Mississippi Fishing Reports
02-16-2008
Ross Barnett Reservoir
Spillway - Last Updated: 2/14/2008
Even with an increase in water flow (currently back down to 3,100 cubic feet per second), the fishing activity has not improved. The crappie bite has not started, at least not enough to see the wall-to-wall boats a good run brings. Catfish are biting a little better than crappie but not consistently enough to satisfy any of the fishermen we spoke to Monday or Wednesday.
Main Lake - Last Updated: 2/14/2008
UPPER MAIN LAKE:
The upper half of the lake is extremely muddy, with the dirty water coming under the bridge from the upper river area. Not helping bass fishermen is the temperature drop back into the lower 50s. Last weekend with the temps hitting 58 degrees, bass had moved up into the pad stems and shallows in areas like No. 7 and were feeding heavily on soft plastic lizards and even spinnerbaits. That is likely over, but with the high wind, there are no reports. The water is muddy. Crappie fishing should be better, once people can go.
LOWER MAIN LAKE:
Expect the muddy conditions to continue for a while on the Madison County side of the lower lake. Dredging of the channels leading into Lost Rabbit and Twin Harbors, which begins this week will churn up some mud adding to the stained water coming down the system. Not that it matters right now. Dirty water, high winds and dropping temperatures have already shut down the fishing.
Upper Lake and River - Last Updated: 2/14/2008
ABOVE HIGHWAY 43:
Changing conditions are probably not helping the fishing above the Highway 43 bridge, but it'll have to remain a guess since nobody's been fishing the last three days in horrible conditions. Surface temperatures that were in the upper 50s for last weekend's bass tournaments have dropped closer to 50. Current is still above average and that has muddied up the water. Finding clear water requires heading far into backwaters but that is required for bass. Crappie are deep but hard to find in the current and dirty water.
Pelahatchie Bay - Last Updated: 2/14/2008
Muddy? The joke in the bay right know is that you could skip a Rat-L-Trap lure all the way across it with a long enough cast, then work it back like a topwater bait. From the Highway 25 bridge all the way to the Causeway, the Bay is as muddy as it gets, and that's saying a lot. That means no crappie or bass action is likely to be found unless a school of deep, suspended crappie can be found in front of the causeway bridge. The only good news is that catfish like the mud and are biting good on trotlines in stump fields.
District 1
Aberdeen Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
ABERDEEN LAKE (TENN-TOM): Several anglers are heading to Aberdeen; most are pre-fishing for upcoming bass tournaments. Water temps are running in the high 40s to low 50s; most of the lake is stained to muddy. A few bass bites are being reported in the very backs of the sloughs where clearer water can be found. Jig-n-pig combos and t-rigged lizards have been best baits. As water temps continue to warm, spinnerbaits will be a popular choice. The crappie reports are few and far between. The crappie should get hot about the 2nd or 3rd week of March.
Columbus Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
COLUMBUS LAKE (TENN-TOM): Same story as for Aberdeen; weather not cooperating and very few reports coming in this week. Water temps are beginning to hit the 50 degree mark. Rain the past couple of weeks has really muddied the channel and even some of the backwater areas. Several boats over the weekend were pre-fishing for upcoming tournaments and reported a pretty tough bite. The crappie reports have been slow coming in but will improve with warmer water temps.
Bay Springs - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
BAY SPRINGS: Bass reports on the Bay have been fair the last week or so. Water temps are in the mid to high 40s, with some 50 degree water reported in the backs of some of the hollows. Both spots and largemouth are being caught deep, anywhere from 20 to 35 feet. Mainlake points, ledges and creek channels are popular areas. The key is to find the baitfish on any of the structure. T-rigged 4-inch finesse worms and jigging spoons have been best bait choices. The jerkbait bite is fair and will improve. Target main lake and secondary points for best results; wind blowing in on the points will only improve the bite. No other reports coming in yet on other fish. The crappie anglers will start showing up the first of March.
Lake Lamar Bruce - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
LAKE LAMAR BRUCE: The bream reports have already started coming in; we had several good reports over the weekend. Water temps are running in the high 40s to low 50s. The best bream report was 50 bluegill that weighed-in at 29 lbs. The fish were holding around points in 15 to 18 ft of water and were caught by tight-lining meal worms. The bass reports are few, but fair. Most anglers are hitting deep brush piles that have been sunk off main lake points. Best baits have been texas-rigged plastics and jig-n-pig combos. The crappie reports have been few, with a slow bite reported. A few crappie have been caught off points in 15 to 25 feet of water. Small tube jigs have been best baits.
Lake Monroe - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
LAKE MONROE: Water temps are running in the low 50s; lake levels are still around a foot low. Best reports have been from the bass and crappie anglers. Recent rains brought lake levels up and have flooded woody vegetation and grass. The bass and crappie have moved into these newly flooded areas and are holding in brush in about 5 ft of water. Best bass baits have been t-rigged plastics and shallow crankbaits. For crappie, minnows have been working bettor than jigs. The few bream anglers have been tight-lining crickets and meal worms from the banks and piers and are catching good numbers of fair-size bream.
Oktibbeha County Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY LAKE: The crappie and bass reports are starting to improve with warming water temps; water temps are consistently in the low 50s. The crappie anglers are starting to pick up some nice fish by targeting deeper water along the creek channel. Jigs have been catching more fish than minnows. The bass anglers are primarily hitting the piers on the south shoreline and the riprap along the levee. A few fish over 5 lbs have already been caught. Best baits have been white spinnerbaits and jig-n-pig combos. The catfish anglers have been fishing from the piers and also along the levee. The bite is slow but the quality is good. Best baits have been minnows.
Alicevile Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
ALICEVILLE LAKE (TENN-TOM): Bass reports over the weekend were pretty good. It took a 5-bass, 18 lb sack to win a tourney on Saturday. The nice sack was anchored by an 8-lb lunker. Texas-rigged plastics and the lower end of the lake was all the info I was able to get. Several smaller limits were reportedly caught up the lake around the James Creek and Pratt’s area; all came on t-rigged plastics. Areas with 50 degree water were reported. Crappie and catfish reports have not been coming in yet. The white bass reports should start picking up in the next few weeks as water temps continue to warm. Target the spillway below Columbus Dam and Luxapalila Creek to get in on the white bass run.
Lake Lowndes - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
LAKE LOWNDES STATE PARK: Water temps are running around the 55 degree mark. The crappie reports are really starting to pick up according to the folks at the Park. Best areas have been sunken brush in 9 to 12 ft of water with both jigs and minnows catching fish. Most crappie are running around ¾ lb and are 11 to 12 in long. The bass reports have been fair, with most bass averaging about 1.5 lbs. The deeper banks that have any wood on them have been the best areas; t-rigged plastic worms and lizards have been best baits. A few catfish are being caught off the fishing pier with most in the 2 lb range. Best baits have been liver and nightcrawlers. The bream reports have not started coming in yet, but should pick up with warming water temps.
JP Coleman/Pickwick Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
PICKWICK LAKE/J. P. COLEMAN: Pickwick Lake elevation: 411.3 ft; water temps are in the high 40s with some 50 degree water in some areas. The bass reports have been good. Numbers of bass in the 1 to 2 lb range have been fairly easy; quality bass over 3 lbs have not. Good numbers of bass are coming out of shallow water along gravel bars and flats that have any dormant hydrilla. Shaky head finesse worms and rattletraps have been popular bait choices. The bigger fish are in these same areas but are not as thick. The few good bites have been coming on swimbaits and jerkbaits. The crappie reports have been sporadic at best. We are getting a few good reports in Yellow Creek; best depths have been anywhere from 18 to 25 ft of water. Jigs have been working bettor than minnows. As water temps begin to warm, Indian Creek will be the “hot” area for several weeks, followed by Bear Creek and Mill’s Creek on into the first of April.
For current lake levels and current generation schedules, go to
http://www.lakeinfo.tva.gov/htbin/lakeinfo?site=PKH&DataType=All&SUBMIT=View+data
Trace State Park - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
TRACE STATE PARK: Most anglers the past week or so were targeting crappie. Crappie are still deep, with most being caught out of 15 to 25 feet of water near points and drops. Good electronics are a must right now. Numbers of bass are still coming on small finesse worms and jigging spoons in the same areas as the crappie anglers. The bettor bass have been coming off mainlake points on swimbaits and deep cranks. The bream bite is not “on” yet, but that can change in the next few weeks. The ditches and creek channels adjacent to spawning areas will load up with pre-spawn bream; tight-lining meal worms is the best technique for targeting these pre-spawn fish.
Tippah County Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
TIPPAH COUNTY LAKE: We’ve not had any reports the last two weeks; lake levels are at full pool for the first time since last year. Normal water levels and warming temps will bring the anglers out. The crappie bite should begin to turn on as water temps approach 50 degrees; target sunken brush along the creek channel for best results. The bass will start relating to the creek channel and points, preparing to move to the coves for spawning activity. Crankbaits, rattletraps and t-rigged plastics will be good bait choices.
Tombigbee State Park - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
TOMBIGBEE STATE PARK: Some good bream reports are starting to come in from this NE MS park. Both bank and boat anglers are reporting success in deeper water (9 to 13 ft) off the piers and the mouths of the coves. The crappie and bass bite has been fair. The crappie are coming out of deeper water near the points. Jigs and minnows are working equally well. The bass and catfish reports are slow.
Elvis Presley Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
ELVIS PRESLEY LAKE: The crappie reports were fair the last week or so. Most crappie anglers are hitting the lake during the week. The few anglers that were out are still reporting some nice catches near deeper laydowns and brushtops with at least 5 to 8 feet of water near the “ends.” The deeper the water near the structure, the bettor. Jigs, minnows and other jig/minnow combinations are all working. I did have one good bass report come in. Points and shallow running crankbaits was the pattern.
District 2
Arkabutla - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
?Water level 211.15, falling 0.24 ft/day, murky to muddy. For water level information, call (662)562-6261 or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt. Best reports here are for catfish with trotlines fished over the flats the best method. Also, fish worms or stink baits in the river and creeks if we get any rain runoff. No reports on crappie or bass. The lake is 1.1 ft above rule curve*; it’s supposed to be at winter pool (210 ft).
The spillway had two gates open 4 ft each Wednesday. A few crappie can be taken with or without bait. For spillway fishing regulations, check http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35598
Effective August 6, 2007: On Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Lake and Sardis Lake the daily creel limit for crappie will be 20 per person. The minimum length limit for crappie at these lakes will be 12 inches. Anglers fishing Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake and Sardis Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. Grenada Lake anglers may use no more than 3 poles per person. The 12 inch length limits do not apply to these reservoir spillways. However, these spillways, including Sardis Lower Lake, will have a 20 fish creel limit.
*The low water last year allowed colonization of vegetation on mudflats to be flooded this year (hopefully). This vegetation will provide cover for small fishes and pump nutrients into the water as it decays. Woody vegetation provides long term fish habitat. Much of the original cover on the flood control reservoirs drowned from prolonged flooding in 1973. Cypresses, buttonbush, and other "buckbrush" recolonized in the mid-to late 1980's, but drowned from flooding in 1989 and 1991. High water provides a short term boost to fisheries, but does more long term damage to fish than low water by destroying habitat.
Sardis Lake - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
?Water level 242.25, falling 0.16 ft/day, murky to muddy. For water level information, call (662)563-4531 or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt. Wyatt’s Crossing Outdoors (662)551-2399 will reopen soon with warmer weather and more water. White bass should be moving upriver as soon as we get a warming trend. Long’s Sporting Goods and Quick Stop (662)487-2187 has heard few reports from the lower end of the lake; best luck should be trolling around the marina and Engineer’s Point for crappie with bright colored jigs and/or minnows. A few white bass can be taken by the corner of the dam in front of the spillway or off Engineer’s Point where they can be taken on shad-imitating jigs, spoons, or crankbaits. No reports on bass or catfish. The lake is 3.0 ft over rule curve*.
The spillway had 2 gates open 12.0 ft each Wednesday. Crappie are being landed in the spillway with or without bait. For spillway fishing regulations, check http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35598
Many thanks to Sardis Corps personnel for getting the materials, etc., and to all the volunteers for their labor at the Habitat Day this past Saturday.
Effective August 6, 2007: On Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Lake and Sardis Lake the daily creel limit for crappie will be 20 per person. The minimum length limit for crappie at these lakes will be 12 inches. Anglers fishing Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake and Sardis Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. Grenada Lake anglers may use no more than 3 poles per person. The 12 inch length limits do not apply to these reservoir spillways. However, these spillways, including Sardis Lower Lake, will have a 20 fish creel limit.
*The low water last year allowed colonization of vegetation on mudflats to be flooded this year (hopefully). This vegetation will provide cover for small fishes and pump nutrients into the water as it decays. Woody vegetation provides long term fish habitat. Much of the original cover on the flood control reservoirs drowned from prolonged flooding in 1973. Cypresses, buttonbush, and other "buckbrush" recolonized in the mid-to late 1980's, but drowned from flooding in 1989 and 1991. High water provides a short term boost to fisheries, but does more long term damage to fish than low water by destroying habitat.
Enid Lake - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
Water level 233.50, falling 0.33 ft/day, murky. For water level information, call (662)563- 4571 or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt. Best luck for crappie will likely be fishing jigs and/or minnows over brush tops in Wallace and Hubbard Creeks or trolling the main lake. Fish for bass in similar cover with a jig-n-pig or slow rolled spinnerbaits. White bass should be moving upriver if we get a warming trend. The lake is 0.2 ft above rule curve*.
The spillway had two gates open 3.0 ft each Wednesday, but they should be cut back shortly. This has been the hot fishing hole recently with crappie being landed with or without bait. For spillway fishing regulations, check http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35598
Effective August 6, 2007: On Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Lake and Sardis Lake the daily creel limit for crappie will be 20 per person. The minimum length limit for crappie at these lakes will be 12 inches. Anglers fishing Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake and Sardis Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. Grenada Lake anglers may use no more than 3 poles per person. The 12 inch length limits do not apply to these reservoir spillways. However, these spillways, including Sardis Lower Lake, will have a 20 fish creel limit.
*The low water last year allowed colonization of vegetation on mudflats to be flooded this year (hopefully). This vegetation will provide cover for small fishes and pump nutrients into the water as it decays. Woody vegetation provides long term fish habitat. Much of the original cover on the flood control reservoirs drowned from prolonged flooding in 1973. Cypresses, buttonbush, and other "buckbrush" recolonized in the mid-to late 1980's, but drowned from flooding in 1989 and 1991. High water provides a short term boost to fisheries, but does more long term damage to fish than low water by destroying habitat.
Grenada Lake - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
Water level 197.84, falling 0.34 ft/day, murky to muddy. For water level information, call (662)226-5911 or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt. Few reports so far; a few crappie have been taken fishing the standing timber out from Choctaw ramp and down towards the dam. White bass should be moving up the rivers if we get a warming trend. The lake is 1.5 ft above rule curve*.
The spillway had two gates open 4.0 ft each and one gate open 6.0 ft. This is about the best spot going right now with crappie being landed with or without bait. For spillway fishing regulations, check http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35598
Over 7000 stakes were driven into beds in the Piney Woods area by volunteers, Corps and MDWFP personnel last Saturday. Many thanks to Grenada Corps personnel for getting the materials, food, prizes etc., and to all the volunteers for their labor.
Effective August 6, 2007: On Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Lake and Sardis Lake the daily creel limit for crappie will be 20 per person. The minimum length limit for crappie at these lakes will be 12 inches. Anglers fishing Arkabutla Lake, Enid Lake and Sardis Lake may use no more than 5 poles per person. Grenada Lake anglers may use no more than 3 poles per person. The 12 inch length limits do not apply to these reservoir spillways. However, these spillways, including Sardis Lower Lake, will have a 20 fish creel limit.
*The low water last year allowed colonization of vegetation on mudflats to be flooded this year (hopefully). This vegetation will provide cover for small fishes and pump nutrients into the water as it decays. Woody vegetation provides long term fish habitat. Much of the original cover on the flood control reservoirs drowned from prolonged flooding in 1973. Cypresses, buttonbush, and other "buckbrush" recolonized in the mid-to late 1980's, but drowned from flooding in 1989 and 1991. High water provides a short term boost to fisheries, but does more long term damage to fish than low water by destroying habitat.
Tunica Cutoff - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
The Mississippi River was at 24.0 ft Wednesday; it should rise 27.2 ft by Monday. For the river level and 5 day forecast, call (901)544-0415 or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt. Charlie’s Camp (662)363-1353 bait shop is still closed for the season. The ramp is open; please use the honor box. Fishing is generally best here on a slow fall, toughest on a fast rise. Fishing peaks about a month later than on other area waters due to the cooler river water. With the water high from snow melting up north and rising into the trees, your best bet is to fish jigs and/or minnows for crappie in the inside edges of cover, sunken mats, or fallen trees. Some catfish should be biting in the trees or in the runout.
Memphis District Corps officials allow anglers to set out brush/tree fish habitat on Tunica. The lake desperately needs cover at lower water levels. Set them 5 to 15 ft deep at minimum pool (about 5 ft on the gauge at Charlie's Camp). Set them at different depths since fish may hold shallower or deeper depending on light, temperature, and oxygen. If you mark them by triangulation or GPS, you should have your own fishing hot spots. Although cedar is usually considered best, some crappie experts report sycamore and hackberry (both plentiful in the Delta) are excellent at drawing fish. Thanks for your help in improving fish habitat.
Horn Lake - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
The Lakeview Boat Dock (662)781-1550 reports the runout to the river has been opened up. Most folks have been fishing around structure in the runout with jigs and/or minnows for crappie. A few bream have been caught from the pier and around the trees on redworms. No reports on bass or catfish.
Flower Lake - Last Updated: 2/13/2008
FISHING MISSISSIPPI
WINTER SEASON
No reports. The concrete ramp has been removed.
Leroy Percy State Park - Last Updated: 12/11/2007
ALLIGATOR LAKE - located behind the Lodge
WINTER FISHING: Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Until then: Cool weather fishing for catfish can be productive. A variety of cutbaits fished on the bottom will trigger strikes. For bass and bream, find structure around the deep channels. Bass tend to hold just off the structure while bream hold tight. Vertical jigging techniques work for bass and live bait is productive for bream
A map of the lake can be found at the MDWFP web page: www.mdwfp.com/fisheries/
Leroy Percy State Park offers cabins to rent, and has pads for RV or tent camping with electricity and water, laundry and showers. The park has a snack bar that serves hot sandwiches for lunch and a buffet on Sundays.
Creel limit on bass is 2 per day.
Lake Charlie Capps - Last Updated: 9/27/2007
LAKE CHARLIE CAPPS - (formerly Bolivar County Lake)
LAKE IS CLOSED TO FISHING Lake Capps was drained to aid in renovation.
Bee Lake - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
BEE LAKE
WINTER FISHING REPORT: Weekly fishing reports will return in February. You can contact Mrs. Bell at Bell's Store on Bee Lake(662-235-5930) for up-to-date information. Go to the USGS website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ms/nwis/uv/?site_no=330359090194135 to get information on water level, water temperature and visibility from the USGS gauge on the bridge at Bee Lake.)
The top and sides of the ramp at bell's Store have been repaired, but work on the lower end is waiting for contractor.
Delta Wildlife Foundation has worked with local landowners to install 37 sediment retention structures to reduce erosion. That will reduce the occurance and intensity of muddy water and as such lake productivity and fish stock should increase.
Bee lake is located about 20 miles north of Yazoo City on US Route 49E. A fee ramp is available for use at Bells Store.
Lake Washington - Last Updated: 12/11/2007
LAKE WASHINGTON
WINTER FISHING: Weekly reports will return in February. Until then you can contact Pam Hammond at Roy’s Store on Lake Washington (662-827-2588)
A generally good jig for crappie on Lake Washington has black body with red head and chartreuse tail. Slow trolling can be productive on warmer winter days. Vertical jigging around deep structure will produce on cold days.
Keep your eyes open for the tagged cats. "Catch a Tagged Catfish for Bucks" is a promotion offered by Roy's Store with sponsorship by Budweizer, Lowes, Farm Bureau, Bostick Brothers, Pepsi, Guaranty bank, Allstar Motors, Ceranti-Oakes Toyota, Washington County Farm Bureau, Longwood Flying Service, Delta Democrat Times and Lake Washington Landowners Foundation. MDWFP tagged and released catfish in March 2005, March 2006 and again this year to promote catfish harvest on Lake Washington. Those that catch a tagged catfish should take the entire fish with tag to Roy's to see if they have won either a T-shirt, vendor product, or cash prises up to $500.
So far this year an angler caught "Huey Cat" the catfish sponsored by Guaranty Bank, with a $250 reward. This spring an angler got $495 for catching a tagged catfish sponsored by Budweiser, one got $100 from a tagged catfish sponsored by Seranti-Oaks toyota, and several other catfish each with $10 rewards have also been caught.
Anglers please note that on Lake Washington the limit on crappie is 30 but only 5 crapie can be kept that are under 10 inches in length, the limit on bream is 100, and the limit on bass is 5, but only 2 bass can be less than 15 inches in length. Last fall the size of many of the crappie were slightly under 10 inches.
- Regulations concerning fishing of YO-YO'S - Over the last several years the MDWFP received many letters from residents and nonresidents about yo-yo's and limb lines at Lake Washington. Most of the people complained that too much gear was being left in the water tied to trees, hindering access to their fishing spots. Other letters listed complaints that people were fishing more than the legal limit of yo-yo's; that some people were exceeding the legal daily and possession creel limits; that people were seeing many dead fish out of the water captured by yo-yo's; that some anglers were running other people lines and that some anglers were discourteous. To enhance enforcement efforts fishing regulations (Public Notice 3428) were changed to require yo-yo's on Lake Washington to be tagged and attended during daylight hours.
Yo-Yo Tagging Requirements - Yo-Yo's must have a waterproof or metal tag attached to the line above the water surface. The tags shall be furnished by the angler and must contain all of the following information: the angler's full name, full residence address including zip code of the angler. This information must be legibly written with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag. Yo-Yo Attendance Requirements: Yo-yo's must be attended on Lake Washington. Attended means devices must remain within sight of the angler during daylight hours.
A description and a map of this lake can be seen at the internet address - Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Washington under "more area lake maps".
Lake Ferguson - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
LAKE FERGUSON
WINTER FISHING:
According to Terry Bates at Big River Guide Service "Fall is one of the best times to go fishing, the weather and water has cooled down and the fish are usually biting. BREAM - For Bream try fishing around rocky banks, boats ramps, rock piles, medal barge piling, and alongside permanent work barges. Fish with crickets and worms. BASS - In deeper water, 8 to 12 feet,try using a Berkley 10" power worm or 10" Gulp turtle back worm, a Carolina Rig with 5"-6" lizard's, shaky head worm in watermelon candy, or green pumpkin candy. This little worm is a lot of fun to fish, it usually will catch a lot of fish, and if it’s a tuff day, it’ll catch fish when nothing else will. CATFISH - Catfish will continue to hang around the grain elevators. If anyone would like to go fishing in the Greenville area or need more information, call Terry Bates at Big River Guide Service at 662/390/3886. Good Fishing"
Largemouth bass Virus has been identified from bass collected in Lake Ferguson. Please do not transfer fish from this lake to another body of water and see the link below for methods to disinfect your live well with bleach. For more information, please go to www.mdwfp.com/LMBV.asp
Online Map
For a general map of the lake go to Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Ferguson under "more area lake maps".
For a description of boat ramps see "Mississippi River" report
Moon Lake - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
MOON LAKE
WINTER REPORT Weekly updates will return in February. Until then, try these tips: For crappie try slow trolling in deep water fishing 12-16 feet deep using a spinner bait with minnow. For bass, vertical jigging techniques along deep channel cuts can produce the fish of a lifetime. The bite will be slow, maybe 2 or 3 per day. A slow fished Carolina rig can also be productive.
HARVEST RESTRICTION
Bass - creel limit of 2
Crappie - Creel limit of 30, but only 5 crappie can be possessed that are less than 10 inches in length. It has been reported that the lenghts of a fair number of the crappie are slightly less than 10 inches.
Online Map
A description and a map of this lake can be seen at the internet address Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Moon Lake under "more area lake maps". A depth profile map is available from Dept. Wildlife Fisheries & Parks: go to Fisheries at http://www.mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/pdf/maps/
Desoto - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
DESOTO LAKE Winter Fishing. Weekly updates will return in February. Until then fishermen can contact Warren Rico at Rico's in Rena Lara for current information.
NOTE, Boaters need to be VERY cautious in the chute at levels below 10 feet at Helena as ROCK HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE OUTLET to prevent head-cutting in the chute from work done to reinforce the eroding banks along the river. THE ROCK WAS LEVELED IN EARLY OCTOBER 2007 TO A ELEVATION EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 6 FEET ON THE HELENA GAGE . This work also increased low water level on DeSoto Lake by about 2 feet. Go to rivergages.com for a web site with current water level predictions.
For river lakes, the fluctuations of the Mississippi River is an important factor for determining how the fishing is going to be. Slow rises and slow falls produce the best fishing. The best crappie fishing on DeSoto Lake is at water levels between 16-18 feet (Helena Gauge).
Online Map
For a general map go to Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Desoto Lake under "more area lake maps".
For a description of boat ramps see "Mississippi River" report
Lake Whittington - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
LAKE WHITTINGTON
Winter Fishing: Weekly updates will return in February. Until then contact Mr. Yung at Beulah Store (662-759-6691)for current conditions. During the winter try trolling for crappie with minnows or jigs in deep water around pilings off Goat Island, or piling along Little Man Boat ramp. Fish the big bass bite with vertical jigging techniques around deep water structure adjacent to bluffs of Goat Island or rock banks.
Largemouth bass Virus has been identified from bass collected in Lake Whittington. Please do not transfer fish from this lake to another body of water and see the link below for methods to disinfect your live well with bleach. For more information go to www.mdwfp.com/LMBV.asp
Anglers can navigate the chute to/from the river when the river is at, or above, 6 feet on the Arkansas City Gauge, but they should be careful of snags when doing so. As the river drops below 6 feet access through the chute gets extremely difficult and treacherous, and Boaters are advised not to try to navigate the chute when the river is below 6 feet ( Arkansas City Gauge). When the lake is at a level equivalent to 6 feet (Ark. City Gauge) one can get from one end of the lake to the other, but anglers need to be aware that at this water level very shallow water is present at the flats at Burnt Island (up lake from Benoit Outing Club & Goat Island). At a lake level equivalent to 3 feet (Ark. City Gauge) a narrow channel runs through the flats at Burnt Island; and very shallow water is present above the ironwood forest (begins where the barge is at below the Outing Club), and further down the lake in the flat below the old pump pier (where the poles are). Although reference is made to lake level from RIVER level on the Arkansas City Gauge the two may not be the same at stages below 16 feet as the constriction at the chute causes a delay in the falling, or rising, of the lake. Anglers should also take note that when the river is on a fast fall (or rise) a large difference in elevation may be present between the lake and the river. This can create such a high water velocity in the narrow chute that boats with large outboards will find it difficult to navigate and impossible for small outboards to negotiate.
Lake has two fee ramps open to the public: Nebletts Landing (dificult to launch when water level is below 11 feet equivalent to Ark. City Gauge) and Little Man's (closed at high water).
Online Map
Fish attractors for low water fishing were placed in this lake many years ago. For a map of the lake and location of the fish attractors go to Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Whittington under "more area lake maps".
Beulah Lake - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
LAKE BEULAH
Lake Beulah is at a relatively high elevation compared to other Mississippi River oxbow lakes. As such this lake may not be flooded when other oxbow lakes are too high for good fishing, or Beulah may be stable when other lakes are falling. The controlling elevation is 18-19 feet on the Arkansas City Gauge. When the river is below 18 feet 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. Go to rivergages.com for a web site with current water level predictions.
A description and a general map of this lake can be seen at the internet address - Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Beulah under "more area lake maps".
Round Lake - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
LITTLE ROUND LAKE
Winter Fishing: Weekly updates will return in February. Until then, try your luck with catfish. Cutbaits, fished on the bottom on the coldest days can produce nice stringers. Good luck
Little Round Lake is located off US Hwy 49 E about 2 miles north of Sidon, Ms. The lake shore is owned and is being developed by Leflore County for recreation. The MDWFP has built a concrete boat ramp and a fishing pier on this lake. The pier should have shade during late afternoon.
District 3
Chotard and Albermarle - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
CHOTARD
Winter Fishing: Weekly updates will return in February. Until then contact Mickey Laney at Laney's Fishing Camp (601-279-4291) for current conditions.
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 this lake can be seen at the internet address - Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Lake Albermarle or Chotard under "more area lake maps".
Yazoo River - Yazoo City - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
YAZOO RIVER -
Winter fishing: Weekly updates will return in February. Until then keep these things in mind.
The top of the last slab of the boat ramp at Yazoo City is near 8 feet on the Yazoo City Gauge and that slab is 21 feet long; with a 12% slope the end of the ramp should be near a level equivalent to 5.5 feet on the Yazoo City gauge. Go to rivergages.com or www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries for a web site with current water level predictions.
Greenwood - A new two lane boat ramp with an asphalt parking lot has been built in Greenwood. This ramp gives boaters access to the Yazoo River, and heading upstream, the Tallahatchie, and Yalobusha Rivers. The ramp is located in downtown Greenwood, on the west bank of the Yazoo River between the bridges by the courthouse.
Wolf Lake - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
WOLF LAKE
Winter Fishing: Weekly updates will return in February. Until then try these tips. Crappie will suspend around deep structure during cold winter days. Minnow-tipped jigs fished tight in the deep brush will produce. Bass will be close by. Soft plastics fished very slowly will temp cold weather bass. On warm sunny days, shallow diving crankbaits fished in the shallows will catch bass trying to warm up on the flats. Catfish will take cutbaits on the deeper flats.
HARVEST RESTRICTIONS
Bass - Creel limit of 2
Crappie - creel limit of 30; bream creel limit of 100
ACCESS
Lake View Store and Deli - on Hwy 149 (was 49W) - good quality ramp - fee
Ivanhoe Landing - steep - Public. Take road to Carter (first rd to right past Yazoo River Bridge on Hwy 149 (old 49W) heading north from Yazoo City) Turn left at Gin, turn right at first paved rd. Ramp will be on your left at a bridge.
Online Map
A description and a map of this lake can be seen at the internet address - Http://www.outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Wolf Lake under "more area lake maps".
Mississippi River Gauges - Last Updated: 12/15/2007
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
CAUTION: THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS A BIG RIVER WITH VERY FAST AND STRONG CURRENTS. TAKE CARE WHEN FISHING OR BOATING. (See more below) But the river can offer opportunities for good fishing in an exciting environment
For info on fishing the Mississippi see the MDWFP Fishing Forum (www.mdwfp.com\forum): 11/7 post titled "catfishing on MS River" for information on tackle and boats; 4/06 post "caught some cats yesterday" about fishing eddies with rod & reel; 5/11 post "garlic for catfish" about trotline bait
Predicted River levels for weekend of 12/2/07 are:
GAUGE - LEVEL - RATE OF CHANGE
Memphis- 0' fast rise
Helena 5' fast rise
Arkansas City- 4' fast rise
Greenville- 13' moderate rise
Vicksburg- 4' slow rise
Natchez- 12' slow fall
Key to rate of change: Fast rise/fall - river levels change more than 1 ft. per day. Moderate rise/fall - levels change between .5 and 1 ft. per day. Slow rise/fall - levels change less than .5 ft. per day. Steady - levels remain within +/- 0.1 feet between adjacent days
for an update on current river levels see rivergages.com
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 into moderately firm sand. Top of ramp – N33.41832 – W091.06084 – equivalent to 50 feet Greenville gauge
Eagle Lake - Last Updated: 2/11/2008
The updated depth map with coordinates of fish attractors are now available at: http://mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/ pdf/maps/ Crappie are being caught on shiners and jigs fished off the ends of the deeper piers and along the edge of the channel. Largemouth bass are hard scattered. Try plastics and jigs in structure close to deep water. Bream can be caught off the ends of the deeper piers, especially piers with added struture. Fish jigs or wroms trying different depths from 6 to 12 feet. Catfish are slow, but a few can be caught on trotlines and limblines in and around the cyress trees near Float Row using cutbait. Hybrid stripers can be caught trolling crankbaits and tailspinners along flats next to the channel from the boat ramp to Muddy Bayou and above and below Garfield's ramp.
District 4
Okatibbee Reservoir - Last Updated: 2/14/2008
Lake level is at 337.3 and rising. Discharge is currently at 9 cubic feet per second. Tailway fishing has been slow.
Overall fishing has been slow, but crappie have been caught in the deeper areas of the lake with jigs and minnows. Look for cover especially along creek channels in deep water. Catfish can be caught in deep water using cutbait, mainly on trot lines.
Lake Tom Bailey - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
Fish for bass using deep diving crankbaits and other deep water lures around the drain structure in the creek channel. Numerous bass should be piled up in that area. Try for bass along the willows in the lake with soft plastics and jigs. Also try along the levee on sunny days when the water along the rocks has a chance to warm up.
It is no surprise that the crappie are stacked up on the willow trees. Fish the deepest water with submerged willow trees and the creek channel to find them. Jigs and minnows are the baits of choice.
Bream are plentiful and you can catch one after another tight-lining with red worms.
Catfish are available too. Try tightlining in the creek channel using liver, stinkbait or night crawlers.
Camping is available for overnight stays.
A depth/bottom map is available showing locations of fish attractors and other lake features. The link to our lake map page is:
http://www.mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/pdf/maps/
Clarkco State Park - Last Updated: 2/11/2007
Visability is clear, water temp @ 18 ins, 55 degrees. Action is still a little slow, crappie and bream can be found around some of the deep structure.
A depth/bottom map is available. The link to our lake map page is:
http://www.mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/pdf/maps/
Kemper County Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
Kemper lake has always had a great reputation for good bass fishing, but over the last couple of years it has gotten better. The schools of shad now commonly found throughout the lake provide bass with food, and also show anglers where to find the fish. Watch for shad jumping or any kind of disturbance on the surface. The water is crystal clear so large bass will be found deep. Try a suspending crankbait along ledges that can be found off many points in the lake. Use a pig and jig (brown or black with a rattle) fished as slowly as you can stand it in the treetops and around fish attractor buoys.
Bream, particularly redear, are plentiful at Kemper. In the winter and early spring the bream can be found in the upper (North) end of the lake. Look for the old road bed just south of the boat ramp and fish for them using red worms. Another good place is the sand flat in the upper end of the lake.
Crappie will always be found around the fish attractor buoys. Try the buoy 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.
Catfish can be found traveling the creek channel. The channel starts at the line of ski buoys and runs all the way to the dam. Use livers with a large weight and strong line. There are 10 open water fish attractors, and each is marked with a buoy. Approximately 350 Christmas trees added to the sites in January 2007. They will provide great habitat for all species of fish.
A depth/bottom map is available showing locations of fish attractors and other lake features. The link to our lake map page is:
http://www.mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/pdf/maps/
GPS coordinates for the fish attractors are:
N 32 48.281 W 88 43.983
N 32 48.555 W 88 43.938
N 32 48.464 W 88 44.151
N 32 48.750 W 88 44.240
N 32 48.637 W 88 44.336
N 32 48.946 W 88 44.904
N 32 48.170 W 88 43.714
N 32 48.117 W 88 43.639
N 32 48.716 W 88 44.396
N 32 48.774 W 88 44.623
N 32 48.206 W 088 43.787
N 32 48.728 W 088 43.147
N 32 48.493 W 088 43.584
N 32 48.541 W 088 42.914
N 32 48.623 W 088 42.970
Neshoba County Lake - Last Updated: 2/12/2008
The deep channels cut through the lake bottom should concentrate bass and crappie. Bass and crappie should also be along the levee. The water is deeper and some standing willow trees provide cover. Try slow fishing techniques for bass and jigs or minnows for crappie.
Bream will bite in the winter. Fish along the earthen piers with worms.
Camping is available for overnight stays
A depth/bottom map is available showing locations of fish attractors and other lake features. The link to our lake map page is:
http://www.mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/pdf/maps/
11-16-2007
Arkabutla Lake: The lake is 1.9 feet below rule curve. Trollers are still catching decent numbers of crappie with jigs fished 4-6 feet deep around brush piles.
Sardis Lake: The lake is 5 feet below rule curve. The folks at Long's Sporting Goods and Quick Stop (662-487-2187) say crappie anglers are having decent success trolling with jigs in 16-18 feet of water. The Crappie Masters tournament held Saturday was won with seven crappie that weighed 9.38 pounds. A lot of catfish have been landed lately by folks trolling for crappie. White bass have been schooling around main-lake points during the the evening hours. Anglers are having success with small crankbaits and inline spinners.
Enid Lake: The lake is 4.4 feet below rule curve. Trollers are catching quite a few crappie fishing jigs and minnows 8-16 feet deep on the lower half of the main lake. Bass are taking Carolina-rigged plastics in 10-15 feet of water near the old river channel. A few bass are also being caught from the flooded grass on weedless jerk baits.
Grenada Lake: The lake is 9.4 feet below rule curve. The folks at Collins Bait Shop (662-226-3581) say anglers are catching a few crappie using jigs around standing timber in 8 feet of water. Trollers are also catching a few crappie fishing jigs in 10-12 feet. Catfishing has been best on trotlines. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries & Parks stocked about 4,000 flathead catfish fingerlings last week. Largemouth bass are taking crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastics around points and ledges on the lower half of the lake. Fishing for white bass has slowed recently, but there is still some schooling activity on main-lake points during the evenings.
Tunica Cutoff: The Mississippi River was minus-0.8 feet Tuesday but should rise to 5.4 feet by Sunday. With few people fishing, Charlie's Camp (662-363-1353) says the bait shop is closing but the ramp will remain open. Boaters are asked to use the honor box. Bass fishermen are targeting steep banks with Texas-rigged plastics. Bream are also being caught around the steep banks on crickets and wax worms. White bass have been schooling around the sandy points, and anglers have been catching big numbers on Rat-L-Traps and Rooster Tails.
Horn Lake: The staff at Lakeview Boat Dock (662-781-1550) says bream fishing has been excellent around the banks with crickets. Catfish have been biting nightcrawlers around the pier. Bass anglers are having good luck fishing the weed lines with soft-plastic jerk baits.
Flower Lake: The main ramp is closed, but smaller boats can still launch at the borrow pit ramp. Bass fishing has been good with topwater lures and soft-plastic jerk baits fished around shoreline cover. Bream are taking crickets around the trees, and some excellent catches have been reported during the past few days.