Mississippi Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in Mississippi?
While there are certainly places to fly fish in Mississippi, it is not considered a particularly popular or well-known activity in the state. Mississippi is better known for other outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, and water sports, and there are fewer dedicated fly fishing opportunities in the state compared to other regions of the country.
That being said, there are still opportunities to enjoy fly fishing in Mississippi. Some popular spots for fly fishing in the state include the Pascagoula River, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and some of the larger lakes in the region. Additionally, there are a few fly fishing clubs and organizations in Mississippi that provide resources and support for enthusiasts of the sport.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in Mississippi?
Largemouth bass: Largemouth bass are one of the most popular species to target with a fly rod in Mississippi. They can be found in many of the state's larger lakes and rivers, and they are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting abilities. Popular fly patterns for largemouth bass in Mississippi include topwater poppers, streamers, and frog imitations.
Bream: Bream, which includes species like bluegill and redear sunfish, are another popular target for fly fishermen in Mississippi. They can be found in smaller streams, ponds, and lakes throughout the state and can provide a fun challenge on a lightweight fly rod. Small, lightweight flies such as poppers, nymphs, and wet flies are effective for catching bream.
Catfish: While catfish may not be the most glamorous species to target with a fly rod, they can provide a unique challenge for anglers who are up for it. Channel catfish can be caught on a fly rod in some of the larger rivers and lakes in Mississippi, and they can put up a strong fight when hooked. Flies such as wooly buggers and streamers can be effective for catching catfish on the fly.
Crappie: Crappie can be found in many of the state's lakes and rivers and can provide a fun challenge for fly fishermen. They can be caught on small, lightweight flies such as nymphs and streamers.
Trout: While Mississippi is not known for its trout fishing, there are a few places in the state where trout can be caught on a fly rod. The cold tailwaters below the Ross Barnett Reservoir dam are stocked with rainbow trout, and they can be caught on small nymphs and midges.
Saltwater species: Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, there are opportunities to catch a variety of saltwater species on the fly, including redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. These species can be caught on a variety of flies, including crab and shrimp imitations.
5 popular spots to fly fish in Mississippi
Pascagoula River: The Pascagoula River is one of the largest, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states and is known for its scenic beauty and diverse fishery. It is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, bream, catfish, and even some saltwater species near the river's mouth. Fly fishing on the Pascagoula River can provide a unique and rewarding experience for anglers.
Natchez Trace Parkway: The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through the heart of Mississippi and is home to several creeks and streams that offer excellent fly fishing opportunities. These streams are known for their clear, cool water and are home to species such as bass, bream, and sunfish. Anglers can also find opportunities to fish for trout in some of the cold-water creeks along the parkway.
Ross Barnett Reservoir: The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a popular destination for bass fishing in Mississippi, and fly fishing can be a productive way to target these fish. The reservoir is home to largemouth and spotted bass, as well as crappie and bream. The tailwaters below the dam are also stocked with rainbow trout, providing a unique opportunity for fly fishing in Mississippi.
Pickwick Lake: Pickwick Lake is a large reservoir on the Tennessee River that straddles the border between Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. It is known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing, and fly fishing can be a productive way to target these fish. Other species that can be caught on the fly in Pickwick Lake include largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Bayou Bienvenue: Bayou Bienvenue is a shallow, marshy bayou located just outside of New Orleans that is known for its excellent redfish fishing. Fly fishing for redfish can be a thrilling experience, as these fish are strong fighters and can put up a challenge on a fly rod. Other species that can be caught on the fly in Bayou Bienvenue include speckled trout and flounder.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the regulations for fly fishing are generally the same as for other types of fishing. However, it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations for the body of water you plan to fish, as regulations may vary depending on the location.
Here are some of the general fishing regulations in Mississippi:
Fishing license: A valid fishing license is required for all anglers fishing in public waters in Mississippi. Licenses can be purchased online or at various retailers throughout the state.
Creel limits: Creel limits are the number of fish that an angler is allowed to keep in a day. Creel limits in Mississippi vary depending on the species and location, so it is important to check the regulations for the specific body of water you plan to fish.
Size limits: Size limits are regulations that specify the minimum or maximum size of a fish that can be kept. Like creel limits, size limits in Mississippi vary depending on the species and location, so it is important to check the regulations for the specific body of water you plan to fish.
Seasonal restrictions: Some bodies of water in Mississippi may have seasonal restrictions on fishing, such as closed seasons for certain species during their spawning periods.
Gear restrictions: There may be restrictions on the type of gear that can be used for fishing in certain bodies of water. For example, some bodies of water may only allow artificial lures or may prohibit the use of live bait.
Overall, it is important to be familiar with the specific fishing regulations for the location where you plan to fish, as they can vary from one area to another.
Popular places to get geared up in Mississippi
The Tackle Box - Located in Ocean Springs, this store offers a wide range of fishing equipment, including fly fishing gear and accessories. They carry brands like Orvis, Sage, and Simms.
Orvis - The Orvis Company has a retail location in Ridgeland, Mississippi that offers a variety of fly fishing equipment and accessories, including rods, reels, lines, and flies.
Tackle This Shoot That - This Gulfport-based fishing shop specializes in fly fishing and offers a range of equipment and accessories. They carry brands like Sage, Simms, and Rio.
Sportsman's Outfitters - Located in Meridian, this store carries a variety of fly fishing gear and accessories, including rods, reels, lines, and flies. They carry brands like Redington, Orvis, and Scientific Anglers.
Bass Pro Shops - This outdoor retailer has a location in Pearl, Mississippi that offers fly fishing gear and accessories from a variety of brands, including Redington, Sage, and Simms.
Pro Fishing Tackle - Located in Biloxi, this store specializes in fishing gear and accessories, including a selection of fly fishing equipment. They carry brands like Abel, G. Loomis, and Patagonia.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in Mississippi?
ly fishing has a relatively short history in Mississippi compared to other parts of the United States, as it is not a state with a well-known reputation for fly fishing. However, the sport has gained popularity in the state in recent decades, and there is evidence of fly fishing being practiced in Mississippi since at least the early 20th century.
In the early 1900s, some wealthy individuals from Mississippi would travel to other parts of the country, such as Montana and Colorado, to engage in fly fishing. This was largely a leisure activity that was not widely practiced or accessible to the general population. The first fly fishing club in Mississippi, the Gulf Coast Fly Fishers, was founded in the 1980s, and since then, more clubs have formed throughout the state.
Today, there are several bodies of water in Mississippi that are known for their fly fishing opportunities, including the Pascagoula River, the Mississippi River, and various lakes and reservoirs. The Gulf Coast of Mississippi also offers opportunities for saltwater fly fishing. Mississippi fly anglers typically target species such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, as well as saltwater species like redfish and speckled trout.
Despite not having a long history of fly fishing, the sport has gained a dedicated following in Mississippi, with fly fishing shops, clubs, and guides serving a growing number of anglers.
