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Latest Mississippi Fishing Reports

Ross Barnett Reservoir Spillway - Last Updated: 2/7/2008 The increase in the release of water through the dam hasn't helped the fishing. James Hardy of Jackson was among the few found fishing on Wednesday and his report was sad. "Three hours, two fish, no keepers," Hardy said. "I gave up on crappie real quick and started on the catfish and I have caught just two little ones. We need more water to bring more crappie." Main Lake - Last Updated: 2/7/2008 UPPER MAIN LAKE: No reports at all Monday through Wednesday as wind made it impossible to fish. It was treacherous throughout the upper lake area Monday and Tuesday with the south winds blowing up the lake, and a cross wind Wednesday granted little relief. Making matters worse is that the report from the weekend was not a good one. Some crappie had been caught deep in the river channel and old lake beds but not in great numbers. Bass fishermen didn't find a consistent pattern on the upper lake either. It could improve with the warming trend in forecast. LOWER MAIN LAKE: Oddly enough, this was the only area of the lake that granted much safe refuge on Wednesday, albeit only the northwest corner along the Madison County bank. That was the lee side of the lake and also where the water was clearest. That's the good news. The bad news is that the waters weren't very productive. Bass had not moved up tight on the rocks, which warmed throughout the day. Crappie fishing was also poor. No catfish reports available. Upper Lake and River - Last Updated: 2/7/2008 ABOVE HIGHWAY 43: Oddly enough, the surface temperatures have risen almost 8 degrees since the weekend, which is good news for bass fishermen and not so good for crappie anglers. Heavy wind and inclement weather have limited access since the weekend, but at that time the fishing was above average with bass fairly active and crappie biting good deep. The increase in water temperature will push bass up shallow on a feeding binge through the weekend. Crappie will slow down as they disperse through the water column. Pelahatchie Bay - Last Updated: 2/7/2008 Ever tried to look through a glass of Borden's Dutch Chocolate Milk? That's exactly what the water looks like in most areas of the Bay. The heavy rains and strong winds muddied the water throughout the area, which won't help what was already poor fishing for crappie and bass. The good news is that the catfish bite is above average. Several fishermen were catching cats on trotlines on shallow flats on both sides of the Bay and the key depth seemed to be 5-6 ft. Crappie fishing fair at the bridge. District 1 Aberdeen Lake - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 ABERDEEN LAKE (TENN-TOM): Reports are few and far between right now with the weather not being very cooperative. I did get a couple of good bass reports during the last warming trend we had. Spinnerbaits and t-rigged plastics picked up several nice bass in the backs of some of the isolated sloughs. No other reports to speak of right now. The crappie should get hot about the 2nd or 3rd week of March. Columbus Lake - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 COLUMBUS LAKE (TENN-TOM): Same story for Aberdeen; weather not cooperating and no reports coming in this week. Rain the past couple of weeks have really muddied the channel. The crappie bite was fair a couple of weeks ago; most folks catching crappie were fishing below the dam at the spillway. Jigs, minnows and both combined were working well. The bite on the lake should improve as weather begins to stabilize and water temps warm up. Bay Springs - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 BAY SPRINGS: Bass reports on the Bay have been fair the last week or so. No reports the last couple of days, but consistent reports over the last 2 weeks. Water temps are in the low to mid 40s. 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. As water temps start to approach 50 degrees, the jerkbait bite will also improve. No other reports coming in yet on other species. The crappie anglers will start showing up the first of March. Lake Lamar Bruce - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 LAKE LAMAR BRUCE: The crappie bite has actually slowed somewhat compared to what we were seeing in Dec. and Jan. as water temps have fallen into the low to mid 40s. Lake levels are still down around 3 ft for fish attractor placement and pier repairs. A few crappie are still being caught off points in 15 to 25 feet of water. Small tube jigs have been best baits. The bass reports are pretty slow right now. We’ve been able to catch a few nice ones relating to the creek channel on jigging spoons. That’s about all we’ve been able to figure out. Action won’t pick up for bass and crappie until water temps start to rise. Lake Monroe - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 LAKE MONROE: I just don’t have anything recent reports on this NE MS State lake. Rain and cold temps have kept anglers away. Several crappie reports were pretty good right around the New Year, but nothing since then. A few anglers are catching some nice catfish off the end of the boat ramp; nightcrawlers have been best baits. Fishing reports should start picking up as the weather improves. Oktibbeha County Lake - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 OKTIBBEHA COUNTY LAKE: The few reports I’ve been getting the last couple of weeks are from the catfish anglers. Rains have brought the lake level up and with higher water the catfish bite is usually good. Boat and bank anglers have been reporting equal success. Liver and nightcrawlers have been best baits. A few bass anglers have tried there luck on the small lake. They are reporting a slow to fair bite using t-rigged plastics and jig-n-pig combos. Alicevile Lake - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 ALICEVILLE LAKE (TENN-TOM): No recent reports have been coming in; however, a couple of fair bass reports prior to falling water temps. Bass were being caught on t-rigged plastics in 3 to 6 feet of water. Good areas have been McKinley Creek, James Creek and at the mouth of Luxpalila Creek. The bass anglers and tournaments will start hitting this lake the latter part of February. Crappie and catfish reports have not been coming in yet but will also pick up with warming weather. Don’t overlook the white bass run on the upper end of the lake. The white bass reports should start picking up in the next few weeks. Target the spillway below Columbus Dam and Luxapalila Creek to get in on the white bass run. Lake Lowndes - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 LAKE LOWNDES STATE PARK: According to the folks at the Park, there hasn’t been anybody fishing in the last week or so. Prior to that, we had some good crappie reports start to come in. Best crappie areas are brushtops and the ends of laydowns on the “deep banks.” Several of the sunken brushtops throughout the lake are good areas to target, as well as the area just off the fishing pier. JP Coleman/Pickwick Lake - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 PICKWICK LAKE/J. P. COLEMAN: Pickwick Lake elevation: 410 ft. Water temps in the low to mid 40s. The bass reports have been fair to good depending on who you talk to. The lower end of the lake is getting most of the action, with the few anglers I’ve talked to targeting grassy areas between Panther Creek and behind State Line Island. Although not visible, the dormant hyrilla will still hold good numbers of bass. The bites being reported are coming out of deeper grass in 8 to 12 ft of water. Best baits have been jig-n-pig combos and jerkbaits; spinnerbaits have also produced a few bites. The crappie reports have been sporadic at best. We had started hearing of some good crappie reports in Yellow Creek prior to the cold temps the last couple of weeks. I’ve not gotten any good crappie reports the last week or so. As the 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. Sauger fishing below the dam has been fair to good; stained to muddy water the last week or so has made for some tough conditions. The size of fish has been good, but the numbers have been tough to come by. 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: 2/4/2008 TRACE STATE PARK: The bass bite has been fair to good the last two weeks. Quality bass over 3 lbs have been absent, but good numbers of 11 to 13 inch bass have been caught. The bettor bass bites are coming deep; target 12 to 25 ft of water off points for best success. Best baits are deep crankbaits and swimbaits. For numbers of keeper bass, target points and ditches with texas-rigged 4-inch finesse worms. The crappie bite has slowed somewhat, with a few crappie anglers still picking up a few fish by trolling tube jigs and hair jigs near mainlake points. A fair bite can also be had at the drain control structure. 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: 2/4/2008 TIPPAH COUNTY LAKE: We’ve not had any reports the last two weeks; lake levels are almost 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: 2/4/2008 TOMBIGBEE STATE PARK: The few reports coming in from this NE MS park lake are from the bream and crappie anglers. Water temps are running in the low to mid 40s. The few anglers braving the weather and fishing for bream are reporting some success. Best water depths have been 9 to 14 feet, with mealworms by far out-producing any other bait. The deeper water off the end of the fishing pier has been quite popular. The 1 crappie angler has had success trolling, or drifting, jig/minnow combinations off mainlake points in 11 to 14 feet of water. He’s got it all to himself and has caught some nice crappie over the last several weeks. No bass reports this past week, but the reports should pick up as water temps start to warm up. Elvis Presley Lake - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 ELVIS PRESLEY LAKE: The few reports the last two weeks have been from the crappie anglers. The best pattern has been locating 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. No bass or bream reports to speak of, but reports should improve as water temps hit 50 degrees. District 2 Arkabutla - Last Updated: 2/4/2008 FISHING MISSISSIPPI WINTER SEASON Water level 213.52, rising slowly, 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 3.5 ft above rule curve*; it’s supposed to be at winter pool (210 ft). The spillway had one gate open 4 ft, one open 2 ft Monday; rainfall may change that this week. Best luck here has been for crappie on minnows in Elbow Creek. At the July 11, 2007 MDWFP Commission meeting, the Commissioners passed the following crappie regulation change that became 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: 2/4/2008 FISHING MISSISSIPPI WINTER SEASON Water level 241.12, rising 1.6 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 2.8 ft over rule curve*. The spillway had 2 gates open 7.0 ft each Monday. Some crappie can be taken fishing a jig under a cork with best luck on the north side in eddies. If the spillway is cut back due to predicted rain, expect the action to slow. The Corps is sponsoring “Trees for Fish” February 9 from 8 to 12 (with lunch, T-shirts, prizes, etc.) at Beach Point and Teckville to put out fish habitat. Call the Corps office (662)563- 4531 for more info.  At the July 11, 2007 MDWFP Commission meeting, the Commissioners passed the following crappie regulation change that became 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: 2/4/2008 FISHING MISSISSIPPI WINTER SEASON Water level 234.04, rising 0.52 ft/day, murky. For water level information, call (662)563- 4571 or check http://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/riverstage/bullet.txt. Few reports recently due to recent rain and cold weather. 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 1.9 ft above rule curve*. The spillway had one gate open 0.25 ft Monday. Best luck here has been for crappie fishing a jig and/or minnow under a cork in the eddies. This past Saturday over 100 volunteers put out over 2000 cedar trees in Billy’s and Mooney Creeks and Wildcat Brake with Corps and MDWFP personnel. Many thanks to the Enid Corps personnel for getting the materials, food, prizes etc, and to all the volunteers for their labor. At the July 11, 2007 MDWFP Commission meeting, the Commissioners passed the following crappie regulation change that became 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: 2/4/2008 FISHING MISSISSIPPI WINTER SEASON Water level 197.93, rising 0.8 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 2.7 ft above rule curve*. The spillway had two gates 3 ft each and one gate open 4 ft. This is about the best spot going right now. Crappie have been biting some in the spillway, but more in the old river run. Fish a jig and/or minnow under a cork. The Corps is sponsoring Fish Habitat Day and will provide stakes for volunteers to put out this Saturday, February 9. Meet at Piney Woods ramp before 8 AM. Work from 8 to 12, then have lunch, T-shirts, prizes, etc. Call the Corps office (662)226-6090 for more info.  At the July 11, 2007 MDWFP Commission meeting, the Commissioners passed the following crappie regulation change that became 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: 2/4/2008 FISHING MISSISSIPPI WINTER SEASON The Mississippi River was at 5.0 ft Monday; it should rise quickly to 13.5 ft by Saturday. 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 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: 2/4/2008 FISHING MISSISSIPPI WINTER SEASON The Lakeview Boat Dock (662)781-1550 reports crappie have been taken trolling deep in the main lake with minnows. 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: 2/4/2008 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. 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 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: 12/7/2007 The updated depth map with coordinates of fish attractors are now available at: http://mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/ pdf/maps/ The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. Winter Fishing Tips Crappie and large bream can be caught throughout the winter on shiners and jigs fished off the ends of the deeper piers, especially piers with added struture. Fish slow, trying different depths from 3 to 10 feet. Both can also be picked up in Muddy Bayou on deep structure using the same techniques. Largemouth bass are hard to find. Try Crankbaits and plastics in and around the lotus pad stalks and areas where aquatic weeds are still present. A few can also be found on the piers in 3-6 feet of water. Catfish are usually 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: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February Lake Tom Bailey - Last Updated: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. 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: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Clarkco has made a name for itself as a big bass lake. Bass over 10 pounds are not uncommon. Pork-tipped jigs fished slowly over limbs will produce good bass action. Small plastic critter baits such as a baby brush hog Carolina rigged or Split rigged works well along the deeper lake margin which is the side across from the boat ramp. There is a steep drop off behind the office that should hold winter bass. Try a suspending crankbait here. Crappie numbers have been improving over the last few years. Fish deep water around the drain structure and the large pines in the water near the levee using a jig. Bream bite all year in Clarkco. The average size bream is over 1/2 pound. Try red worms from the bank near the parking lot. Set out 4-5 rod and reels to increase catch rate. 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: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. 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 Neshoba County Lake - Last Updated: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. 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/ Lake Claude Bennett - Last Updated: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Bass may be concentrated in deeper water areas of the lake. Since the majority of the lake is relatively shallow, the bass will be stacked on structure and points. The deep ledge off the point across from the boat ramp always holds a lot of quality fish. Try slow moving baits such as rolling a spinnerbait or a pig and jig in deep water. The lake has vegetation that has shown to hold fish well and bass may be picked up along the edges by flipping a lizard or critter bait (brush hog, hoodad, etc.) with a split shot weight tied approx. 14-16 inches above the lure on warmer days. Crappie fishermen have their best luck fishing the two fish attractor across from the boat ramp and near the levee. Minnows work well, but jigs usually give better results. Bream are scattered throughout the lake. Many are in the creek channel that goes into upper end waiting on a meal to travel into the lake. We found numerous large bream around the fish attractor buoy located by the wooden fishing pier. You can easily cast to it. Catfish are found along the line of smartweed on the perimeter of the lake. Tight-lining with chicken liver and stinkbait work well. Campsites are available. 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/ Several fish attractors have been established in the lake to create fish habitat and a hot spot for anglers. Approximately 150 Christmas trees were added to the sites in January 2007. They provide great habitat for all species of fish. These attractors are marked with buoys for anglers to easily find and are loaded down with Christmas trees. 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. GPS coordinates for the fish attractors are: N 32 06.089 W 89 02.030 N 32 06.231 W 89 01.972 N 32 06.224 W 89 02.026 N 32 06.188 W 89 02.164 Simpson County Lake - Last Updated: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. The lake is well-known for producing numerous fish over 10 lbs. in the winter-early spring. Local anglers fish for large bass with golden shiners caught from the lake using dough balls and small hooks. Take the shiner and let the "live bait" do the work for you. Some bass will be deeper, but may be easier to catch since the spawn is of no concern. Try the point across from the boat ramp near the large pine tree that is in the lake. The water there is 8-12 feet deep, and bass are always in that area. Flip plastics under the waxmyrtle bushes along that deep edge working the bait meticulously. On the cover, use a jig fished slowly, picking it up and letting it drop. Suspending crankbaits with wide wobble work well on ledges (rattlin rogue or a crankbait with firetiger color always produces in the winter). Crappie are piled up around the buoy off the levee. Christmas trees are piled all around it. Minnows and jigs both work well, but be ready to loose a few baits. Panfish (redear and bluegill) are congregated around stumps to the right of the boat ramp. Tight-lining with red worms renders best results. Catfish can be found around logs and large limbs. Liver and stinkbait are still very effective in cool weather. Camping is available for overnight stays. No reservations needed. 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/ Several fish attractors have been established in the lake to create fish habitat and a hot spot for anglers. Approximately 150 Christmas trees were added in January the fish attractor bouys. They will provide great habitat for all species of fish. These attractors have been marked with buoys for anglers to easily find and are loaded down with Christmas trees. GPS coordinates for the fish attractors are: N 31 54.886 W 89 47.393 N 31 54.976 W 89 47.500 N 31 54.819 W 89 47.632 N 31 54.757 W 89 47.565 Lake Ross Barnett - Last Updated: 12/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Bass move into deep water during the winter months. Try a jig with a pork rind (pig & jig) in water over 7 feet deep for large bass. Slow down presentation to allow bait to stay near the bottom or near structure. More aggressive bass may be harvested using small plastics such as finesse worms Carolina rigged. The lake is loaded with bass around a pound and catch rates should be high. Fishing the creek channel and the fish attractor in the upper end (which is at the end of the creek channel) may produce some trophies. Crappie can be found on deepwater flooded timber in the cove across from the levee. Jigs work best with a white color being the top choice. The old creek channel is easily found in this lake. Crappie fishing in this area and also around fish attractors can produce good catches. Catfish are piled up together on cover consisting of logs or large limbs. Most fish caught are 3-5 lbs. in size. This lake is also known for large bream. Redear near 2 pounds are often caught in winter to early spring. Red worms tight-lined in the old swimming area score the nice panfish. 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/ Several fish attractors have been established in the lake to create fish habitat and a hot spot for anglers. Approximately 150 Christmas trees were sunk in January 2007 around marked fish attractor bouys. They provide great habitat for all species of fish. These attractors have been marked with buoys for anglers to easily find and are loaded down with Christmas trees. GPS coordinates for the fish attractors are: N 31 49.746 W 89 35.246 N 31 49.668 W 89 35.517 N 31 49.794 W 89 35.650 N 31 49.733 W 89 35.747 Roosevelt - Last Updated: 11/13/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Winter fishermen should use their depth finders to locate the shallow water point that drops off into deeper water. This shelf runs perpendicular to the dam on the opposite end from the boat ramp. There is also a 35 foot hole near the group camp, and steep banks around the hole. These areas should hold suspending crappie and some bass. Check out the fish attractors for suspending crappie. The bass population has really expanded. Bass 1-2 pounds can be picked up along the rip rap especially when the sun is out to warm the rocks. Use suspending crankbaits and let the bait sit and suspend often. Trees along the edges are easily fished with jigs or plastics. Using a slow presentation will earn more strikes. Bream can be caught on red worms. Redear are commonly harvested in the winter through early spring. They seem to pile up in the many nooks especially the area behind the hotel. Try the swimming area near the campground too. This area has a hard sandy bottom. Use a weight to get that worm to the bottom. Try for crappie around the fish attractors in the lake. There are several in various depths of water that work great for holding crappie during the year. Anglers also enjoy trolling for crappie in the deeper areas toward the middle of the lake with jigs and minnows. The 15-inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass was removed. Statewide regulations will apply (10 bass/day any size). Fish attractors made of Christmas trees and wooden pallets were placed at 8 locations in the lake. Two of the fish attractors are marked with buoys labeled with the word "brush". All attractor locations are on the depth map that is on our website. The link to our lake map page is: http://www.mdwfp.com/level2/Fisheries/pdf/maps/ Here are Latitude/Longtitude coordinates for the locations that you can plug into a GPS unit. 32.32215 N marked with a buoy. 89.67997 W 32.31880 N diving platform 89.68017 W 32.31760 N marked with a buoy 89.67953 W 32.31857 N large cove west bank 89.68476 W 32.31636 N deep water, west bank 89.68554 W 32.31530 N cove, east bank 89.68153 W 32.31480 N near drain structure 89.68342 W 32.31369 N cove with boat ramp 89.68208 W District 5 Calling Panther Lake - Last Updated: 12/7/2007 The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. For more detailed information please contact the lake manager @ 601-892-4776. Winter Fishing Tips BREAM can be caught throughout the winter on worms in deep water near standing timber and creek channels. LARGEMOUTH BASS can be found hanging tight in structure on the flats bordering creek channels. Try plastics fished slowly. They can also be caught along the edge of the rip-rap ledge on the dam. CATFISH are usually good on the shallower flats and points. Try cutbait and worms fished on the bottom. Creel limits: Largemouth bass 16"-22" slot length limit, 10 fish/day with 1 over 22" Channel Catfish 10 fish/day Bream 100 fish/day Crappie 30 fish/day Natchez State Park - Last Updated: 12/7/2007 The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. For more detailed information please contact the Park Office @ 601-442-2658 Winter Fishing Tips BREAM can be caught throughout the winter on worms in deep water near standing timber and creek channels. LARGEMOUTH BASS can be found hanging tight in structure on the flats bordering creek channels in 6 -8 feet of water. Try plastics fished slowly. They can also be caught along the edge of the rip-rap ledge on the dam. CATFISH are usually good on the shallower flats and points. Try cutbait and worms fished on the bottom. Lake Lincoln - Last Updated: 12/7/2007 The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. For more detailed information please contact the Park Office @ 601-643-9044 Winter Fishing Tips BREAM can be caught throughout the winter on worms in deep water near standing timber and creek channels. LARGEMOUTH BASS can be found hanging tight in structure on the flats bordering creek channels. Try plastics fished slowly. CATFISH are usually good on the shallower flats and points. Try cutbait and worms fished on the bottom. CRAPPIE are going to be found along the edge of the main channel and in the deepest fish attractors. Try drifting jigs and shiners along the channels at varying depths to find them. Lake Mary Crawford - Last Updated: 12/7/2007 The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. For more detailed information please contact the Lake Office @ 601-587-7853 Winter Fishing Tips BREAM can be caught throughout the winter on worms in deep water near standing timber and creek channels. LARGEMOUTH BASS can be found hanging tight in structure on the flats bordering creek channels. Try plastics fished slowly. They can also be caught in the rip-rap along the dam. CATFISH are usually good on the shallower flats and points. Try cutbait and worms fished on the bottom. CRAPPIE are going to be found along the edge of the main channel and in the deepest fish attractors. Try drifting jigs and shiners along the channels at varying depths to find them. Lake Bill Waller - Last Updated: 12/10/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Winter time fishing can be slow at times but rewarding. Bass can be caught on ledges, main lake humps and creeks using soft plastics Texas or Carolina rigged plastics and jigs. You may have to downsize your tackle including line size, hook size, and worm size. In lakes that have shad, you may try a jigging spoon. This technique will also work on crappie along with jigs and minnows fished in deeper water. If you encounter warmer winter days, try suspending crankbaits and jerkbaits in these same areas. The fish will also move up in the water column on those warm days. . For more detailed information please contact the Lake Office @ 601-736-1861 Lake Walthall - Last Updated: 12/6/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Water level has dropped to the point that boat launching and recovery is extremely difficult (the water line starts at the pier). Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Winter time fishing can be slow at times but rewarding. Bass can be caught on ledges, main lake humps and creeks using soft plastics Texas or Carolina rigged plastics and jigs. You may have to downsize your tackle including line size, hook size, and worm size. In lakes that have shad, you may try a jigging spoon. This technique will also work on crappie along with jigs and minnows fished in deeper water. If you encounter warmer winter days, try suspending crankbaits and jerkbaits in these same areas. The fish will also move up in the water column on those warm days. Lake Columbia - Last Updated: 12/10/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Winter time fishing can be slow at times but rewarding. Bass can be caught on ledges, main lake humps and creeks using soft plastics Texas or Carolina rigged plastics and jigs. You may have to downsize your tackle including line size, hook size, and worm size. In lakes that have shad, you may try a jigging spoon. This technique will also work on crappie along with jigs and minnows fished in deeper water. If you encounter warmer winter days, try suspending crankbaits and jerkbaits in these same areas. The fish will also move up in the water column on those warm days. For more detailed information please contact the Lake Office @ 601/736-1861. District 6 Lake Jeff Davis - Last Updated: 12/7/2007 The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. For more detailed information please contact the Lake Office @ 601-792-8225 Winter Fishing Tips BREAM can be caught throughout the winter on worms in deep water near standing timber and creek channels. LARGEMOUTH BASS can be found hanging tight in structure on the flats bordering creek channels. Try plastics fished slowly. They can also be caught in the rip-rap along the dam. CATFISH are usually good on the shallower flats and points. Try cutbait and worms fished on the bottom. CRAPPIE are going to be found along the edge of the main channel and in the deepest fish attractors. Try drifting jigs and shiners along the channels at varying depths to find them. Lake Bogue Homa - Last Updated: 12/11/2007 Notice: Lake Bogue Homa is closed due to lake and dam renovations. For further information contact Lake Bogue Homa at: 601/425-2148. Lake Perry - Last Updated: 12/10/2007 Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips for fishing in winter and early spring. Winter time fishing can be slow at times but rewarding. Bass can be caught on ledges, main lake humps and creeks using soft plastics Texas or Carolina rigged plastics and jigs. You may have to downsize your tackle including line size, hook size, and worm size. In lakes that have shad, you may try a jigging spoon. This technique will also work on crappie along with jigs and minnows fished in deeper water. If you encounter warmer winter days, try suspending crankbaits and jerkbaits in these same areas. The fish will also move up in the water column on those warm days. For more information contact Lake Perry at: 601/784-6119. Lake Mike Conner - Last Updated: 12/7/2007 The next fishing report update will be in February 2008. For more detailed information please contact the Lake Office @ 601-765-4024 Winter Fishing Tips BREAM can be caught throughout the winter on worms in deep water near standing timber and creek channels. LARGEMOUTH BASS can be found hanging tight in structure on the flats bordering creek channels. Try plastics fished slowly. They can also be caught in the rip-rap along the dam. CATFISH are usually good on the shallower flats and points. Try cutbait and worms fished on the bottom. CRAPPIE are going to be found along the edge of the main channel and in the deepest fish attractors. Try drifting jigs and shiners along the channels at varying depths to find them. Pascagoula River - Last Updated: 12/10/2007 Pascagoula River: Weekly fishing reports will return in February.