Bass Fishing In Mississippi

Guide to catching spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass in MS lakes

By Rick Seaman

Last updated on January 18, 2026.

Mississippi Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Mississippi is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing for all species of bass, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Fishing for bass with today’s high-tech electronics and equipment provides a major competitive edge and a more efficient day on the water. Forward-facing sonar lets anglers track individual bass and watch how they react to specific lures in real time, refining presentation instantly. High-definition side and down imaging reveal offshore brush piles, rock transitions, and subtle contour breaks that often hold quality fish. GPS mapping and spot-lock trolling motors keep the boat positioned precisely on structure, even in wind. Sensitive graphite rods, braided line with fluorocarbon leaders, and tungsten weights improve feel and hooksets. Together, these tools reduce guesswork, shorten the learning curve, and help anglers consistently locate and catch more bass.

Bass fishing basics video

Bass Species In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Mississippi. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Mississippi. The state record largemouth bass is over 18 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

Anglers often target smallmouth bass in rocky areas, such as river channels, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines. The best season to catch smallmouth bass in Mississippi is typically late spring and early summer when they are more active and feeding aggressively.

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass, are another prized bass species found in Mississippi. They share similar characteristics with largemouth bass but tend to be more aggressive and prefer clearer waters. Anglers can find spotted bass in reservoirs and rivers with rocky structures, points, and submerged cover. The best time to target spotted bass in Mississippi is generally during the spring and fall when they are more active and actively feeding.

Whether you prefer the thrilling strikes of largemouth bass, the fight of smallmouth bass, or the aggressive nature of spotted bass, Mississippi offers a variety of bass fishing opportunities. With its abundance of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, anglers can find plenty of prime bass fishing locations throughout the state, making Mississippi a must-visit destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Mississippi

Lots of Mississippi fishing waters contain bass. Ponds, rivers and all sizes of lakes are apt to have bass swimming in them. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. All the major lakes in MS have a healthy population of bass, including Aberdeen Lake, Arkabutla Lake, Barnett Reservoir, Bay Springs Lake, Columbus Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Reservoir, Lake Beulah, Lake Bogue Homa, Lake Washington, Lake Whittington, Moon Lake, Okatibbee Lake, Pickwick Lake, Sardis Lake and Tunica Lake.

Top 5 bass fishing lures

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Mississippi State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass came from Natchez State Park Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Pickwick Lake, in the Yellow Creek Arm.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of a farm pond.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Mississippi.

Bass fishing information by state

011826