TOOMSUBA, MS - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) began draining Lake Tom Bailey today to make repairs to the dam. The 182-acre state fishing lake is located 8 miles east of Meridian on Highway 11 in Lauderdale County. 

The boat ramp will close once water levels are deemed unsafe for launching and bank fishing will be allowed until the lake is closed. At this time, all size and daily creel limits have been lifted, allowing anglers to keep as many fish as they catch. Fishing is limited to rod-and-reel or pole fishing only; other gear is prohibited. Anglers must possess a valid state lake permit and a Mississippi fishing license unless exempt under state law. Once construction is complete, the lake will be filled and restocked with fish. 

Anglers can also enjoy nearby lakes, including Okatibbee Lake in Lauderdale County, Lake Claude Bennett in Jasper County, or Ivy Lake at Clarkco State Park in Quitman.

For more information regarding hunting or fishing in Mississippi, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com or call us at (601) 432-2400. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline.

Fishing and Boating