Best Fishing Lakes in Mississippi, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is also a haven for fishing enthusiasts. With an abundance of lakes scattered across the state, anglers are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect fishing spot. From serene reservoirs nestled in the piney woods to expansive water bodies teeming with trophy fish, Mississippi offers a diverse range of fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels.
1. Sardis Lake
Located in the northern part of the state near the town of Sardis, Sardis Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. This sprawling reservoir spans over 98,000 acres and is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. Anglers can fish from the shoreline or explore the lake’s numerous coves and channels by boat, making it a popular destination for both recreational and tournament fishing.
2. Ross Barnett Reservoir
Situated just outside the capital city of Jackson, Ross Barnett Reservoir is a premier fishing destination in central Mississippi. Spanning over 33,000 acres, this reservoir offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from targeting bass and crappie in shallow waters to trolling for catfish in the deeper channels. With its convenient location and ample amenities, including boat ramps and fishing piers, Ross Barnett Reservoir attracts anglers from across the state year-round.
3. Pickwick Lake
Bordering Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, Pickwick Lake is a renowned angling hotspot known for its abundance of trophy smallmouth and largemouth bass. This expansive reservoir stretches over 47,500 acres and features rocky bluffs, submerged structure, and deep channels that provide ideal habitat for bass and other game fish. Anglers can fish from the shoreline or explore the lake’s hidden coves and tributaries by boat, making it a favorite destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.
4. Grenada Lake
Located in north-central Mississippi near the town of Grenada, Grenada Lake is famous for its trophy crappie fishing. This sprawling reservoir spans over 35,000 acres and boasts an impressive population of slab-sized crappie that attract anglers from far and wide. Whether fishing from the shoreline, trolling the open waters, or targeting crappie beds with jigs and minnows, Grenada Lake offers anglers ample opportunities to reel in their next big catch.
5. Enid Lake
Nestled in the rolling hills of north-central Mississippi, Enid Lake is a hidden gem for bass fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 28,000 acres, this reservoir features shallow flats, submerged structure, and winding channels that provide ideal habitat for bass and other game fish. Anglers can fish from the shoreline, explore the lake’s numerous coves and tributaries by boat, or participate in one of the many bass fishing tournaments held throughout the year.
6. Arkabutla Lake
Nestled in the northwest corner of Mississippi near the town of Hernando, Arkabutla Lake is a hidden gem known for its excellent bass fishing. Spanning over 33,000 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a tranquil escape surrounded by picturesque woodlands. With its abundance of submerged structure and shallow flats, Arkabutla Lake provides ideal habitat for largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a favorite destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can fish from the shoreline, explore the lake’s numerous coves and inlets by boat, or participate in one of the many bass fishing tournaments held throughout the year.
7. Lake Washington
Located in the Mississippi Delta near the town of Glen Allan, Lake Washington is a legendary fishing destination known for its monster-sized catfish. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this oxbow lake boasts an impressive population of blue and channel catfish that attract anglers from across the country. Whether fishing from the shoreline, anchored in a boat, or drifting along the lake’s winding channels, anglers have the opportunity to reel in catfish weighing upwards of 50 pounds. With its serene surroundings and abundant fishery, Lake Washington offers anglers an unforgettable fishing experience in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
8. Bay Springs Lake
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Mississippi near the town of Tishomingo, Bay Springs Lake is a hidden gem known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. Spanning over 6,000 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a tranquil escape surrounded by rolling hills and lush woodlands. With its abundance of submerged structure and shallow flats, Bay Springs Lake provides ideal habitat for bass, crappie, and catfish, making it a favorite destination for anglers of all skill levels. Whether fishing from the shoreline, exploring the lake’s numerous coves and inlets by boat, or casting a line from a kayak or canoe, anglers are sure to enjoy the pristine beauty and abundant fishery of Bay Springs Lake.
9. Lake Tangipahoa
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Mississippi near the town of McComb, Lake Tangipahoa is a picturesque fishing destination surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Spanning over 700 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a serene setting to cast their lines and reel in a variety of fish species. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish are abundant in the lake, providing anglers of all skill levels with ample opportunities for a successful day of fishing. Whether fishing from the shoreline, navigating the calm waters by boat, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon of bank fishing, Lake Tangipahoa promises a rewarding fishing experience in a tranquil natural setting.
10. Okatibbee Lake
Located in east-central Mississippi near the town of Meridian, Okatibbee Lake is a scenic reservoir known for its excellent fishing and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 4,000 acres, this lake offers anglers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from targeting bass and crappie in shallow waters to trolling for catfish in the deeper channels. With its abundance of submerged structure, including standing timber and brush piles, Okatibbee Lake provides ideal habitat for a variety of fish species. Anglers can fish from the shoreline, explore the lake’s numerous coves and inlets by boat, or enjoy a peaceful day of bank fishing along the water’s edge. Whether seeking trophy-sized bass or a relaxing day on the water with family and friends, Okatibbee Lake offers something for everyone to enjoy amidst its scenic beauty and abundant fishery.
11. Lake Columbia
Nestled in the southwest corner of Mississippi near the town of Columbia, Lake Columbia is a serene fishing destination known for its tranquil atmosphere and abundant fish population. Spanning over 3,000 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities, including bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. With its scenic shoreline dotted with cypress trees and submerged structure, Lake Columbia provides ideal habitat for fish to thrive, making it a favorite spot for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Whether fishing from the shoreline, exploring the lake’s hidden coves by boat, or enjoying a peaceful day of kayak fishing, Lake Columbia promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.
12. Lake Mary Crawford
Located in the southeastern corner of Mississippi near the town of Monticello, Lake Mary Crawford is a picturesque fishing destination surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests. Spanning over 128 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a tranquil setting to cast their lines and reel in a variety of fish species. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are abundant in the lake, providing anglers with ample opportunities for a successful day of fishing. With its scenic shoreline and crystal-clear waters, Lake Mary Crawford is a popular spot for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and picnicking, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day outdoors with family and friends.
13. Lake Jeff Davis
Situated in the southern part of Mississippi near the town of Prentiss, Lake Jeff Davis is a hidden gem known for its pristine beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. Spanning over 100 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a tranquil escape surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are abundant in the lake, providing anglers of all skill levels with ample opportunities for a successful day of fishing. With its scenic shoreline and peaceful atmosphere, Lake Jeff Davis is a favorite spot for bank fishing, kayak fishing, and nature watching, making it an ideal destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a serene fishing experience amidst nature’s beauty.
14. Lake Lincoln
Nestled in the southwest region of Mississippi near the town of Wesson, Lake Lincoln is a tranquil fishing spot surrounded by picturesque woodlands and rolling hills. Spanning over 500 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a serene escape with abundant fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are plentiful in the lake, providing anglers of all levels with a chance to reel in their next big catch. Whether fishing from the shore, exploring the lake’s numerous coves by boat, or enjoying a leisurely day of kayak fishing, Lake Lincoln promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance.
15. Lake Tangipahoa
Located near the town of Summit in southwestern Mississippi, Lake Tangipahoa is a hidden gem known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. Spanning over 490 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a serene setting surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are abundant in the lake, providing anglers with a variety of fishing experiences. Whether fishing from the shore, exploring the lake’s hidden coves by boat, or enjoying a peaceful day of kayak fishing, Lake Tangipahoa offers anglers an unforgettable fishing experience amidst its natural splendor and tranquil atmosphere.
16. Lake Mike Conner
Situated near the town of Collins in southern Mississippi, Lake Mike Conner is a scenic fishing destination known for its abundant fish population and tranquil ambiance. Spanning over 680 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a serene escape surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are plentiful in the lake, providing anglers of all skill levels with ample opportunities for a successful day of fishing. Whether casting from the shore, navigating the lake’s winding channels by boat, or enjoying a peaceful day of kayak fishing, Lake Mike Conner promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.
17. Lake Claude Bennett
Nestled in the heart of Mississippi near the town of Aberdeen, Lake Claude Bennett is a serene fishing destination offering anglers a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s beauty. Spanning over 220 acres, this reservoir provides ample opportunities for anglers to reel in a variety of fish species. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are abundant in the lake, making it a favorite spot for anglers of all skill levels. With its scenic shoreline and tranquil ambiance, Lake Claude Bennett is perfect for a day of fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.
18. Lake Tom Bailey
Situated in the southern part of Mississippi near the town of Meridian, Lake Tom Bailey is a hidden gem known for its excellent fishing and peaceful surroundings. Spanning over 300 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a serene escape surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are plentiful in the lake, providing anglers with ample opportunities for a successful day of fishing. Whether fishing from the shore, exploring the lake’s hidden coves by boat, or enjoying a peaceful day of kayak fishing, Lake Tom Bailey promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
19. Lake Bill Waller
Located near the town of Columbia in southwestern Mississippi, Lake Bill Waller is a scenic fishing destination known for its abundant fish population and peaceful ambiance. Spanning over 160 acres, this reservoir offers anglers a serene escape surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are plentiful in the lake, providing anglers of all skill levels with ample opportunities for a successful day of fishing. Whether casting from the shore, navigating the lake’s winding channels by boat, or enjoying a peaceful day of kayak fishing, Lake Bill Waller promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
20. Lake Claude Bennett
Tucked away in the heart of Mississippi near the town of Grenada, Lake Claude Bennett is a pristine fishing destination offering anglers a tranquil escape into the wonders of nature. Covering over 200 acres, this reservoir is surrounded by dense woodlands and scenic landscapes, providing a serene setting for fishing enthusiasts.
Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish populate the waters of Lake Claude Bennett, making it a haven for anglers seeking diverse fishing experiences. The lake’s peaceful shoreline invites individuals to cast their lines from the bank, while boat enthusiasts can explore the various coves and inlets that make for excellent fishing grounds.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice seeking a peaceful day outdoors, Lake Claude Bennett offers a harmonious blend of nature and recreation. From the subtle sounds of water lapping against the shore to the thrill of a successful catch, this hidden gem in Mississippi promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst its untouched beauty.
21. Lake Mary Crawford
Situated in the southeastern part of Mississippi near the town of Monticello, Lake Mary Crawford is a picturesque fishing haven nestled amidst rolling hills and pine forests. Encompassing over 100 acres, this reservoir provides a serene setting for anglers to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of a day on the water.
Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish thrive in the diverse ecosystems of Lake Mary Crawford, offering anglers a range of fishing opportunities. The lake’s clear waters and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal destination for bank fishing, kayak fishing, or simply unwinding with a picnic along the shoreline.
Whether you seek the excitement of a trophy catch or the peaceful solitude of nature, Lake Mary Crawford invites you to embark on a fishing adventure in the heart of Mississippi. With its scenic beauty and abundant fishery, this hidden gem promises a memorable experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Plan Your Fishing Adventure
With an array of lakes scattered across the state, Mississippi offers anglers a wealth of opportunities to reel in their next big catch. Whether targeting bass, crappie, catfish, or bluegill, each of these top fishing lakes promises a rewarding fishing experience amidst stunning natural surroundings. So pack your gear, grab your fishing rod, and embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure in the heart of Mississippi’s pristine wilderness.
