Fishing Report

Weekly fishing reports will return in February. Below are some tips on fishing during the winter and early spring.

Bass will be holding along the river channel around ledges and structure. Fish can also be targeted in shallow areas with aquatic vegetation. Worms fished slowly in these areas can be productive. Spinner baits, spoons or crank baits fished along deeper points are also a good choice this time of year.

Crappie should be targeted along the main river channel and deep standing timber. Flow provided by the Pearl River at Hwy 43 Bridge will allow fish to congregate in the slack water just outside the main channel. Double minnow rigs and jigs tipped with a nibble should be most productive. 

Bream can be targeted around deep structure at depths of 8 - 10 ft. Tightlining along the bottom in these areas with crickets and worms are best bet for bream this time of year.

Try for catfish in deep timber with jigs or minnows fished next to the bottom. Fish can also be targeted with jugs out in the open water floating them through stump fields. Worms and blood baits can be very productive. Trot lines, and poles fished along flats adjacent to the river channel and above Hwy 43 in old oxbow lakes are also good ways to harvest many quality catfish. Special regulations apply to parts of Ross Barnett for trotlines, throw lines, set hooks, limb lines, fffd's, jugs and yo-yos. Please check in advance before using these devices.

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Fisheries Biologists use various sampling methods to assess the fish populations in the State’s waters. Sampling results for selected water bodies are summarized in Reel Facts Sheets