*Chotard and Albemarle are two oxbow lakes formed by the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), oversees the fisheries resources and provides regular fishing reports

Chotard and Albemarle are two oxbow lakes formed by the Mississippi River. These two lakes are 1,123 and 657 acres in size, respectively. Chotard remains connected to the Mississippi River by a narrow chute at the south end of the lake, and is accessible from the river when the water level is 13’ or higher (Vicksburg gage).

Fishing Report 

SpeciesDetail
Largemouth BassLook for fish to congregate around remaining cover. Fish are likely to be more active during the early morning and late evening hours. Anglers should target schooling bass with topwater baits and use slower presentations, such as Carolina rigs, to catch less active fish. 
CrappieThese lakes are known for having big crappie. Try using minnows or dark colored jigs around the willow trees. If you can’t find them there, try some of the deeper treetops along the lake. Also, slow-trolling in open water can be an effective method.
BreamBream are slowing down spawning with decreasing temperatures. Anglers can target bream using crickets or redworms around treetops, brush piles, and cypress stumps in 3 to 8 feet of water. 
CatfishTry and find deep areas of the lake. Catfish are also around deep structure. Try using chicken liver cut baits, or redworms. As an oxbow of the MS River, catfishing will always be a good option.

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all fish species

Water Level

Fishing on Chotard and Albemarle is always dependent upon the MS River level and movement.  For best results on these lakes, always check the MS River report to know if the river is moving in or out of the lake and target areas of moving water for improved fishing.  Fishing is typically best when the river is on a slow fall.  For most boats, access to the river is almost impossible when the river is below 15 feet (Vicksburg Gauge).

 

The Mississippi River at Vicksburg on 11/3/2026 is currently at 7.26 feet  and is expected to slowly rise to 10.7 feet on 11/18/2026.

For water levels at Vicksburg visit https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/vckm6 

*Chotard & Albemarle Lakes Interactive Map

Find and learn more about *Chotard & Albemarle Lakes...