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Freshwater Fishing in Mississippi
Mississippi Fishing at a Glance
Mississippi is home to an abundance of freshwater fish, with over 280 species in the state’s lakes, creeks, rivers and ponds. The majority of these are native species, with the rest being either introduced or transplanted, or marine species that commonly enter freshwater.
All this in over 220,000 acres of water and 120,000 miles of streams. It is truly a fisherman’s paradise!
Mississippi’s is most famous for its largemouth bass, and these can be found in almost any body of water but some of the best spots are Lake Sardis, Lake Hoodoo, and Grenada Lake. If you’re looking for a challenge, try your hand at catching a catfish in the Mississippi River. Other popular freshwater fish in Mississippi include sunfish, crappie, and trout
In Mississippi, there are a few things you need to know before heading out on your freshwater fishing adventure. First, you’ll need to obtain a fishing license. You can do this by visiting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. Second, it’s important to be aware of the size and creel limit for each type of fish you plan on catching.
Key Insights
- Mississippi has over 280 species of freshwater fish in its lakes, creeks, rivers, and ponds.
- The state has over 220,000 acres of water and 120,000 miles of streams, making it a fisherman’s paradise.
- Largemouth bass is the most popular fish in Mississippi, with some of the best spots being Lake Sardis, Lake Hoodoo, and Grenada Lake.
- Other popular freshwater fish in Mississippi include catfish, sunfish, crappie, and trout.
- To go freshwater fishing in Mississippi, you need to obtain a fishing license from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
- It’s important to be aware of the size and creel limit for each type of fish you plan on catching.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 2,961,279 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 308,440 |
| Fishing License % | 10.42% |
| Hunters Rank | 30 |
The state of Mississippi is mostly private land with just 5.51% of acres considered public land -ranking #36 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 30,025,000 | ||
| Public | 1,653,470 | 5.51% | 36 |
| Private | 28,350,830 | 94.42% | 14 |
| Tribal | 20,700 | 0.07% | 22 |
Mississippi Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Mississippi DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Mississippi DNR
1505 Eastover Drive
500 Lafayette Road
Jackson, MS 39211
- (601) 432-2400
What are the most popular freshwater fish to catch in Mississippi?
Fishing in Mississippi offers a wide variety of rewarding experiences. From walleye to northern pike, smallmouth bass to largemouth bass, and crappie, anglers can find plenty of fish to choose from in the state’s rivers and streams. Walleye are especially big and can be found in just about any body of water. Northern pike offer a versatile habitat and delicious flavor when caught. Smallmouth and largemouth bass provide an exciting challenge for sport fishers. Catching crappie, on the other hand, may result in a larger catch and make for a more satisfying dinner! There’s something for everyone no matter their level of experience with fishing.
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Fishing private land in Mississippi
Fishing on private land in Mississippi has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Mississippi or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Mille Lacs Lake
2. Mississippi River
3. St. Croix River
4. Lake Superior
5. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Fishing private land in Mississippi
Fishing on private land in Mississippi has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Mississippi or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.