091.06166 – the end of the ramp is at a level equivalent to approximately 8 feet on the Greenville gauge. The end of the slab is 14 feet from the end of the curb (the end of the curb is very close to level equivalent to 11 ft., Greenville gauge). In 2005 there was a ½ foot drop off i
Eagle Lake - 8/17/2011
Eagle Lake is now open to fishing and boating. The lake level has reached normal summer pool. The recent flooding has caused many problems for lake residents such as damaged piers and boathouses and sloughing of the banks. Be respectful of these residents as they try to rebuild their properties. One positive result of the flood was its affect on the vegetation. The vegetation problem which has plagued Eagle Lake for years has now been stunted. The high, turbid water shaded the bottom and did not allow the weeds to start growing this year. Therefore, these plants were unable to seed out this year. This should dramatically reduce the coverage of vegetation on the lake in the following years. Some vegetation will return, but we are hopeful that it will be a healthy amount for fish populations. Also, early results of asian carp samples suggest little impact to the lake. Investigations are ongoing, but only a few asian carp have been sampled on the lake thus far.
Bass fishing has turned on. The Yoknea Bass Club held a tournament on the lake last Saturday with good results. The winner, Allen Bagby of Vicksburg, brought in a 5 fish bag limit of 20 pounds all averaging 4lbs. and visibly healthy. Second and third places landed 19 and 17 pounds respectively. Good fish are being caught around the piers using soft plastics and crankbaits. The island has also been a hotspot early in the morning. The mouth of muddy bayou has also been productive.
Bream fishing is good right now. Reports of several fishermen catching 30 and 40 decent sized bream a piece. Try using crickets or redworms around the piers and in Float Row.
Crappie fishing has been slow lately, but a few fish can still be caught around the ends of the deep piers. Try using minnows or white jigs.
Catfish fishing is hot right now. Anglers are catching good numbers of fish across from the public ramp near cypress trees, especially in shaded areas. Cut bait, worms, and liver are all good choices.
Striped bass can be caught this time of year as well. Try trolling crankbaits around the lake while looking out for schooling activity. You can keep 6 fish a day, but they must be 15 inches long.
Yellow bass are often mistaken for striped bass, but as the name suggests, they are yellow along the body and do not grow as large. Keep all you catch, they are reportedly very tasty.
Some bass are being caught at day break and at dusk in the pads at the upper end of the lake on top water lures such as frogs or buzzbaits. Other baits that are wrorking are shaky heads on ledges and pig/jig. Anglers are encouraged to take out their limit of bass every time they fish. Crappie will always be found around the fish attractors. Try the buoy across from the south boat ramp in water approx. 18 feet near the fishing pier then travel up the lake to the buoy which is across from the north boat ramp. Use white colored jigs that resemble small shad. Fish redworms on the bottom for bream.
Camping is available for overnight stays. No reservations needed.
Neshoba County Lake - 8/15/2011
Dustin Yeagar caught this 8.1 pounder a few weeks ago on a Brushhog. He was fishing near dusk.
The best fishing is early or late in the day when the sun is noy as hot. Bream are biting on the flats. Best baits are crickets, worms, and yellow, blue or white flies. Two and three pound bass are hanging out in the pad fields near deep water. Topwater lures and dark colored frogs are the best baits.
Several fish attractors were established in the lake to create fish habitat and hot spots for anglers. Approximately 150 Christmas trees were sunk in 2011. The attractors are located at the following coordinates:
Lake Claude Bennett - 8/18/2011
Congratulations to Marty Logan of Laurel for landing this 5 pounder .
Son Nick Logan is also a successful angler.
Eleven year old Quest Lubin of Stringer caught this 10 pound catfish near the boat ramp. The line broke just before landing it, and young Quest jumped into the shallow water and wrestled it out onto the bank.
Water temperature is 86 degrees and the visibility is 34 inches.
Bream biting excellent from pier toward deep water using catalpa worms and red worms .
Bass still biting good from the pier as well using various plastics around sunken Christmas trees.
Several fish attractors have been established in the lake to create fish habitat and a hot spot for anglers. Approximately 200 Christmas trees were added to the sites in January 2011, and most attractors are marked with buoys. Other habitat enhancements include several bream gravel spawning beds located near the shoreline and fishing piers. These areas are great for locating bream during the late spring and early summer months.
Simpson County Lake - 8/18/2011
Mr. Green caught this 11.5 pound lunker recently.
The bass bite has slowed, but the best time to fish is early or late. Bream fishing is good in the morning try 6-8 feet deep water using crickets. Catfish are biting good in the evenings on liver or nightcrawlers fished off the pier near campgrounds. Some crappie caught off fish attractors in 10-12' water using minnows.
Camping is available for overnight stays. No reservations needed.
Water level is down 2 feet; temperature is 89 and water clairty is 22 inches. Bass fishing has picked up early and late along the shoreline. The best catches were on plastic worms and crankbaits. Bream are being caught using redworms fished on the bottom in water that is 6 -8 feet deep. One boat came in with 49 bluegill.
Camping is available for overnight stays. No reservations needed.
Several fish attractors were established in the lake to create fish habitat and a hot spot for anglers. Approximately 200 Christmas trees were added to the sites in January 2011, and most attractors are marked with buoys. Other habitat enhancements include several bream gravel spawning beds located by the fishing pier that is near the boat ramp. These areas are great for locating bream during the late spring and early summer months.
Okatibbee Reservoir - 8/18/2011
The lake level is 342.9 ft. The water temperature is 89o at the dam. Outflow through the dam is 50 cfs. Crappie are in deep water near or in the creek channel. Try fishing the deepwater fish attractors. Trolling with jigs and minnows is the best method to catch a mess. Don't forget that any size crappie can be taken out, and the limit is 30 fish per angler per day. The best time to fish for bass is early in the morning or in late evening. Some fish were caught on buzzbaits and devil's horse. During the day fish for bass on deep points with Carolina rigged worms. A Mayfly hatch is ocurring at Gin Creek. This has increased the activity of catfish and bream One angler caught 25 catfish yesterday morning
Lake Tom Bailey - 8/18/2011
The deep water around the drain structure and rip-rap along the levee is a good plact to catch bass and crappie this time of year. Use crankbaits (lipless working good). Crappie fishing is fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are biting primarily at night on liver. Bream fishing is good with redworms and crickets both.
Bream are being caught with crickets and worms, mainly during the afternoons. Try fishing out from the bank in water 3-5 ft, especially near cover.
Bass fishing has been best during the late afternoons. A few bass have been caught along the edge of vegetation during the early mornings and late afternoons. Top water baits and spinner baits have worked well, and the best colors have been chartruese and yellow. Feel free to take a mess of small bass home with you!
Target the brush piles for crappie that are in deeper areas of the lake and also along the creek channel. Live minnows are recommended.
Catfish have been caught during the day; however the bite has been best at night. Try worms and crickets.
Over 10 new fish attractor sites were created during January 2011. Several of these sites were marked with GPS and the coordinates are listed below. The lake depth map has been updated showing many of these locations. The additional habitat should provide structure for various fish species and offer hot spots for anglers to try. Good luck!
1. N 31.57860 W 90.15717
2. N 31.57653 W 90.15344
3. N 31.57642 W 90.15923
4. N 31.57557 W 90.15806
5. N 31.57536 W 90.15389
6. N 31.57425 W 90.15452
Lake Lincoln - 8/16/2011
The hot weather has things fairly slow right now, but fishing should be best during the early morning or late afternoon hours when it's cooler.
Target major contour changes for bass and fish slow with dark colored plastics. Running a deep diving crank bait along the dam should do well.
Bream are still biting good. Crickets and redworms are always good choices from the day use area.
Catfish usually do well along the creek channel with liver and worms.
Look for crappie to be holding in deep water and near structure. Try some of the deeper fish attractors listed below. Night fishing for crappie is also popular here and may be the best time to catch them.
Over 20 new fish attractor sites were created during January 2011. Many of these sites were marked with GPS and the coordinates are listed below. The lake depth map has been updated showing these locations. The additional habitat should provide structure for various fish species and offer hot spots for anglers to try. Good luck!
N 31.68244 W 90.33452
N 31.68119 W 90.33363
N 31.68359 W 90.32577
N 31.68923 W 90.32704
N 31.68854 W 90.32812
N 31.68641 W 90.32838
N 31.68555 W 90.33482
N 31.68615 W 90.33572
N 31.68636 W 90.33631
N 31.68235 W 90.33931
N 31.68163 W 90.33286
N 31.68714 W 90.33889
N 31.68564 W 90.34160
N 31.68773 W 90.34068
N 31.68834 W 90.34014
Lake Bill Waller - 8/17/2011
Surface water temp. is 88 degrees. Fishing is good with some bass anglers catching fish using shiners fished along the deeper edges of the lily pads in 4 to 12 ft. of water. Some bass are being caught early & late in the day using topwater baits like plastic frogs. Anglers are reporting catching bass in the 6 to 10-lb. range using live shiners. Bream anglers report catches are great in the bedding areas using crickets and worms.
Note: bass length limit regulations which are in place at Lake Bill Waller: the bag limit is 15 bass/day the slot limit is 18"-22" (none can be in possession) with one fish allowed over 22". For more detailed information please contact the Lake Office @ (601)736-1861
Lake Walthall - 8/17/2011
No new report. Bass anglers still report the bite is good early & late in the day using mainly soft plastics either Texas or Carolina-rigged and fished along main lake points in 5 to 10 ft. of water. Try either Junebug colors or green pumpkinseed. Some bass are still being caught early & late with spinnerbaits and topwater lures near the dam or near brushtops. Bream anglers report the bite has picked up some with the full moon with fish being caught using crickets in 4 to 8 ft. of water around brushtops. NOTE: The new boat ramp & courtesy pier are in place at Lake Walthall! Remember: largemouth bass limit is 10/person bream (bluegill, redear) limit is 100/person catfish is 10/person.
Lake Columbia - 8/17/2011
Surface water temp. is 89 degrees. The bass anglers report fishing is good with most anglers targeting bass along the edges of lily pads in 3 to 8 ft. of water using soft plastics with a 10 lb fish being caught. A few anglers report catching bass just before dusk using spinnerbaits & plastic frogs fished along the edges of lily pads. Reports indicate that bream fishing is good as well. For more detailed information please contact the lake office @ (601)736-1861
Calling Panther Lake - 8/15/2011
Big bass are still biting. These two were caught during the past few weeks at Calling Panther.
Water temperature: 90 F
Visibility: 60 inches
Bass fishing has been best during the late afternoons, dispite the occasional pop-up thunderstorm. The best bait choice has been soft plastics, including flukes, worms, and lizzards. Good colors have been pumkinseed, red shad, watermelon, and red worms with white tails. Feel free to take a mess of small bass home with you!
Crappie and bream fishing has been slow. Target structure in deep water for crappie with jigs or minnows and worms or crickets for bream.
Catfish anglers have been doing well at night by fishing along the levee with liver and minnows.
Bass - Bass fishing is fair. Try your favorite soft plastics in 5 - 15 ft. of water targeting visible cover. Texas rigged worms or Carolina rigged lizards should do good. Watermelon seed, red shad and tequila sunrise are some popular colors to try.
Crappie- The crappie bite is slow. Try minnows or jigs 8 - 10 ft. deep around visible brushpiles in 10-15 ft. of water.
Catfish- There have been some reports this week of catfish being caught from the fishing pier located behind the office. Try tightlining worms or chicken liver.
Bream - Bream fishing is fair.Try tightlining worms or crickets on points in 5 - 10 ft. of water.
Pascagoula River: The river @ Merrill is at 2.78 ft. & falling while the lower river @ Graham Ferry is at 1.43 ft. & falling.
Bass fishermen still fish the river & oxbows catching bass around woody cover in the main channel as well as the oxbows using soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Anglers fishing the lower river & marsh continue to report catching a few bass using soft plastics, especially on a falling tide.
Several reports came in of anglers catching flathead catfish in the 20 to 40-lb. range in the mid-river areas near Smith's Fish Camp using live bait.
The bream are still being caught using crickets in the oxbows & main channel near woody cover. Some anglers continue to report decent catches of redear (shellcracker) in the lower river oxbows and main channel south of the forks as well as in the marsh using redworms in 4 to 8 ft. of water. Some of the better catches reportedly coming from the edges of the main river channel & along the edges of the larger bayous in the marsh near I-10 using redworms.
A few new crappie reports came in from the oxbows where some anglers are trolling mid-lake using small crankbaits or jigs to catch fish in the 1 to 1.5-lb. range.
Please note: A minimum length limit is in effect for black bass (this includes largemouth bass & spotted bass) in the Pascagoula River from Merrill to the Highway 90 bridge (this includes all connected oxbow lakes, East [Little] River, West River and all water areas between East River and West River). Only bass over 12 inches may be in possession on these waters with a creel limit of 10 black bass per day.
Lake Bogue Homa - 8/17/2011
Water temp is 80+ degrees and visibility around 3.5 ft. in most areas. Bass anglers are catching fish around 2-5 lbs. in 4 to 6 ft. of water using soft plastics fished slow around lily pads & near cover along deeper shorelines. Some anglers continue to fish around lily pad edges & brushtops using topwater baits and spinnerbaits early & late in the day. Bream anglers continue to catch hand sized fish from bank & boat using crickets & redworms near gravel beds & piers. Crappie anglers report catching large fish from piers using silver, gold, or shad colored jigs. No new info on catfish.
New bass regulations on Lake Bogue Homa have been set and are as follows:
A 15-inch minimum length limit has been set for all bass so bass kept must be greater than 15 inches with a creel limit of 5 bass per person per day. For details, see PN F15-3424 on the MDWFP website. Bag limits for other species are: 100 bream 30 crappie 10 catfish.
For further information contact Lake Bogue Homa at: (601)425-2148.
Lake Mike Conner - 8/16/2011
Water temperature: 90 F
Visibility: 24 inches
Bass fishing has picked recently with several fish in the 14-18" range. A big bass was also caught last week weighing 8 lbs 2 oz and was caught on a white and chartruese crank bait.
Crappie can be found holding to structure in deeper areas. Jigs and minnows work well. Reports of several fish being caught this week in the 3/4-1 pound range.
Bream have done good on worms and crickets. Fishing along the dam in 5 ft depths seems to work best. Crickets and keystone minnows are working well.
Catfish are biting best at night. Worms and chicken liver have been good baits to use.
The surface water temp is 87 degrees with 24 in. visibility. The bass fishing is good using soft plastics and crankbaits fished slow near woody cover and the edges of lily pads in 2 to 6ft. of water. Junebug and black seem to be good color choices. The bream bite is good with nice sizes reported, most being caught in 2 to 6 ft. of water using crickets or redworms from fishing piers and around bedding areas. Crappie fishermen are doing good using minnows or jigs in 2-6ft. of water.
For more information contact Lake Perry at: (601)784-6119.
Lake Jeff Davis - 5/3/2011
Lake Jeff Davis was closed during 2010 for renovation. Updates will be available as they happen.
The lake level is rising and fish are being stocked. Florida largemouth bass were stocked by MDWFP hatchery personnel this week! Bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish have already been added. The lake was drained in 2010 and several new gravel bream beds were constructed while the lake was down (pictured below).
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