*Lake Washington is an oxbow lake managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), which oversees the lake's fisheries resources and provides regular fishing reports.

Lake Washington is a 3,000-acre oxbow lake of the Mississippi River. It is one of Mississippi’s largest natural lakes, with scenic cypress forests in both ends and most of the western shore. Lake Washington supports an excellent fishery for crappie, bream, and catfish.

Fishing Report - 8/6/2025 

SpeciesDetail
BassBass fishing at Lake Washington has been slow lately. The bite has slowed with the increased water temperatures. Top-water baits fished in the cypress trees and other shallow water early in the morning could produce fish. Bluegill and other natural color schemes would be a good choice when fishing shallow. As water temps increase look for fish near cover in deeper water. Soft plastic swim baits, spinner baits, and worms are a good choice to search for fish. 
CrappieCrappie should be suspended in the deeper areas of the lake. Look for fish to be suspended near cover and structure in deeper pockets throughout the lake. Both jigs and minnows would be good choices of baits.
BreamBream activity should be increasing in the shallows. Try targeting shallow depth cover and structure with crickets and redworms.
CatfishCatfish should be in shallow to moderate depths this time of year. Try fishing near moderate depth cover and structure with liver, nightcrawlers, or cut bait.
Lake Washington Special Regulations

Creel and Size Limits

SpeciesLengths to ReleaseDaily Creel Limits
Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth)15 inches and under5 per angler
Crappie (combined black and white)11 inches and under20 per angler
  • The possession of crappie under 11 inches or black bass under 15 inches while in Paul Love Park or on the weir is prohibited.

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all other fish species

Lake Regulations

  • Yo-yos must be attended at all times (meaning you must remain in sight of your yo-yos at all times).
  • Yo-yos may be left unattended from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. During this time all yo-yos left unattended must be tripped with the hook out of the water.
  • Yo-yos left untripped during this two hour period and yo-yos left unattended at any other times can be confiscated by MDWFP law enforcement officers.
  • All yo-yo's must have a waterproof or metal tag attached and visible above the water surface. The tags must contain the angler's full name and address.

*Lake Washington Interactive Map

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