The 7 Best Fishing Lakes in Mississippi (And the Types of Fish to Expect!)

Let’s dive deep into the lush landscapes of Mississippi to discover its top fishing lakes. With an array of freshwater ecosystems teeming with diverse fish species, Mississippi offers an unparalleled experience for fishing enthusiasts. We’ll guide you through the best lakes, highlighting their unique attributes and abundant offerings. So whether you’re a local angler or a traveler, let’s go over the 7 best fishing lakes in the state!

1. Okhissa Lake

Situated amidst Mississippi’s lush greenery, Okhissa Lake offers a tranquil retreat, blending thrilling fishing experiences with natural beauty. This haven introduces you to a tapestry of flora and a diverse collection of fauna too. The surrounding nature provides the perfect background for your fishing journey. And the local wildlife and water lapping against your boat create a relaxed but exciting fishing atmosphere.

When you embark on a fishing trip at Okhissa Lake, you delve into a lively underwater ecosystem teeming with a variety of fish species, such as black bass, crappie, bream, and catfish.

Notably, there are usually no size constraints for bream or catfish, ensuring constant action for avid fishers. However, keep in mind that there are rules for fishing black bass. Any bass less than 22 inches must be returned to the water. You can retain just one bass over 22 inches per day, introducing an element of challenge that makes your fishing expedition even more rewarding.

2. Pickwick Lake

Pickwick Lake is an extensive water body extending from the Pickwick Landing Dam to the Wilson Dam. It has the unique distinction of being one of the rare lakes in the United States that crosses into three other states.

Pickwick Lake is renowned for its sports fishing spots. In particular, Wilson Dam’s tailwater, located on the reservoir’s upper end, is the habitat of sizable smallmouth bass and catfish, both of record sizes. Thankfully, the sport fishing aspect of Pickwick Lake isn’t confined to smallmouth bass and catfish alone. The lake’s waters teem with various other fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, and sauger. This diversity makes the lake an angler’s paradise, providing a challenging yet rewarding year-round experience. Furthermore, west of Sheffield, AL, lies the discharge basin at the Colbert Fossil Plant. The warm water discharged from the power plant during winter months attracts an abundance of fish.

The lakeshore accommodates two state parks: Pickwick Landing State Park in Tennessee and J P Coleman State Park in Mississippi. In addition, Yellow Creek Cove, situated within Pickwick Lake, is a crowd-pleaser for boaters owing to the stunning Yellow Creek waterfall housed in its vicinity. An enduring feature of this spot has been a rope swing perched atop the waterfall, offering years of thrill and excitement for visitors.

Beyond the two state parks located on the lakeshore, numerous other attractions exist in the surrounding areas. These include historical sites, hiking trails, picnic spots, and local eateries that allow visitors to experience the local culture and cuisine. All of these amenities make this the perfect vacation spot for more than just anglers!

3. Neshoba County Lake

Neshoba County Lake is not known for its bass fishing like other nearby lakes. However, it still remains an unmissable destination for those seeking an enjoyable fishing experience. While the lake’s smallmouth, spotted, and black bass populations may be elusive, the wealth of other species propels Neshoba to our list as one of Mississippi’s best fishing lakes.

Spanning a sizable 138 acres, this lake is a haven for bream, crappie, and catfish species. These species have flourished here, offering anglers the opportunity to reel in an impressive catch amidst the setting of the Mississippi countryside. Recently, the crappie has been veering towards the lake’s deeper regions, adding an enticing layer of challenge to the pursuit. To lure these elusive crappies, minnows serve as the perfect bait, ensuring a rewarding fishing experience at Neshoba County Lake. 

Nearby attractions complement the fishing offerings of Neshoba County Lake. After a productive day of fishing, you can immerse yourself in the county’s rich cultural heritage, explore its picturesque hiking trails, or relax in one of the many quaint local eateries.

4. Ross Barnett Reservoir

Ross Barnett Reservoir is a picturesque fishing hotspot near Ridgeland and just a stone’s throw northeast of Jackson. This lake is a paradise for bass aficionados, especially during the balmy summer. This inviting expanse of water encapsulates the essence of outdoor life in Mississippi.

Ross Barnett Reservoir is home to an active bass population, lured into the deep underwater sanctuaries during the summer heat. Successful fishing often involves strategic planning around the aquatic terrain. Locating bass around cover areas, such as dense underwater vegetation, can yield a rewarding haul. But the lure of Ross Barnett Reservoir extends beyond bass. The reservoir boasts some of the most prolific crappie fishing in the state, making it a must-visit destination for crappie enthusiasts as well.

The reservoir’s location is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in Mississippi’s natural beauty. Hiking and biking trails snake through the area, offering exploration opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby city also provides various leisurely activities, from shopping and dining to art and cultural experiences. Whether planning a quiet fishing trip or a vibrant family excursion, the Ross Barnett Reservoir area caters to various interests and activities, making it an unforgettable summer destination.

5. Enid Lake

Situated amidst the lush landscapes of Mississippi, Enid Lake provides another spectacular angling environment that both novice and seasoned anglers can enjoy. Its diverse aquatic habitats are home to various fish species, rendering every fishing expedition a unique experience. Whether casting your line from the shoreline or venturing into deeper waters, Enid Lake promises an engaging encounter with the underwater world no matter what.

Enid Lake is particularly renowned for its populations of crappie, bream, catfish, white bass, and black bass. Each species offers its own unique thrill and challenge, keeping anglers on their toes. Catfish, for instance, are known to be attracted to stink baits and worms. Natural baits also work wonderfully, giving anglers an edge in enticing their underwater targets. When it comes to white bass, the sandy points of the lake proved to be fruitful fishing spots. Arriving early in the morning or just after sunset can provide the most activity, as these are the times when the bass is generally the most active. The absence of size or number restrictions for white bass at Enid Lake makes it an angler’s paradise, as every catch can be celebrated, regardless of size.

Enid Lake’s offerings are more comprehensive than just fishing. The surrounding area is steeped in natural allure, providing opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Furthermore, historical sites nearby provide a cultural retreat for those seeking a slice of local history and heritage. The unique blend of diverse fishing opportunities and nature makes Enid Lake a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the quintessential Mississippi outdoor experience.

6. Grenada Lake

The history of Grenada Lake, nestled in the heart of Mississippi, is intertwined with efforts to control flooding in the region. However, over the years, this function has been supplemented by a flourishing role in recreation. Today, the lake is a hotspot for angling, drawing visitors from all walks of life.

The lake’s coverage during the recreational season is impressive, spreading across approximately 35,000 acres. This substantial expanse of water, coupled with a shoreline of about 48 miles, provides an abundant playground for fishing and other aquatic activities.

Grenada Lake has a vibrant ecosystem that makes it a thriving home for various species of fish, thus presenting ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to make a significant catch. Year after year, anglers flock to the lake’s waters to take part in the numerous fishing tournaments, reinforcing the lake’s status as a premier angling location. Here, anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, and spotted bass. Additional fish one may be able to catch include green sunfish, redear sunfish, longear sunfish, bluegill, and white bass.

The scenic surroundings of Grenada Lake, including the Hugh White State Park and the Carver Point Group Camp, provide a blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities. The abundance of campgrounds around the lake caters to all types of visitors, creating an environment that marries adventure with relaxation. 

7. Sardis Lake

Sardis Lake is a vast 98,000-acre water body with a reputation as one of Mississippi’s top bass fishing spots. This aquatic landscape is peppered with underwater features such as grass beds, fallen timber, and stumps, creating the ideal bass habitat.

Fishing at Sardis Lake can be an exhilarating experience as anglers have many locations to cast their lines. These include various points, river channels, and creeks that are prime spots for bass to lay in waiting for their prey. The use of vividly colored, sound-producing, and movement-imitating lures like topwater and spinnerbaits has been proven to be highly successful in attracting bass in these local areas. And when it comes to fishing in the larger expanse of the lake, jigs, and crankbaits are effective, particularly when used around underwater structures.

It’s worth noting that the location where you’ll likely find bass varies with the seasons. During the warmer months, early mornings and evenings are the best times to find bass in the creeks and channels that feed into the main water body. This is because shallow waters serve as sanctuaries for various forms of bait, juvenile fish, crustaceans, and other things that make up a bass’s diet. Conversely, during extreme temperatures, whether high or low, bass congregate near the thermocline. This is the transitional zone where fluctuating surface temperatures meet the cooler deep waters. This means that no matter the season, Sardis Lake presents a compelling destination for any passionate angler.

Other types of fish one can expect to catch at Sardis Lake include crappie, bream, and catfish.

Summary of the 7 Best Fishing Lakes in Mississippi

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