*Desoto Lake is a public oxbow lake located in Coahoma County, Mississippi. The lake is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), which oversees the fisheries resources and provides regular fishing reports. 

Desoto Lake is an oxbow lake of the Mississippi River located in Coahoma County, Mississippi. The lake spans approximately 1,000 acres, though its size fluctuates with the varying water levels of the Mississippi River. Desoto Lake is periodically connected to the Mississippi River when the river is high enough, allowing for water exchange and ecological diversity. The lake is surrounded primarily by bottomland hardwood forests, providing a rich habitat for various wildlife species and supporting a diverse fishing environment​.

Fishing Report - 8/6/2025 

SpeciesDetail
BassTry to target bass near areas with submerged woody structure. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics are all good bait choices. Look for fish in depths of 5 to 10 feet.
CrappieFish near structure in deeper areas of the lake using jigs and minnows. Crappie activity is slow on Desoto Lake this time of year.
BreamBream should be fished in 4 to 6 feet of water using red worms or crickets. Areas near the shore with rip rap are a good place to fish.
CatfishFish for catfish in deeper areas of the lake using liver, cut bait, or worms.

Mississippi River Stages

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all fish species

*Desoto Lake Interactive Map

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