*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 - Updated 05/05/2026

SpeciesDetail
Largemouth BassBass are starting to show summer patterns. Try crawfish, finesse worms, soft stick baits, and jigs around the edges of trees, bushes, and docks. Lipless crankbaits and Shad Raps are good choices around rocks. The canal between Chotard and Albemarle is another good area to try.
CrappieThese lakes are known for having big crappie and plenty of them. Try using minnows or 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 starting to bed with warmer temperatures. Bream can be caught using crickets or redworms around treetops or cypress stumps in 3 – 8 feet of water.
CatfishTry and find deep areas of the lake. Catfish are also around deep structure. Some of the best lures to use are commercial stinkbaits. Commercial stinkbaits give off strong odors that attract fish. Other good baits to use are chicken liver and cut bait. 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 05/05/2026 is currently at 28.30 feet and expected to crest at 30.6 feet on 05/08/2026 and slowly drop the following days.

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

*Chotard & Albemarle Lakes Interactive Map

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