Discover the Best Mississippi Fly Fishing Spots
Mississippi might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think about fly fishing. But this southern state has some real, under-the-radar spots for anglers. We’re talking about everything from calm lakes to winding rivers; the Best Fly Fishing Spots in Mississippi offer something for all skill levels.
States like Montana or Colorado get much of the attention. But if you think Mississippi is just about catfish and muddy water, then it’s time to rethink. The Best Mississippi Fly Fishing Spot are brimming with fishing action.
Table of Contents
Top Fly Fishing Locations in Mississippi
Mississippi has different kinds of water bodies. This gives fly fishing enthusiasts many choices, from quiet backwaters to bigger lakes.
The mighty Mississippi River itself is a big draw. With its many types of fish like channel catfish, bass, and panfish, the river offers good fly fishing opportunities.
Northern Mississippi’s Hidden Gems
Northern Mississippi is known for more than its catfish. Smaller rivers and lakes teem with largemouth bass and panfish.
The Sardis Lake area is a popular fly fishing destination. You’ll find bass and crappie there, and the setting is beautiful. This spot is great for learning more about fly fishing.
Southern Mississippi’s Coastal Waters
If saltwater fly fishing is your thing, then Southern Mississippi is ready for you. The coast is perfect if you are searching for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
Areas like the Biloxi Marsh give chances for amazing fishing moments. You could even hook a trophy-sized redfish. Whether you want to wade or fish by boat, this spot offers a memorable fly fishing experience.
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Poppers
Crap Patterns for Redfish
Redfish along the coast is a great hunt and sport. Clouser minnows, craps, shrimp and baitfish patterns.
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Biloxi, Back Bay is a prime fly fishing destination
Biloxi’s Back Bay is a great spot for fly fishing. It offers a real shot at landing some impressive fish. This area is known for its calm waters and many chances to catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. You’ll find that the bay’s layout makes it a good place to fish, no matter your skill level.
What Makes Back Bay Special?
Back Bay has a mix of shallow flats and deeper channels. This variety brings in all sorts of fish. The shallow areas are perfect for spotting redfish as they feed. The deeper spots are where speckled trout often hang out.
Here’s what Back Bay offers:
- Calm Waters: The bay is protected. This makes it easier to cast and control your fly.
- Lots of Fish: Speckled trout and redfish are common. You might also hook a flounder.
- Easy Access: There are many places to launch a boat. You can also find spots to fish from the shore.
Tips for Fly Fishing in Back Bay
When you fish in Back Bay, think about the tides. Fish are often more active during moving tides. Use flies that look like small shrimp or crabs. These are what the fish here like to eat. For redfish, try a shrimp pattern. For speckled trout, small baitfish patterns work well. Flounder often sit on the bottom, so get your fly down deep.
Remember to get a Mississippi fishing license before you go. Also, know the local rules about size and catch limits. This helps keep the fish populations healthy for the future.
Barrier Islands off Mississippi’s Coast offer fantastic fly fishing
The Barrier Islands off Mississippi’s coast are a real treat. They give amazing chances for fly fishing. These islands are full of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. This makes them a top spot for anglers. You’ll find clear waters and lots of fish.
Cat Island is one of the best. It has shallow flats and grassy areas. These are perfect for spotting redfish. The fish are often in less than two feet of water. This makes it easy to see them and cast your fly.
Ship Island is another great choice. It’s known for its big speckled trout. The waters around the island are a bit deeper. But, the trout are worth the extra effort. You can also find flounder here, especially near sandy bottoms.
Horn Island is a must-visit. It’s a bit more remote. It offers a wilder fly fishing experience. You might see dolphins or sea turtles. The fishing is great, too. Redfish and speckled trout are common. So are other species.
Here’s what makes the Barrier Islands special:
- Clear water for easy sight fishing
- Lots of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder
- Different islands to match your skill level
- A chance to see wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles
Before you go, get a Mississippi fishing license. Check the local rules. Practice catch-and-release to help keep the fish populations healthy. Be respectful of the area and any private land.
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Fly Fishing
Chandeleur Island Chain is a fly fisherman’s paradise
Have you ever dreamed of fly fishing in a place so remote? A place so wild that the fish practically jump onto your hook? The Chandeleur Islands might just be your dream come true. This chain of barrier islands sits off the coast of Mississippi. It’s a true fly fishing paradise.
These islands are a haven for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The shallow, clear waters are perfect for sight casting. You can spot your target and make the perfect presentation. Imagine wading through warm, crystal-clear water. Schools of redfish tailing just ahead. This is the reality of the Chandeleurs.
Why are these islands so good for fly fishing?
- Remote Location: Being far from the mainland keeps fishing pressure low.
- Shallow Waters: Perfect for sight casting and wading.
- Abundant Fish: Huge populations of game fish.
- Clear Water: The water lets you easily see the fish.
- Variety of Species: Besides the big three, you can catch many other species.
Getting to the Chandeleur Island Chain takes some planning. You’ll need a boat or a seaplane to reach this remote spot. But the effort is more than worth it. Many consider this area to be one of the best saltwater fly fishing spots. The area gives anglers a true wilderness experience.
Think about the thrill of hooking a monster redfish in knee-deep water. Picture the fight as it rips line off your reel. The Chandeleur Islands provide a raw, unspoiled fishing adventure. This isn’t your typical weekend fishing trip. It’s a journey into a fly fishing wonderland.
Little Green Worm Woolly Bugger Crappie, Panfish Bass Fly Pattern
The Attraction by multiple freshwater and saltwater species both will most of the time follow or take Woolly Buggers and Clouser Minnows.
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Gulfport and Biloxi’s coastal cities provide access to saltwater and freshwater fly fishing
Gulfport and Biloxi are coastal cities. They sit right on the Gulf of America. These cities give you easy access to amazing fishing. You can go after saltwater fish. Or, you can try freshwater fishing. Both are close by.
Saltwater Fly Fishing
The Gulf Coast is famous for its saltwater fly fishing. You can find many different fish here. This makes it a great spot for anglers. Some of the best fish to catch are:
- Redfish: These strong fish are a blast to catch. They live in shallow waters. Look for them near oyster beds and grass flats.
- Speckled Trout: Also called “specks,” these fish are tasty. They hang out in grassy areas and near structures.
- Flounder: These flatfish like to hide on the bottom. You’ll find them in sandy or muddy areas.
Fly fishing on the Gulf Coast can be a fun challenge. The fish are strong. The scenery is beautiful, too.
Freshwater Fly Fishing
Gulfport and Biloxi also offer good freshwater fishing. Several rivers and lakes are nearby. You can catch fish like:
- Largemouth Bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a large lake near Jackson. It’s a popular spot for bass fishing. You can also fly fish in the Tombigbee River. It forms the border between Mississippi and Alabama.
Freshwater fly fishing can be relaxing. You can enjoy the quiet of nature. But, you still get the thrill of catching fish.
River Runs and Hidden Creeks: Exploring Mississippi’s Waterways
Many folks do not see some of the state’s smaller streams. These often have clear water.
The Chunky River near Meridian is a great example. This area allows for prime fly fishing.
The Chunky River: A Bass Fisher’s Dream
Don’t judge the Chunky River by its unusual name. It’s one of the better bass fisheries around.
Water clarity shifts with rain. But this long river combines shallow spots and deeper pools, great for fly anglers.
Bouie River’s Shallow Waters
The Bouie River works well if you’re fishing from a kayak. That’s actually good, because this reduces fishing pressure from bigger boats.
The upper parts near Glendale Bridge are quite shallow. But downstream, toward the Highway 42 bridge, you’ll find gravel pit lakes with ample opportunities. It’s a perfect balance, so there’s something there for everybody.
Best Fly Fishing Spots in Mississippi
The Ross Barnett Reservoir is hard to miss. This large reservoir covers 33,000 acres and it has bass, crappie, and catfish.
It can feel like there are too many options to find the fish. The Ross Barnett gets crowded. Boats and jet skis could disrupt fish closer to the banks, so prepare for these factors. Sticking close to shore could help.
Other Notable Spots
There are many great spots. Consider visiting the following locations.
- Sipsey Fork: Flows crystal-clear, filled with bass and panfish.
- Tallahatchie River: Scenic, with a bunch of different diverse fish species.
- DeSoto National Forest: Many lakes and streams for fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Tombigbee River: It borders Alabama, known for its natural beauty.
- Okatibbee Lake: Another big lake with varied fish, especially excellent bass.
- Lake Waptanoga: Quieter setting, great if you like bass or panfish.
Best Times for Fly Fishing In Mississippi
Mississippi’s climate lets you fish all year. Spring offers great bass and crappie fishing as the water starts to warm up. It also gets fish more active.
In summer, you might target the Gulf Coast. It has redfish and trout, although the hotter days could influence the overall environment, so come ready for heat.
Regulations and Being a Good Sport
It’s important to follow Mississippi’s rules, no matter where you fish. Get the right fishing license from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Sticking to catch limits makes the whole experience worthwhile. Being kind to nature helps everyone.
Picking up your trash keeps things neat. Catch-and-release methods are an essential practice if you hope to preserve fish numbers.
What Flies Should I use When Fly Fishing in Mississippi?
It helps to plan when picking flies. There’s many species in these waters teeming with fish.
| Fish Species | Best Fly Types |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, Poppers |
| Redfish | Cortland “Cafe” Shrimp, Bread and Butter Fly, Megaclouser, Rabbit Clouser, |
| Speckled Trout | Bonefish Bitters, Toad Fly, Coma Cocktail |
| Flounder | Charmin Shrimp, White Chartreuse Clouser, Fuchsia Fox |
| Panfish | Dry Fly Patterns (Blue-Winged Olive, Parachute Adams), Nymphs (Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail), Small Streamers (Micro-Bugger, Tiny Leech) Poppers |
Tips and Tricks for Success
Look for areas with structure like logs, rocks, and weeds. Many bass and panfish hang around these areas.
It can be difficult to find fishing locations from the beach. But for some it might be worth the best bet if you hope to avoid spending more money. If this is for you, take your time.
Consider the water temperature, too. Adjust your flies as needed; during warmer months prioritize baitfish flies, if it’s colder, switch to imitating insects.
FAQs about Best Fly Fishing Spots in Mississippi
Can you fly fish in Mississippi?
Yes, the state provides many spots to try out fly fishing. Different water bodies offer all kinds of fishing experiences.
Is there trout fishing in Mississippi?
Trout aren’t the main fish here. But you may get lucky and locate speckled trout, primarily along the coastal spots.
There are no specific species of trout here. Because of that Mississippi might be overlooked.
Where is fly fishing the most popular?
Globally, it varies. Some common places though tend to be areas such as Montana and Colorado.
What months are best for fly fishing?
Every season provides different advantages. During warmer conditions, it helps to use patterns mimicking baitfish and crawdads.
In colder temperatures, prioritize imitating insects or nymphs. Generally spring and fall are thought of as most anglers preferences.
Conclusion of Mississippi Fly Fishing
So, it’s time to ditch the idea that Mississippi is a flyover state for fantastic fly fishing. It gives you various chances with a diverse range of species, and settings. From bass-filled rivers to the coastal spots loaded with redfish, the Magnolia State is a fly fisherman’s paradise.
Remember, Mississippi is a year-round choice, due to its warm climate. Come see the beauty of the Best Fly Fishing Spots in Mississippi.
