2012 Fall Fishing Forecast for Northeast Mississippi Lakes

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) fisheries biologists are excited about the fall fishing season in NortheastMississippi. Fall fishing in Northeast Mississippi has already started to improve, as water temperatures continue to gradually decrease. “In the fall, fish will start feeding more in preparation for the winter months” said MDWFP Fisheries Biologist Tyler Stubbs. “Some of the best fishing in this part of the state occurs during the fall, and is often overlooked, as most folks are concentrating on hunting season” said Stubbs. Fall bass anglers should target lakes that have large shad and shiner populations such as Pickwick, Bay Springs, Trace State Park, and the Canal Section lakes A through E.

Crappie and bream fishing has already started to improve as the seasons start to change. Columbus and Aberdeen Lakes boasts some of the best fall crappie fishing in the state. Most anglers target submerged structure in the old river runs. “If you’re looking for a smaller, quieter atmosphere, the state lakes in Northeast Mississippi provide great fall fishing opportunities. “Lake Monroe, Tippah County Lake, and Elvis Presley Lake all provide great fall fishing for crappie, bream and catfish, with abundant shoreline access” said Stubbs. Most anglers target submerged tree tops using live bait.

Many fish attractors have been added to these lakes over the past few years and can be found on our website at www.mdwfp.com/fishing-boating/lake-depth-maps.aspx.

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), formerly known as the Mississippi Game & Fish Commission, is an agency of the government of the U.S. state ofMississippi responsible for programs protecting Mississippi fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, as well as administering all state parks; it has its headquarters in Jackson. The agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, advises on habitat protection, and sponsors public education programs. It is also responsible for enforcement of Mississippi's fish and game laws. It is separate from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, which is the governing body for the state's natural salt-water resources and law enforcement thereof (i.e. Gulf of Mexico, ocean-going vessels, etc.).