Spring Fishing Forecast for Northwest Mississippi
3/19/2018 8:36:26 AM
From MDWFP
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) fisheries biologists are optimistic about fishing on Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid, and Grenada Reservoirs in 2018. These are some of the best crappie fisheries in the nation, supporting about 1.5 million hours of fishing annually.
According to MDWFP fisheries biologist Keith Meals, “Crappie have had good spawns in recent years, and fish from the 2014 yearclass are over 12 inches. Younger “short fish” are also abundant.” Most trophy white crappie the last few years have been from the huge 2009 spawn. These old fish were rare last fall, but some younger fish have already grown to trophy size.
Smaller largemouth bass are numerous. The big 2013 year class averaged about four pounds, but few older, larger bass are present.
Blue catfish are common in all reservoirs except at Enid, with many fish ranging in size from 10 – 25 pounds and bigger. Channel catfish are also common, but their average size is smaller. In addition to the flood control reservoirs, Tunica Cutoff, along the Mississippi River, is a good destination for channel catfish anglers.
MDWFP operates state parks on Sardis, Enid, and Grenada Reservoirs; book ahead as they fill up quickly during peak fishing times.
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.
