*The MDWFP Fisheries Bureau actively oversees the Pascagoula River's fisheries resources, implementing various conservation and management practices to maintain its rich biodiversity and provides regular fishing reports. 

Pascagoula River

The Pascagoula River is a roughly 80-mile-long saltwater-influenced freshwater river. The river has numerous oxbow lakes including Dead River, McCrae Dead River, Big Lake, and Caswell Lake. The river is renowned for being the largest undammed river in the contiguous United States, flowing freely for approximately 80 miles from the confluence of the Leaf and Chickasawhay rivers to the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing Report - 08/14/2025 

SpeciesDetail
BassChoose a crankbait in whites/silvers that makes a bit of noise when being reeled in or a spinnerbait in chartreuse with a large spoon and focus fishing effort near woody debris. Soft creature baits in dark colors also work well in the marsh and bayous near vegetation ledges. Focus fishing in the early mornings and late evenings.  Fishing will be slow during the heat of the day.
CrappieFocus fishing effort in connected oxbows near elevation changes in deep channels with small white crank baits or live minnows. Jigging works wonderfully in the bayous and marsh, don’t be shy to use a spray-on fish attractant for artificial lures, a large part of the crappie’s predation instinct is scent driven. Focus fishing in the early mornings and late evenings.  Fishing will be slow during the heat of the day.
BreamFocus fishing effort near vegetation or shallow structure with small white beetle spins or fish on bottom with redworms or night crawlers
CatfishFocus fishing effort on bottom with cut bait or stink bait. Back bounce large weights along with the current to attract big fish.
Pascagoula River Special Regulations

Creel and Size Limits

SpeciesLengths to ReleaseDaily Creel Limit
Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth)12 inches and under10 per angler
  • The minimum length limit for black bass is in effect in the Pascagoula River from Merrill to the Highway 90 bridge (this includes all connected oxbow lakes, East [Little] River, West River and all water areas between East River and West River). Only bass over 12 inches may be in possession on these waters with a creel limit of 10 black bass per day

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all other fish species

Water Level

Up-to-date water levels can be found at the USGS site, just select the monitoring station nearest your favorite fishing spot.

*Pascagoula River Interactive Map

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