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Fishing in Mississippi

Click a region to explore top fishing spots, species, and local tips.

Mississippi has over 1,400 lakes — including 6 major reservoirs, 22 managed public lakes, and unique oxbow lakes along the Mississippi River. From the Delta's big catfish to the Gulf Coast's speckled trout and redfish, the Magnolia State offers diverse fishing across six distinct regions. Some northern lakes are even stocked for ice fishing in winter.

Topographic map — click to view full size

North Mississippi & Delta

Sardis Lake, Arkabutla, Enid, Grenada, Mississippi River oxbows -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, White Bass

North Central Mississippi

Pickwick Lake, Bay Springs, Tenn-Tom Waterway, Aberdeen Lake -- Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Striped Bass

Central Mississippi & Jackson

Ross Barnett Reservoir, Pearl River, Jackson area lakes -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill, Striped Bass

Southwest Mississippi

Mississippi River, Homochitto River, Okhissa Lake, Clear Springs -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Rainbow Trout (stocked)

Pine Belt & Southeast MS

Pascagoula River, Leaf River, De Soto National Forest lakes -- Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Redear Sunfish, Chain Pickerel, Catfish

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Mississippi Sound, Gulf Islands, Biloxi, Gulfport -- Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel