Fishing

As the only national bottomland hardwood forest in the country, Delta National Forest has become a great destination for nature lovers spending time outdoors. One of the many recreational activities available in the forest is fishing. There are two main recreation areas where people can fish: Blue Lake and the Sunflower Wildlife Management Area. Blue Lake is a great place for a day trip, with a small boat launch to get onto the lake, as well as picnic tables, grills and a one-mile education trail. If you would like to stay at the campsite longer, tent camping is available with a reservation. While the Sunflower Wildlife Management Area is mainly used for hunting, there are lakes where you can cast a line as well.

Tara Wildlife, Inc. is made up of 17,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, with several lakes dispersed throughout the site. All of the lakes in the area are open for fishing from guests at one of their lodges. Fishermen are able to catch the local bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish that populate these bodies of water. Buying a season fishing membership will grant you private access to Halpino Lake and more than two miles of Forest Home Chute, which both have concrete ramps to launch your boat. While bringing your own fishing pole is recommended, the main lodge does have some poles available to borrow. Guests can make a quick stop to one of the local convenience stores to stock up on supplies like bait and tackle.

From Tara Wildlife, Inc. you are able to access Eagle Lake, one of the most popular fishing sites in the area. This oxbow lake is located between Mississippi and Louisiana and is open for the public to enjoy. There is a public ramp to launch your boat as well. And you can access the lake from Messina Landing, the public boat launch managed by Warren County. Be sure to grab a meal at Yore Country Store or the Lo Sto.

Some of the popular fish species in Eagle Lake include:

• Black Bass: The lake’s population includes largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass. All bass 16 inches and under must be released, with a creel limit per person per day of 10.
• Crappie: Both black and white crappie are found in the lake. Crappie 11 inches and under must be released, and you can catch up to 30 per person per day.

The same convenience stores near Tara Wildlife, Inc. are also convenient for visitors to Eagle Lake as a place to grab all of the fishing gear you need.

The Mighty Mississippi itself is a great place to reel in a big one. You can cast a line from the riverfront in Vicksburg, or hire a guide, like Blue Cat Guide Service, to take you out on the water. They specialize in big trophy blue catfish, which you can catch right out of the river in the Vicksburg area. Hiring a guide with local knowledge will help you get to the spots where the big fish like feed – spots you won’t find on any map.

Whether you’re looking to get away from your busy life or want to teach your little one your favorite hobby, fishing in Vicksburg is a great way to spend a day out in nature. But that is not the only option available nearby that keeps you active and outside. Hunting, birding and taking walking tours are just a few of the many outdoor activities available in Vicksburg. To learn more about what the city has to offer, take a look at the Vicksburg Nature Guide, or request more information from Visit Vicksburg online.