*Pickwick Lake is part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and is owned and managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The MDWFP Fisheries Bureau manages the lake's fisheries resources and provides weekly fishing reports.

Covering 43,100 acres, Pickwick Lake, which borders Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi, is the 4th largest impoundment on the Tennessee River. It is owned and managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The reservoir extends 52.7 miles from Wilson Dam (river mile 259.5) in Florence, Alabama to Pickwick Landing Dam (river mile 206.7). The lake is nationally recognized as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country.

Per a reciprocal agreement, a Tennessee fishing license is valid in parts of Mississippi.

Fishing Report

SpeciesDetail

 

Bass

 

For bass, the transition to spawning time has started to occur and fish are on the move.  Anglers are using a variety of techniques to catch their fish. Lures like lipless crankbaits, single swimbaits, and Alabama-rigs have been good options to cover water in search of pre spawn bass around transitional areas like points and gravel bars. As the bite moves shallower for the spawn, look for the Texas/Carolina-rigged lizards and jig bite to pick up. Spinnerbaits and jerkbaits are also good options for those pre spawn fish. 
CatfishCatfish bites are traditionally slow around this time. Rod and reel using cut/whole shad and kool-aid flavored chicken has been a popular option. Target gravel bars and shallow ledges out of the current for a decent bite.
CrappieThe crappie bite has started to pick up as well. Crappie should be moving to shallower water with the warmer weather. Trolling jigs are a good choice around this time.  Mill Creek has been hot lately, but don't overlook Bear, Yellow, and Indian Creeks.

Pickwick Lake water level

Pickwick Lake Special Regulations

Creel and Size Limits

SpeciesLengths to ReleaseDaily Creel Limits
Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth)15 inches and under10 per angler
Crappie (combined black and white)9 inches and under30 per angler
CatfishNo Length Limit1 over 34 inches per angler, no creel limit under 34 inches

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all other fish species

*Pickwick Lake (JP Coleman State Park) Interactive Map

Find and learn more about *Pickwick Lake (JP Coleman State Park)...