The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Mississippi

Guide to fishing for flathead, blue and channel catfish in MS.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Mississippi is renowned for its excellent catfish fishing, with three main species being the primary targets for anglers: channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about catfish fishing and catfish waters in the state.

Catfish Fishing Video

Channel catfish are the most abundant and widely distributed catfish species in Mississippi. They can be found in various water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Channel catfish are known for their willingness to bite and can be caught using a variety of baits such as nightcrawlers, chicken liver, stink bait, or prepared catfish baits. Anglers often target them around submerged structures, deep holes, and along river channels. Mississippi offers ample opportunities to catch channel catfish throughout the year, with spring and summer being particularly productive seasons.

Flathead catfish, also known as yellow catfish, are highly prized by anglers for their large size and challenging fights. They prefer deep, slow-moving waters with plenty of cover such as submerged logs, rock piles, and undercut banks. Live bait such as sunfish or shad is commonly used to target flathead catfish. Fishing for flatheads requires patience and persistence, but the reward can be landing a trophy-sized fish. Late spring and summer are typically the best seasons to target flathead catfish in Mississippi.

Blue catfish, known for their impressive size and strength, are another popular catfish species in Mississippi. They can be found in large rivers and reservoirs with deep, open water habitats. Blue catfish are opportunistic feeders and can be caught using cut bait, live bait, or even large artificial lures. Anglers often target them near channel edges, deep holes, and underwater structures. Spring and summer are prime seasons for blue catfish fishing when they are actively feeding and more likely to be caught.

Mississippi's rivers and lakes provide ample opportunities for catfish anglers, with channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish offering exciting challenges and rewarding catches. Whether you prefer the abundance and versatility of channel catfish, the thrill of pursuing trophy-sized flatheads, or the battle with powerful blue catfish, Mississippi's catfish fishing scene has something for everyone.

Catfish Fishing Lakes in Mississippi

Big catfish tend to come from rivers including the Mississippi River and Tennessee River. All the major lakes have one or more specie of catfish. These lakes include Aberdeen Lake, Arkabutla Lake, Barnett Reservoir, Bay Springs Lake, Columbus Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Reservoir, Lake Beulah, Lake Bogue Homa, Lake Washington, Lake Whittington, Okatibbee Lake, Pickwick Lake, Sardis Lake and Tunica Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in Mississippi?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

Mississippi State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from Lake Tom Bailey.

The state record flathead catfish came from the Mississippi River.

The state record blue catfish came out of the Mississippi River (Natchez).

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Mississippi. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Information for states with catfish.