Fishing Pickwick Lake
AKA: Pickwick Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Pickwick Lake, MS
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Pickwick Lake is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. 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.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Pickwick Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. 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. Pickwick 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 Pickwick 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. This is a good place to catch 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, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger at Pickwick Lake in Mississippi.
Pickwick Lake Fishing Video
Bass are fishing enthusiasts' favorites at Pickwick Lake, a 43,000-acre reservoir located in the extreme northeast corner of Mississippi. At full pool nearly 500 miles of shoreline in MS, AL and TN await anglers in pursuit of a wide variety of fish species.
Pickwick Lake is located in northeastern Mississippi and is known as one of the premier fishing destinations in the state. Stretching across the Mississippi-Alabama-Tennessee border, the lake offers anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities. The lake covers approximately 43,100 acres, providing ample space for boating, fishing, and camping activities.
Anglers visiting Pickwick Lake can target a variety of popular fish species. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass are highly sought after by anglers due to their size and fighting abilities. These bass species can be found in good numbers throughout the lake and offer thrilling fishing experiences. Anglers often employ various techniques such as casting crankbaits, working jigs, or using live bait to target these bass species.
Crappie fishing is also popular in Pickwick Lake, with both black crappie and white crappie available to anglers. Crappie can be caught year-round, and anglers often target them around submerged structures, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Fishing with jigs or live minnows can be productive for landing a nice catch of crappie.
Pickwick Lake is also renowned for its striped bass and hybrid stripers. These fish species are known for their size and powerful fights. Anglers can target striped bass and hybrid stripers using various techniques such as trolling, casting, or using live bait. The lake's deep waters and abundant forage provide an ideal habitat for these species.
Other popular fish species in Pickwick Lake include bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, walleye, sauger, blue catfish, white bass, and sunfish. Anglers can enjoy a diverse fishing experience and target their preferred species depending on the time of year and fishing conditions.
Bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, stripers, hybrid striped bass, sauger, spotted bass and sunfish all reside here. There is minimal access to shoreline for fishing from the bank, but canoes, kayaks, pontoons, pleasure boats and all types of fishing boats can get you to areas holding fish. Rocky banks, boat docks, brush and creek channels are good places to start. There are plenty of choices for camping, boat rentals, lodging, restaurants, fishing gear and other local services, many available at the marinas on the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Pickwick Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Pickwick Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
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 common activity on Pickwick Lake, allowing anglers to access different areas of the lake and explore prime fishing spots. The lake offers various boat ramps and marinas for convenient boat launch and docking.
Fishing Boat Rentals
EastPort Marina
Rentals: Pontoon Boats
662 423-6972
Grand Harbor Resort & Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
662 667-5551
Pickwick Pontoon Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon Boats
662 423-2222
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
EastPort Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off EastPort Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Goat Island Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off County Road 346, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
J P Coleman State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Route 321, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Scruggs Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, at the north end of the Scruggs Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
EastPort Marina
892 Co Rd 956
Iuka, MS 38852
662 423-6972
Grand Harbor Resort & Marina
325 Co Rd 380
Counce, TN 38326
662 667-5551
Mill Creek Marina
314 Co Rd 242
Iuka, MS 38852
662 423-9801
Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht
3832 Highway 25
Iuka, MS 38852
662 423-2222
Fishing Guides On Pickwick 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 around the lake, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy overnight stays and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Goat Island RV Park & Campground - 662 423-1104
See other Pickwick Lake campgrounds & RV parks located in Alabama.
Pickwick Lake MS Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Pickwick Lake
Goat Island RV Park & Camp
109 Co Rd 346
Iuka, MS 38852
662 423-1104
Fishing lakes in each state.
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Pickwick Lake in Mississippi.
Information about fishing lakes in Mississippi
Bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, stripers, hybrid striped bass, sauger, spotted bass and sunfish fishing in northeast MS.
