Fishing Report - Updated 05/05/2026
| Species | |
| Largemouth Bass | Bass fishing has been good overall, but the bite has slowed this week due to recent weather changes and heavy rain. Fish are being found in shallow areas with aquatic vegetation, along creek swings, and on deeper points. As temperatures rise, expect bass to move into lily pads. Texas-rigged worms and creature baits in junebug, red, black and blue, or green pumpkin—fished slowly—have been productive in these areas. Other effective options include vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. For deeper fish, try crankbaits in crawfish or shad patterns. |
| Crappie | Crappie fishing has been slow. Crappie are moving out to post spawn habitats, but anglers have reported success fishing out in 5-10ft of water near structure. Single jigs in bright colors with chartreuse along with blue ice have been productive for shallow water fish. |
| Bream | Bream fishing has been good. Anglers are finding success around structure in 3–6 feet of water. Look for fish near aquatic vegetation and shoreline laydowns. Tightlining on the bottom with crickets and worms, or fishing red worms under a cork, are both productive techniques this time of year. |
| Catfish | Catfishing has been fair. Try targeting catfish in deep timber with jigs or minnows fished near the bottom. Fish can also be caught using jugs in open water, allowing them to float through stump fields. Worms and chicken liver can be very productive as well. Trotlines and poles fished along flats adjacent to the river channel and above Highway 43 in old oxbow lakes are also effective ways to harvest quality catfish. Special regulations apply to parts of Ross Barnett regarding trotlines, throw lines, set hooks, limb lines, FFFDs, jugs, and yo-yos. Please check regulations in advance before using these devices. |
