Fishing Okatibbee Lake
AKA: Okatibbee Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Okatibbee Lake, MS
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Okatibbee Lake is a popular bass tournament for local anglers. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at time, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Okatibbee Lake, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Okatibbee Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Okatibbee Lake. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. Okatibbee Lake is a good place to catch good quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill and green sunfish at Okatibbee Lake in Mississippi.
Okatibbee Lake Fishing Video
The largest lake in the Meridian area, scenic Okatibbee Lake is a 4,100-acre lake in the southeast part of the state. Heavy forest, rocky banks and a few swimming beaches line the twenty eight miles of shoreline.
Okatibbee Lake is located in the eastern part of Mississippi and is a popular destination for anglers seeking a diverse fishing experience. The lake covers approximately 4,000 acres and offers ample opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of fish species. One of the most sought-after species in Okatibbee Lake is the crappie. Anglers can target both black crappie and white crappie using a variety of techniques, such as jigging, trolling, and spider rigging. The lake's structure, including submerged timber and brush piles, provides ideal habitats for crappie to congregate and offers anglers excellent chances of landing a good catch.
In addition to crappie, Okatibbee Lake is known for its population of largemouth bass. Anglers can enjoy bass fishing by casting their lines near the lake's shoreline, submerged structures, and vegetation. The lake's diverse habitat provides ample cover for bass, creating a thrilling fishing experience. Whether using topwater lures, plastic worms, or crankbaits, anglers have a good chance of hooking into a feisty largemouth bass.
Bluegill, a type of sunfish, can be found in abundance and provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages. Channel catfish, known for their size and delicious taste, are highly sought after by catfish enthusiasts. Anglers can target these catfish using various baits such as stinkbaits, chicken livers, or cut bait.
Okatibbee Lake in Mississippi offers anglers the opportunity to fish for black crappie, white crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and sunfish. With its diverse fish populations, scenic surroundings, and recreational activities such as boating and camping, Okatibbee Lake is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Crappie, bass, catfish and bream reside here, and all are often caught in larger sizes. West Bank Park in the southwest corner of the lake has a nice boat launch ramp. Twiltley Boat Ramp and Collinsville Boat Ramp are located on the west side of the lake at Twiltley Branch Park. Pine Springs Park on the east side, and Gin Creek Campground in the northwest corner also have launch ramps. All these boating access areas have concrete ramps and parking. At or nearby campgrounds, boat ramps and parks there are areas for fishing from the bank. Fishing jetties are located at Pine Springs Park and Tailrace Park.
Primary fish species residing in Okatibbee Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Okatibbee Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity at Okatibbee Lake, allowing anglers to explore different areas of the lake and access prime fishing spots. Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or simply cruising around the lake, Okatibbee offers opportunities for various boating activities.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Collinsville Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Hamrick Road W, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Gin Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Center Hill Martin Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Okatibbee Recreational Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Tailrace Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Pine Springs Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Twiltley Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Hamrick Road W, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Okatibbee Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Mississippi Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near the lake, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with the option to extend their stay and enjoy the serene beauty of the area.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Twiltley Branch Campground - 601 626-8068
Pelican's Cove RV Resort & Marina - 601 626-8080
Okatibbee Creek Park - 601 737-2370
601 737-2370 - 601 737-2370
Okatibbee Lake MS Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Okatibbee Lake
West Bank Park
8490 Okatibbee Dam Road
Collinsville, MS 39325
601 626-8431
Fishing lakes in each state.
083124
Okatibbee Lake in MS
Fishing for crappie and bass in southeast MS.
