Fishing Forecast Looks Promising for Mississippi Delta Lakes
3/12/2018 2:26:12 PM
From MDWFP
JACKSON - Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) fisheries biologists are excited about the 2018 fishing season in the Mississippi Delta! Recent fish population surveys revealed healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and bream in most Delta oxbow lakes. "Fish populations in the oxbows vary annually due to water levels and other factors," says Nathan Aycock, MDWFP Fisheries Biologist. "We've had relatively high water throughout the spring the past two years, which usually means a good spawn. These strong year classes should lead to great fishing this spring."
Good crappie catches are already being reported from some Delta oxbows, including Lake Washington in Washington County. In 2017, fisheries biologists collected crappie from Lake Washington for an age and growth study. "Crappie abundance is similar to previous years, and the fish are growing fast," says Aycock. “Lake Washington will continue to be one of the top crappie lakes in the state."
Spring is a great time of year to fish, as warming water temperatures lead to fish being more active in preparation for the spawn. Water temperatures warm up first in disconnected oxbows such as Lake Washington, Moon Lake in Coahoma County, and Bee Lake in Holmes County. Conditions on lakes inside the levee are more variable due to the influences of the Mississippi River. All in all, Mississippi Delta oxbows can provide excellent fishing opportunities, beautiful scenery, and a chance to get away from it all. Plan a trip soon to the Mississippi Delta to experience some of the best fishing Mississippi has to offer!
For more information regarding fishing in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com or call (601) 432-2200. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline.
