Mississippi is a paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts. With its plethora of lakes, rivers, and streams, it offers some of the best fishing experiences in the United States. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 12 bass fishing spots in Mississippi. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, these locations are sure to satisfy your fishing cravings.
12. Arkabutla Lake
Arkabutla Lake is one of the top fishing destinations in Mississippi for largemouth bass fishing. With an abundant population of bass, anglers can expect to have a successful fishing trip at this location. The spring and fall seasons are considered the best time to fish here, as the water temperatures are perfect for bass to be active and feeding.
Anglers should use a combination of jigs, plastic worms, and spinnerbaits to increase their chances of catching the most fish. When using jigs, it’s recommended to use a football jig or a flipping jig with a crawfish trailer. Soft plastic worms are also effective in mimicking natural bait, and can be rigged on a Carolina rig or Texas rig for best results. Spinnerbaits are another popular lure option, with colors such as chartreuse and white being effective in the clear water of Arkabutla Lake.It’s important to note that Arkabutla Lake can get crowded during peak fishing seasons, so arriving early in the morning or later in the day can help avoid the crowds. Additionally, checking the weather and water conditions before heading out can also make a difference in a successful fishing trip.
Overall, Arkabutla Lake is a great spot for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass in Mississippi. With the right lures and techniques, fishermen can expect to have an enjoyable and fruitful fishing experience.
11. Bay Springs Lake
Bay Springs Lake is an excellent fishing destination in Mississippi for anglers looking to catch smallmouth and spotted bass. Bay Springs Lake is located in northeastern Mississippi, specifically in Tishomingo County, and is part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The crystal-clear water of the lake provides great visibility, making it easier to spot fish and increase the chances of catching them.
Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics are the recommended lures for fishing in Bay Springs Lake. Crankbaits are effective in mimicking the movement of small fish, and anglers should consider using natural colors such as shad or bluegill for the best results. Jerkbaits are another popular lure option, with a suspending or slow sinking jerkbait being effective in the clear water of Bay Springs Lake. Lastly, soft plastics can be used in a variety of techniques, including Carolina rigging or drop-shotting, and can be used to mimic natural prey such as crawfish or worms.
Anglers should focus their efforts on points, ledges, and drop-offs, where smallmouth and spotted bass tend to congregate. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the time of day when fishing in Bay Springs Lake, as smallmouth bass tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours.
10. Grenada Lake
Grenada Lake is a popular fishing destination in Mississippi, known for its trophy-sized bass. The lake is located in Grenada County in north-central Mississippi. Anglers looking for a chance to catch a big bass should definitely consider visiting Grenada Lake. The lake is also home to other species such as crappie, catfish, and bream.
Topwater baits are recommended for fishing in Grenada Lake, particularly in the early morning or late evening when bass are most active. Topwater lures such as poppers and walking baits can be used to entice bass to strike on the surface, providing an exciting and memorable fishing experience. Additionally, spinnerbaits, jigs, and soft plastics can also be effective in catching bass in Grenada Lake.
Anglers should also be mindful of the water temperature when fishing in Grenada Lake. Bass tend to be more active in water temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so checking the water temperature beforehand can help anglers plan their fishing trip accordingly.
Grenada Lake is a great spot for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized bass in Mississippi. The use of topwater baits in the early morning or late evening can increase the chances of catching the biggest bass, providing a memorable fishing experience. Anglers should also consider checking the water temperature to plan their fishing trip for optimal success.
9. Ross Barnett Reservoir
Ross Barnett Reservoir is located in central Mississippi, spanning the Pearl River and situated in Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties. The lake is known for its diverse population of bass. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth, spotted, and striped bass when fishing at this location, making it a great spot for those looking to try their luck at catching different species of bass.
Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits are the recommended lures for fishing at Ross Barnett Reservoir. Crankbaits are effective in mimicking the movement of baitfish, and anglers should consider using natural colors such as shad or bluegill for the best results. Spinnerbaits are another popular lure option, with colors such as white and chartreuse being effective in the clear water of Ross Barnett Reservoir. Swimbaits can also be used to imitate natural prey, and can be rigged on a weighted swimbait hook or a jighead for best results.
Anglers should focus their efforts on the rocky points, ledges, and drop-offs where bass tend to congregate. Additionally, being mindful of the time of day can also make a difference in a successful fishing trip, as bass tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours.
Ross Barnett Reservoir is a great spot for anglers looking to catch a diverse population of bass in Mississippi. The use of crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits can increase the chances of catching the most fish, and focusing on the right areas and time of day can also make a difference in a successful fishing trip.
8. Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is known for its variety of bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.Pickwick Lake is located in Tishomingo County, Mississippi, in the northeastern part of the state. Anglers visiting this location can expect to catch different species of bass, providing an exciting and diverse fishing experience.
The use of topwater baits, crankbaits, and jigs is recommended when fishing in Pickwick Lake. Topwater baits can be effective in the early morning or late evening when bass are most active, and anglers should consider using poppers or walking baits to entice strikes on the surface. Crankbaits can also be used to imitate the movement of baitfish, and anglers should consider using natural colors such as shad or bluegill. Jigs are also effective in Pickwick Lake, particularly when fishing around structures such as docks, brush piles, or drop-offs.
Anglers should focus their efforts on the rocky points, ledges, and drop-offs where bass tend to congregate. Additionally, being mindful of the time of day can also make a difference in a successful fishing trip, as bass tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours.
7. Sardis Lake
Sardis Lake is located in Lafayette County, Mississippi, in the northern part of the state. The lake is known for its abundance of largemouth and spotted bass. Anglers visiting this location can expect to catch plenty of fish, making it a great spot for a successful fishing trip.
The best time to fish at Sardis Lake is in the spring and fall, when the water temperatures are cooler and bass tend to be more active. We recommend using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jigs when fishing at this location. Spinnerbaits are effective in mimicking the movement of baitfish and can be used to cover large areas of water quickly. Plastic worms can be rigged weedless or on a jighead and are effective in fishing around structures such as docks or brush piles. Jigs can also be used to imitate natural prey and are effective in fishing in deeper water.
Anglers should focus their efforts on the rocky points, ledges, and drop-offs where bass tend to congregate.
Sardis Lake is a great spot for anglers looking to catch largemouth and spotted bass in Mississippi. The use of spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jigs can increase the chances of catching the most fish, and focusing on the right areas and time of day can also make a difference in a successful fishing trip. Anglers should consider visiting Sardis Lake for a fun and productive fishing experience.
6. Enid Lake
Enid Lake is a popular fishing destination in Mississippi, known for its crystal clear water and abundance of fish. Enid Lake is located in Yalobusha County, Mississippi, in the northern part of the state. The lake is particularly renowned for its largemouth and spotted bass populations, providing anglers with ample opportunities for catching fish.
The use of topwater baits, crankbaits, and jigs is recommended when fishing in Enid Lake. Topwater baits, such as poppers or walking baits, can be effective when fishing in the early morning or late evening hours. Crankbaits can also be used to imitate the movement of baitfish and are effective when fishing around structures such as submerged timber or weed beds. Jigs are another popular bait for fishing in Enid Lake, and anglers can use them to target bass in deeper water.
Enid Lake is a great spot for anglers looking to catch largemouth and spotted bass in Mississippi.
5. Okatibbee Lake
Okatibbee Lake is located in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, in the eastern part of the state. The lake is known for its largemouth bass population. Anglers visiting this location can expect to catch plenty of fish, making it a great spot for a successful fishing trip.
The best time to fish at Okatibbee Lake is in the early morning or late evening when the water temperatures are cooler and bass tend to be more active. We recommend using plastic worms, jigs, and spinnerbaits when fishing at this location. Plastic worms can be rigged weedless or on a jighead and are effective in fishing around structures such as docks or brush piles. Jigs can also be used to imitate natural prey and are effective in fishing in deeper water. Spinnerbaits are effective in mimicking the movement of baitfish and can be used to cover large areas of water quickly.
Anglers should focus their efforts on the weed beds, brush piles, and drop-offs where bass tend to congregate. Additionally, being mindful of the time of day can also make a difference in a successful fishing trip, as bass tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours.
4. Lake Mary Crawford
Lake Mary Crawford is a must-visit destination for bass fishing enthusiasts in Mississippi. The lake is located in Lawrence County, Mississippi, in the southern part of the state. With its large population of largemouth bass, anglers can expect to have a great time fishing at this location. We recommends using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms to catch the most fish.
Spinnerbaits are effective in imitating baitfish, and their flash and vibration can attract bass in murky water. Crankbaits are also effective in covering a lot of water and can imitate various prey species that bass feed on, such as crawfish or shad. Finally, plastic worms can be rigged weedless or on a jighead and are effective in fishing around structures such as docks or brush piles.
3. Lake Lincoln
Lake Lincoln is another fantastic bass fishing location in Mississippi, renowned for its clear water and sandy bottom. Lake Lincoln is located in Copiah County, Mississippi, in the southern part of the state. The lake is home to a healthy population of largemouth bass, making it a favorite destination among anglers. We recommend using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jigs to catch the most fish.
Spinnerbaits are versatile lures that can imitate a variety of prey species such as shad, bluegill, or crawfish. Plastic worms can be rigged weedless or on a jighead and are effective in fishing around structures such as weed beds or brush piles. Finally, jigs are effective in imitating crawfish, which are a staple in a bass’s diet.
When fishing at Lake Lincoln, anglers should focus on areas with structure, such as points, drop-offs, or weed beds, as bass tend to congregate around them.
2. Neshoba County Lake
Neshoba County Lake is a popular fishing spot located in Philadelphia. It covers an area of 138 acres and has an average depth of 15 feet, making it an ideal habitat for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
The lake is known for its trophy-sized bass, with many anglers reporting catches of 5-pound or larger fish. To increase your chances of catching a trophy bass at Neshoba County Lake, we suggest using plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and jigs. These lures mimic the natural prey of the bass and can entice them to strike.
1. Lake Bogue Homa
Lake Bogue Homa is a stunning freshwater lake located in South Mississippi near the town of Laurel. The lake spans across 1,500 acres and is home to a wide variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
One of the primary draws of Lake Bogue Homa is its excellent largemouth bass fishing. The lake is known for producing big bass, with many anglers reporting catches of fish weighing in at over 5 pounds. To increase your chances of catching a trophy bass, we recommend using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jigs.
In addition to fishing, Lake Bogue Homa offers a range of other outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and scenic trails, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Beginner’s Guide to Fishing in Mississippi:
If you are new to fishing in Mississippi, here are some things you need to know:
- License: To fish in Mississippi, you need to have a valid fishing license. You can buy one online or at a local retailer.
- Regulations: It’s essential to be aware of the fishing regulations in Mississippi, including the bag limits, size limits, and fishing seasons. These regulations help preserve the fish population and maintain a healthy ecosystem.
- Safety: Always wear a life jacket when fishing on a boat, and be cautious of any obstacles in the water.
Don’t forget to check the local regulations and restrictions as there are some areas that are off-limits for fishing.
Interesting Facts:
Mississippi has over 120,000 acres of fishable water, including lakes, rivers, and streams, making it an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Mississippi hosts several bass fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the Bassmaster Classic, which is one of the biggest bass fishing tournaments in the world.
The state record for the largest largemouth bass caught in Mississippi is 18.15 pounds, caught in Neshoba County in 1992.
In conclusion, Mississippi is a bass fishing haven, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences for beginners and professionals alike. By following the fishing regulations, investing in high-quality gear, and being patient, fishermen can enjoy a successful fishing trip. With its vast fishable water, excellent fish population, and fascinating fishing facts, Mississippi is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for every fishing enthusiast.