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Pool 1 Mississippi

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 1 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following the warming trend Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, focusing on protein-rich meals like crawfish	Rock piles and rip rap in 8-14 foot depth range, especially near deeper wintering areas Current seams near bridge pilings where crawfish are active Transition areas between river channels and staging flats	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom near rocky structure Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas and current seams Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around baitfish schools	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Baitfish schools in slightly deeper water Small bottom-dwelling prey near rock structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and moving into shallow warming areas, particularly near spawning habitat like flooded brush and laydowns Fish are utilizing current breaks and channel edges as staging areas, moving between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning zones	Current breaks and eddies near channel edges with access to spawning areas Flooded brush and laydowns in shallow bays Rock piles and riprap areas that warm quickly	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to imitate struggling baitfish Spinnerbaits slow-rolled near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through staging areas	White Bass congregating in pre-spawn areas Various baitfish species using current breaks Smallmouth Bass in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-58	Staging near current breaks and ledges in 8-14 foot depths, actively feeding during lower light conditions, particularly at dusk Moving along defined depth transitions and showing preference for areas where main current meets back eddies	Second ledge drop-offs in 8-14 foot range where current meets back eddies Rock piles and rip rap areas near current breaks Channel edges serving as migration routes to spawning areas	Hard Jerkbaits with straight retrieve, focusing on size 9-13 baits Blade Baits worked along depth transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through current breaks	Minnows concentrating near current breaks Shad schools in back eddy areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass actively moving into spawning areas near rip rap and rocky areas in 2-8 foot depths Males aggressively defending nests and striking reaction baits, while females stage slightly deeper near drop-offs Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn with a focus on crawfish and baitfish near transitional areas	Rip rap banks with adjacent deeper water Rocky flats in 2-8 foot range near river channel edges Bridge pilings with gravel or rock bottom	Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas Ned Rigs dragged through spawning flats Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses for pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in transitional areas Juvenile perch near structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow, warmer bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out Post-spawn fish remain shallow but transition to aggressive feeding behavior to recover energy Fish utilizing current breaks and eddies near spawning areas as recovery zones	Shallow flooded brush and laydowns in protected bays Current breaks near channel edges Rocky areas adjacent to spawning bays where post-spawn fish stage	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through flooded cover Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) presented along channel edges	White Bass congregating in pre-spawn areas Various juvenile baitfish species in backwater areas Small pike and other spring spawning fish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	White bass are actively spawning and staging near current breaks, making short feeding movements during dawn/dusk periods Fish are utilizing depth transitions between 8-14 feet, particularly around hard structure and current seams	Current breaks where main flow meets back eddies, especially near rip rap Second ledge drop-offs with rocky structure in 8-14 foot range Spawning flats near Hidden Falls Park with defined depth transitions	Hard Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves during low light periods Blade Baits worked vertically through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to depth transitions	Minnows/Shad congregating near current breaks Small baitfish utilizing rock structure for cover	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing current seams and shallow to moderate depth structures Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in moving water, particularly responsive to bottom-bouncing presentations	Rock piles and rip rap in moderate depth zones where visibility of bottom ends River channels with active current Shallow bank areas with hard bottom composition	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom in current areas Finesse Hair Jigs cast to banks and worked back slowly Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water	Minnows in shallow to moderate depths Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Purple Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, predominantly utilizing current breaks and drop-offs as ambush points Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main-lake locations, often staging along channels and structure edges	Drop-offs adjacent to river channels with current breaks Rocky points and rip rap areas near deeper water Woody cover and laydowns along channel edges	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive pauses along drop-offs Spinnerbaits worked through current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure	White Bass congregating in current areas Smallmouth Bass along rocky structure Various baitfish using current breaks as refuge	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	54-65	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones along current breaks and structure Fish are forming loose schools, actively chasing baitfish in the upper water column during lower light periods, especially around current breaks and rip rap	Current breaks where main flow meets back eddies, especially near rip rap Second ledge drop-offs transitioning from spawning areas to main lake Rock piles and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with an aggressive retrieve around current breaks Lipless Crankbaits parallel to rip rap and along ledges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through feeding zones	Shad and small baitfish schools Juvenile sunfish near rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-76	Actively feeding on crawfish around hard structure, with increased activity during periods of current Fish are responding well to both power fishing techniques and slower finesse presentations depending on conditions Holding tight to bottom structure in main river areas and showing preference for current seams	Rip rap banks with current seams Bridge pilings with adjacent brush piles Rocky areas and boulders in main river channel Laydowns and log jams near current breaks	Bladed Jigs worked with steady retrieve near structure Drop Shot with subtle movements tight to bottom Finesse Jigs skipped under cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked along rip rap	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports Small baitfish in current seams	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-76	Pike will seek cooler, oxygenated water near channel edges and deeper structure during summer heat Most active feeding periods shift to early morning and evening to avoid peak heat Utilizing current breaks and eddies as ambush points, especially during active baitfish movements	Channel drop-offs with current breaks, especially those adjacent to woody cover Deep rock piles and rip rap areas near main river channel Submerged brush piles and laydowns in deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and near structure Spinnerbaits worked through current breaks and around structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) presented near deep cover	White Bass schooling in open water near structure Various baitfish species concentrated in current breaks Smallmouth Bass in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	68-82	White bass form larger schools during summer, actively chasing baitfish in current breaks and along structure edges, with most aggressive feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish will move between deeper main lake areas during bright conditions and shallower feeding zones during low light, following baitfish schools	Current breaks and eddies near rock piles and rip rap, especially where baitfish schools congregate Second ledge drop-offs in 12-20 foot range where fish stage between feeding periods Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with current influence	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along depth transitions and current breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and evening feeding periods	Schooling baitfish (shad and small minnows) Young-of-year perch and other juvenile fish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 1 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	51-65	Actively feeding and chasing baitfish in preparation for winter, with aggressive responses to moving baits like jerkbaits and spinnerbaits Showing both aggressive and methodical feeding patterns - striking fast-moving baits but also taking slower presentations during cold fronts	Rock piles and rip rap areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Submerged brush piles and laydowns near rocky structure Current seams and river channels with hard bottom composition	Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses (3-10 seconds) between twitches, especially effective during cold fronts Spinnerbaits worked around structure with bounce-and-pause retrieves Ned Rigs and Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure during tough conditions	Minnows/Shad schools congregating in deeper areas Crawfish still active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, targeting baitfish around current breaks and structure Fish are following baitfish schools and positioning near ambush points in moderate depths	Current breaks and eddies near river channel edges Rock piles and rip rap areas with nearby deeper water Flooded brush and laydowns adjacent to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive stops near structure Spinnerbaits parallel to current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) near rock piles	White Bass schools in current areas Smallmouth Bass around rock structure Various baitfish species transitioning to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	52-68	White bass are actively schooling and chasing baitfish in the water column, particularly during low light periods at dawn and dusk Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth areas, following baitfish schools and utilizing current breaks as ambush points	Current breaks and eddies near rip rap and rock piles Second ledge drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate Main channel edges adjacent to shallow flats	Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through active schools Spoons jigged vertically when fish are holding deeper	Schooling shad and small baitfish Young-of-year minnows Small yellow perch	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	34-45	Pike are actively feeding in mid-column to deeper water, utilizing current breaks and channel edges as ambush points Fish are generally less aggressive but will strike opportunistically when prey is presented in their strike zone Showing preference for slower-moving presentations near structure due to reduced metabolism in colder water	Channel edges and current breaks where warmer water concentrates Deep brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water Rock piles and riprap areas that retain heat and hold baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hard Jerkbaits Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)	White Bass concentrating in deeper water Smaller pike and panfish in brush piles Various baitfish species holding near current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Northern Pike concentrate in areas with moderate current near channel edges, typically suspending near the bottom in 8-15 feet of water Most active during early morning and late afternoon, with feeding windows closely tied to primary forage movement Prefer areas where current breaks create ambush points near deep water access	Channel edges where current meets slack water, especially near brush piles Deep holes adjacent to shallow flats, particularly near river channel bends Areas where rock piles intersect with deeper water, creating current breaks	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned near channel edges Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	White Bass concentrating in winter schools Various smaller baitfish using current breaks for refuge Juvenile smallmouth bass in deeper rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 1 Mississippi

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rip rap in 8-14 foot depth range, especially near deeper wintering areas	Current seams near bridge pilings where crawfish are active
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Current breaks and eddies near channel edges with access to spawning areas	Flooded brush and laydowns in shallow bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Second ledge drop-offs in 8-14 foot range where current meets back eddies	Rock piles and rip rap areas near current breaks
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks with adjacent deeper water	Rocky flats in 2-8 foot range near river channel edges
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow flooded brush and laydowns in protected bays	Current breaks near channel edges
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Current breaks where main flow meets back eddies, especially near rip rap	Second ledge drop-offs with rocky structure in 8-14 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rip rap in moderate depth zones where visibility of bottom ends	River channels with active current
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Drop-offs adjacent to river channels with current breaks	Rocky points and rip rap areas near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Current breaks where main flow meets back eddies, especially near rip rap	Second ledge drop-offs transitioning from spawning areas to main lake
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks with current seams	Bridge pilings with adjacent brush piles
Summer	Northern Pike	Channel drop-offs with current breaks, especially those adjacent to woody cover	Deep rock piles and rip rap areas near main river channel
Summer	White Bass	Current breaks and eddies near rock piles and rip rap, especially where baitfish schools congregate	Second ledge drop-offs in 12-20 foot range where fish stage between feeding periods
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rip rap areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Submerged brush piles and laydowns near rocky structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Current breaks and eddies near river channel edges	Rock piles and rip rap areas with nearby deeper water
Fall	White Bass	Current breaks and eddies near rip rap and rock piles	Second ledge drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate
Winter	Northern Pike	Channel edges and current breaks where warmer water concentrates	Deep brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Channel edges where current meets slack water, especially near brush piles	Deep holes adjacent to shallow flats, particularly near river channel bends

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Baitfish schools in slightly deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	White Bass congregating in pre-spawn areas	Various baitfish species using current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Minnows concentrating near current breaks	Shad schools in back eddy areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	White Bass congregating in pre-spawn areas	Various juvenile baitfish species in backwater areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Minnows/Shad congregating near current breaks	Small baitfish utilizing rock structure for cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows in shallow to moderate depths	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	White Bass congregating in current areas	Smallmouth Bass along rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad and small baitfish schools	Juvenile sunfish near rocky areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports	Small baitfish in current seams
Summer	Northern Pike	White Bass schooling in open water near structure	Various baitfish species concentrated in current breaks
Summer	White Bass	Schooling baitfish (shad and small minnows)	Young-of-year perch and other juvenile fish
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows/Shad schools congregating in deeper areas	Crawfish still active in rocky areas
Fall	Northern Pike	White Bass schools in current areas	Smallmouth Bass around rock structure
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad and small baitfish	Young-of-year minnows
Winter	Northern Pike	White Bass concentrating in deeper water	Smaller pike and panfish in brush piles
Ice	Northern Pike	White Bass concentrating in winter schools	Various smaller baitfish using current breaks for refuge

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 1 Mississippi

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Purple Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors

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