Date and Time Updated:
Species
SpeciesDetail
BassWith temperatures starting to warm, look for the activity start to pick up. Suspended crank baits, spinner baits, and worms are a good choice. Just fish them slow this time of year. Target deeper areas with underwater cover.
CrappieCrappie fishing is still usually slow during this time at Lake Whittington. Crappie may be caught in the deeper sections of the lake near any deep structure. Look for any structure in the lake and try various depths. Using jigs or minnows is a good choice.
BreamBream fishing during the winter months can be slow but look for action to start to pick up soon. Try using red worms at different depths.
CatfishWinter catfish are slow to bite. However, with warmer weather on the way, look for the catfish activity to increase. Try fishing near the bottom with liver, nightcrawlers, or cut bait.
Creel Limits (per person, per day)
TypeAmount Additional Information
   

Statewide creel limits apply to all species.

Water Level
Additional Information

Anglers can navigate the chute to/from the river when the river is at or above 6 feet on the Arkansas City Gauge. As the river drops below 6 feet access through the chute gets extremely difficult.  When the lake is at a level equivalent to 6 feet (Ark. City gauge) you can get from one end of the lake to the other, but beware of very shallow water around the flats at Burnt Island (up lake from Goat Island). At a lake level equivalent to 3 feet (Ark. City gauge), a narrow channel runs through the flats at Burnt Island and very shallow water is present above the ironwood forest (beginning near the old sunken barge), and further down the lake in the flat below the old pump pier (where the poles are). 

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Fisheries Biologists use various sampling methods to assess the fish populations in the State’s waters.   Sampling results for selected water bodies are summarized in Reel Facts Sheets

 Please be aware that silver carp are very abundant in Lake Ferguson and may jump out of the water and collide with boater, skiers, and anglers.