A Guide to the Best Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Mississippi
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Mississippi offers 225,000 acres of freshwater for fishing, including 119 public lakes and a vast network of 123,000 miles of streams, making it a paradise for anglers. Below are some of the best places to go fishing in Mississippi.
1. Pickwick Lake
Location: Borders Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee
Pickwick Lake is 43,000 acres. As a reservoir, it is famous for its great fishing opportunities, primarily for smallmouth bass. Considered one of the best public fishing lakes and rivers in Mississippi, Pickwick Lake also has largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish. The northern area close to Sevenmile Island is the hotspot for catching smallmouth bass due to the structure of the lake bottom at the rocks and water currents. Further south, the largemouth bass is located in areas of shallow gravel and creek mouths.
Fishing Tip: Use soft plastic crawfish lures along the rocky bottom in deeper waters, or try crankbaits and topwater lures near shallow stumps and gravel beds.
2. Grenada Lake
Location: Near Grenada, Mississippi
Grenada Lake is famous internationally as a crappie fishery, and fishermen targeting behemoth crappie will not be let down. It is a 35,000-acre lake that is comparatively shallow and full of timber and other structures, such as brush piles, that help attract fish such as crappie, bass, and catfish.
During the spring and early summer, crappie fishing is particularly perfect because the lake’s waters are relatively shallow during these months, and shining colors on the crappie lures are ideal.
Fishing Tip: In spring, fish close to flooded timber areas using brightly colored jigs for your best shot at big crappie. One of the popular lakes and rivers in the Mississippi, its Clear Creek area also has a reputation for great bass fishing.
3. Ross Barnett Reservoir
Location: Northeast of Jackson, Mississippi
Covering 33,000 acres, Ross Barnett Reservoir—affectionately known as “The Rez”—is a versatile fishing spot close to Jackson. It’s a favorite for bass anglers, with its many coves and inlets offering ideal conditions. This is why it is one of the best fishing lakes and rivers in Mississippi.
The lake has multiple areas for various species, such as bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, with unique fishing challenges across its three main sections. Its combination of open water and shallow coves allows for both boat and shore fishing.
Fishing Tip: For bass, the lake’s Pearl River section is productive, particularly in spring. Try using spinnerbaits and live baits near submerged timber for a good catch.
4. Lake Washington
Location: Washington County, Mississippi
Located along the Mississippi River, Lake Washington is one of the state’s oldest and most scenic oxbow lakes. This peaceful lake is excellent for crappie fishing, where anglers can reel in 2-pound crappies consistently.
Lake Washington’s shallow, warmer waters are ideal for spawning crappie in spring, while bass and catfish are abundant year-round. It’s also a great destination for families looking for fishing in Mississippi River, with nearby cabin rentals for a relaxing lakeside stay.
Fishing Tip: Use minnows or jigs along the lake’s woody structure for a successful crappie fishing day. During spring, fish close to the banks as crappie move in to spawn.
5. Enid Lake
Location: Yalobusha County, Mississippi
Enid Lake holds the record for the world’s largest white crappie, making it a destination for crappie fishing enthusiasts everywhere. Its clear waters and healthy fish populations make it a favorite year-round, while springtime brings excellent crappie and bass action near its wooded shorelines. The lake’s diverse environment suits anglers of all experience levels and provides opportunities for various fishing techniques, from baitcasting to fly fishing.
Fishing Tip: Try casting jigs or minnows along the lake’s timber-filled channels in spring, when the crappie bite is particularly active.
6. Calling Panther Lake
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