mississippi department of

wildlife, fisheries, and parks

FRESHWATER
FISHES
COMMON TO
MISSISSIPPI
a fish identification guide

MDWFP • 1505 EASTOVER DRIVE • JACKSON, MS 39211 • WWW.MDWFP.COM

Foreward

Mississippi’s freshwater lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds are home to an amazingly diverse
fish community. Over 280 species swim in these waters, the vast majority of which are
native, with the remainder being introduced, transplanted, or estuarine or marine species
that commonly enter fresh water.

To help identify your catch, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
(MDWFP) provides this fish identification guide to 39 common species. Each species is
displayed in a photograph and has a description of their preferred habitat and food. Of
course, state records for each species are subject to change. For updated information on all
of our state record fish, visit http://www.mdwfp.com/fishing-boating/education-outreach.

Our waters provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and experience.
With over 220,000 acres of water and 120,000 miles of streams, anglers have year-around
places to catch a fish. To find access near you, visit http://www.mdwfp.com/fishing-boat-
ing/ramps-piers.

The partnership between our anglers and boaters, state and federal fish and wildlife agen-
cies, and the fishing tackle manufacturing and boating industry is the backbone of Missis-
sippi’s fisheries and boating access programs. The continued operation of our State Fishing
Lakes, fish hatcheries, fish sampling, youth fishing rodeos, and boat ramp construction
projects is tied to the continued success of the Sport Fish Restoration Act. The best part is
these activities and programs are funded entirely by those who enjoy them, making for a
truly “user pays, everyone benefits” system. For more information about fishing licenses
and requirements, visit http://www.mdwfp.com/license.

The MDWFP is an equal opportunity employer and provider of programs and services. If anyone believes they
have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, national origin, marital sta-
tus, sex, religion, creed, age, or disability, they may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Missis-
sippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Office of Administrative Services, P.O. Box 451, Jackson, MS
39205-0451, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1801 L. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20507
Table of Contents

Contents Page Number

• White Crappie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Black Crappie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• Magnolia Crappie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Largemouth Bass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Spotted Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
• Smallmouth Bass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• Redear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• Bluegill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Warmouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
• Green sunfish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
• Longear sunfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• White Bass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• Striped Bass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• Hybrid Striped Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• Yellow Bass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
• Walleye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
• Pickerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
• Channel Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
• Blue Catfish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
• Flathead Catfish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• Black Bullhead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
• Yellow Bullhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• Shortnose Gar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
• Spotted Gar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
• Longnose Gar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• Alligator Gar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• Paddlefish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• Bowfin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
• Freshwater Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
• Common Carp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
• Bigmouth Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
• Smallmouth Buffalo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
• Gizzard Shad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
• Threadfin Shad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
• Shovelnose Sturgeon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
• American Eel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
• Grass Carp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
• Bighead Carp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
• Silver Carp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
 White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis)

Other Names including reservoirs, oxbow lakes, and rivers. Like other
White perch, Sac-a-lait, Slab, and Papermouth. members of the sunfish family, white crappie are nest
builders. They produce many eggs, which can cause
Description overpopulation, slow growth, and small sizes in small
White crappie are deep-bodied and silvery in color, lakes and ponds. White crappie spawn from March
ranging from silvery-white on the belly to a silvery-green through May when water temperatures are between
or dark green on the back with possible blue reflections. 58ºF and 65ºF. White crappie can tolerate muddier
There are several dark vertical bars on the sides. Males water than black crappie.
develop dark coloration on the throat and head during
the spring spawning season, which can cause them to be State Record
mistaken for black crappie. White crappie have five or The current state and world record white crappie was
six spines on the dorsal fin, whereas black crappie have caught by Fred Bright from Memphis, Tennessee in
seven or eight spines. White crappie typically weigh 1 1957 from Enid Lake; it weighed 5 pounds 3 ounces,
to 3 pounds, grow to 14 inches or more, and live up to and was 21 inches in length.
10 years.
Fishing Fact
Habits and Habitat Popular baits for white crappie include jigs, small crank
Adults feed on small fish and insects. Crappie prefer baits, and minnows. These fish are often found around
deep water near drop offs and areas of cover. White structures, such as logs, brush piles, and cypress trees.
crappie can be found in many different types of habitats,

4
 Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

White perch, Calico bass, Speck, Strawberry bass, Black crappie are most active at night or in the early
Papermouth, Speckled perch and Slab. morning. Adults feed on insects, insect larvae, and fish,
such as sunfish and minnows. Black crappie prefer
Description shallow water lakes and sloughs and are more abundant
Black crappie are deeper bodied than the white crappie, where there is clear water and aquatic vegetation. They
and bluish green or gray in color on top with white or spawn in early spring when water temperatures are
silver underneath. Irregular black spots are scattered on between 58ºF and 65ºF.
the body. A small percentage of black crappie in some
lakes has a distinctive dark stripe running from the top State Record
(dorsal) fin to under the mouth. These “blackstripe” or Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 4 pounds 4 ounces,
“blacknose” crappie are a genetic color variation and are caught in 1991 at Arkabutla Lake by Gerald Conlee.
not a hybrid or subspecies. Black crappie have seven
or eight spines on the dorsal fin, whereas white crappie Fishing Fact
have five to six spines. The black crappie is most easily Baits used for white crappie are also used for black
confused with the white crappie, especially the white crappie.
crappie males in breeding season (see White Crappie
section). Black crappie weigh 1 to 3 pounds, grow to 12
inches or more, and can live up to 10 years.

5
 Magnolia Crappie

Other Names
Blackstripe, Blacknose, Speck, Speckled perch.

Description
The Magnolia crappie is spawned in a fish hatchery and
is a cross between a male black-striped black crappie
and a female white crappie. The eggs are subjected to
several thousand pounds of pressure resulting in the
formation of three sets of chromosomes. The fish are
sterile hybrids unable to reproduce.

Habits and Habitat

Habits and habitat are similar to white and black crappie.

State Record
The current state record Magnolia crappie was caught
by Tom Box from Lake Charlie Capps and weighed 3.46
pounds.

Fishing Fact
Since the Magnolia crappie are sterile, triploid hybrids,
they are suitable for small lakes and ponds.

6
 Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Other Names bass seek protective cover such as logs, vegetation,

Green trout, Bigmouth bass, Bucketmouth bass, rocks, and even man-made structures. They prefer
and Hog. slow moving water but will survive in a variety of
habitats including streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Description Spawning occurs in spring when water temperatures are
There are two subspecies of largemouth in Mississippi from 60ºF to 75ºF. Males build the nests next to areas
waters. The northern largemouth bass, Micropterus having brush piles, near underwater logs, or in areas
salmoides salmoides, is native to Mississippi. The under overhanging tree limbs. The male cares for the
Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides nest, protecting it from predators and keeping the eggs
floridanus, has been introduced into many Mississippi fanned until the eggs hatch. He also guards the young
lakes. Largemouth bass are usually green with dark for a week or more after the hatch.
blotches that form a horizontal stripe along the middle
of the fish on either side. The underside ranges in State Record
color from light green to almost white. Their upper Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 18.15 pounds,
jaw extends far beyond the rear margin of the eye. caught in 1992 in Natchez State Park Lake by Anthony
Largemouth bass can reach weights greater than 10 to Denny.
15 pounds, with females growing larger and faster than
males. Largemouth bass can reach lengths greater than Fishing Fact
26 inches. Largemouth females can live up to 10 to 12 Spring through fall is a great time to fish for largemouth
years with males living between five and seven years. bass with best success usually occurring during the
evenings or mornings using minnows, artificial baits,
Habits and Habitat and even frogs. The largemouth bass is also Mississippi’s
Adults feed almost exclusively on other fish, insects, state fish.
and large invertebrates such as crayfish. Largemouth

7
 Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus)

Other Names crustaceans to larger aquatic and terrestrial insects,

Kentucky bass, Diamond bass, Creek bass, Red-eye crayfish, and small fish. Spotted bass live in streams
bass, and Spot and rivers, preferring faster waters than largemouth
bass. They have adapted very well to reservoirs, and are
Description often found around rocks or rip-rap. These fish spawn
Spotted bass are slender with rows of dark spots on the in mid-April through June. Spawning occurs in water
lower sides. These spots form horizontal streaks. Spotted temperatures of about 63ºF to 78ºF. Female and male
bass also have a stripe along the middle of each side that spotted bass are mature at the age of two years. Spotted
form diamond-shaped blotches. The back of these fish bass like other bass are nest spawners. The males build
is a dark mottling against an olive green color. The top nests and guard the nests until the eggs hatch.
and sides of these fish are dark, but the underside of
the body is white. Spotted bass can reach lengths of 24 State Record
inches but are usually smaller with maximum size less Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 8 pounds 2 ounces,
than either largemouth or smallmouth bass. These fish caught in a farm pond in 1975 by S. R. Grantham.
usually live no more than six years. Females tend to live
longer and grow faster than males. Fishing Fact
Spinner baits, jigs, crank baits, plastic worms, and live
Habits and Habitat worms are popular for landing a spotted bass.
The diet of spotted bass changes as the fish grow,
changing from plankton, small aquatic insects, and small

8
 Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Other Names Pickwick Lake. The diet of smallmouth bass changes

Brown bass, Brownie, Bronze back, and Smallie. as they grow, changing from plankton, small aquatic
insects, and small crustaceans to larger aquatic and
Description terrestrial insects, crayfish, and small fish. Spawning
These bass are slender with a projecting lower jaw and occurs during the spring (April – May) with water
an upper jaw that never extends further back of the temperatures around 60ºF to 78ºF. Smallmouth bass
eyes. Cheeks display at least three dark lines, but no construct nests in gravel and also under tree roots and
dark lateral line appears on the side. Smallmouth bass stumps. Males can spawn with different females, and
are an olive green or a brown color on the head as well males guard the nests after spawning and immediately
as the back area with the belly area a cream or white after hatching occurs.
color. The sides are yellowish green with bronze vertical
markings, and dark brown markings are seen down State Record
both sides of the head. Smallmouth can reach lengths Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 7 pounds 15 ounces,
of over 24 inches and weights of almost 8 pounds. caught by Thomas Wilbanks in Yellow Creek (Pickwick
Lake) in 1987.
Habits and Habitat
Smallmouth bass prefer cool streams as well as clear, Fishing Fact
cool reservoirs and lakes with rock or gravel bottoms. Crank baits, jigs, minnows, or crayfish (artificial or
In Mississippi, smallmouth bass are only found in the natural) are excellent baits to use when trying to catch
Tennessee River and Bear Creek systems, especially smallmouth bass.

9
 Redear Sunfish (Lepomis macrolophus)

Other Names discover the crushers they use to crunch up snail and
Chinquapin, Shellcracker, Stump knocker, Government clams shells. Because of their feeding habits, they are
bream, Cherry gill. usually larger than bluegill in the same waters. They
prefer clear quiet waters with abundant vegetation.
Description Spawning occurs in spring and early summer in water
Redear have an elongated body, small mouth, and temperatures near 70ºF. Redear normally only spawn
pointed snout. Redear are dark olive with yellow on their once each year, whereas bluegill may spawn multiple
sides and belly. These fish are identified by a distinctivetimes a year. Redear construct nests close together
red edge (in males) or orange edge (in females) on the when spawning.
gill cover (ear flap). The red margin on the “ear flap” is
where they get their name. Redear usually weigh less State Record
than 1 pound but can weigh over 4 pounds and reach Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record 3.33 pounds, caught
lengths of 14 inches. These fish usually live between five by James K. Martin at Tippah County Lake in 1991.
and six years but can live as long as nine years.
Fishing Fact
Habits and Habitat Fishing on the bottom using natural baits such as
Redear feed on the bottom for snails and clams as well earthworms and grubs is an effective way to fish for
as insects, insect larvae and crustaceans. Reach down redear. They are less likely to take artificial baits than
their mouth into their throat with your pinky and you’ll other sunfish.

10
 Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Bream (Brim), Coppernose, Copperhead, Bull bream, These fish prefer vegetated waters of shallow lakes
Blue sunfish, and Blue joe. and ponds, feeding on insect larvae. Spawning begins
when water temperatures reach around 65ºF and these
Description fish often spawn multiple times during the summer.
Bluegill are deep bodied. They are dark olive green with Bluegill are community spawners with nests located
a distinctive black spot on the dorsal fin and intense close together. Nests are not located in heavily vegetated
colors on breeding males. The sides are a blue or silver areas. Males will compete for a site, sweeping away sand
color with vertical bars and the belly is yellow, silver, or and exposing coarse gravel.
white. The coppernose bluegill is a Florida subspecies
whose fins have whitish margins and whose head State Record
displays a copper patch. These bluegill are stocked in Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 3.45 pounds, caught
smaller impoundments in the southern and central by Gerald E. Thurmond in a farm pond in 1995.
portions of the state. Bluegill usually weigh between 1/2
to 1 pound but some catches have been over 3 pounds. Fishing Fact
Bluegill can live up to seven years. Even small bluegill can put up a scrappy fight. Crickets,
earthworms, and small artificials (spinners and flies) are
excellent baits for bluegill.

11
 Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)

Other Names and slow moving vegetated streams. They are found
Bigmouth, Goggle eye, Indian fish, Warmouth bass, near stumps and heavily vegetated areas. They are more
Wide mouth, and Stump knocker. common in dark, acidic, “swampy” waters. Like other
sunfish, warmouth are nest spawners. Males build nests
Description in areas with heavy cover. Spawning takes place between
Warmouth are robust, blotchy sunfish with the upper May and August when water temperatures reach about
jaw extending back behind the pupil. The back of the 70ºF. Many anglers consider the warmouth a popular
warmouth is a dark brown color that will sometimes sport fish. These fish do not appear to overpopulate
have a hint of olive. The sides have vertically striped small waters and do not show signs of stunted growth
bars displaying specks of gold or green; colors are as other sunfish do.
more intense during the breeding season. The belly is a
combination of white, yellow, and orange. Warmouth State Record
can grow up to 11 inches in length. They usually weigh Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 1 pound 8 ounces
less than a pound, but can grow larger. caught by Lillian Morris in Black Creek in 1979.

Habits and Habitat Fishing Fact

Warmouth feed on crawfish, crabs, small fish, insects, Warmouth are often caught by anglers fishing for bluegill
and insect larvae. Most feeding takes place at dusk, at or crappie in shallow water with crickets, worms, or
dawn, or at night, with very little activity in the middle of minnows. With their large mouths, they often hit bass
the day. These fish are usually found in ponds, reservoirs, lures.

12
 Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)

Other Names and ponds. Small green sunfish often swim from lakes
Goggle eye, Pool perch, Green perch, and Pond perch. and streams up very shallow, running water after heavy
spring rains to colonize new waters, often showing up
Description in new ponds, giving the impression they were “rained
Green sunfish are shallow-bodied sunfish with a fairly in” or “came in on bird feet”. They may establish a
large mouth. Their back is brownish gray to olive, population early in new ponds and may eat stocked bass
the sides are a lighter green or slate with light blue or and bluegill fingerlings. Green sunfish are often caught
emerald flecks, and the undersides of the head and fishing for other sunfish, but are usually too small to be
body are bright yellow or yellow-orange. Their cheek of much interest.
is marbled with iridescent blue-green markings. Their
average length is 4 inches and they range between 2 to State Record
8 inches in length. The state record is 1.26 pounds, caught by Craig Jones
in 1986.
Habits and Habitat
Green sunfish are able to tolerate a wide range of Fishing Fact
environmental conditions and are found in streams, Green sunfish are commonly used as live bait on
oxbow lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Green sunfish trotlines, set hooks, and jugs for catfish. Hybrids
nest in shallow water colonies where nests are often between a female green sunfish and a male bluegill
closely packed. Spawning occurs in late spring, when (“hybrid bream”) often are stocked in small ponds as
water temperatures rise above 70°F, and may continue a put-and-take fishery. These hybrids may be fertile,
throughout the summer. Adults feed on insects and despite claims to the contrary, and will back-cross to
small fish. Because of their enormous spawning less desirable hybrids in a few years.
potential, green sunfish often overpopulate small lakes

13
 Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis)

Other Names main food source are insects and small fish. Spawning
Creek perch, Red belly, Big-eared sunfish, Tobacco box, takes place in shallow waters in a period ranging from
and Pumpkinseed. the later portion of spring into the early portion of
summer. Longear are nest spawners with nests located
Description close together.
The top portion of the longear’s body ranges from brown
to olive green. Fins are also an olive green color with State Record
traces of orange and red. Longear sunfish have a red Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 0.21 pounds, caught
belly and breast area and blue stripes. Additional colored by Patton Guest in Fresh Water Lake in 2009.
markings are seen on the body. Longear sunfish have a
long gill flap, which is black and edged in white. The Fishing Fact
colors in males will be more brilliant during breeding Longears are usually caught fishing for other sunfish,
and are one of our most beautiful fish. Longear sunfish but most are too small to be of much interest. The
are normally small but can reach lengths of 7 inches. largest longears are found in fertile Delta oxbows. Small
These fish can live up to 6 years. poppers and many different types of bait like crickets
can be used to catch longear.
Habits and Habitat
These fish normally inhabit small streams and creeks
but are also found in reservoirs and oxbow lakes. Their

14
 White Bass (Morone chrysops)

Other Names popular sport fish, can be found in the Mississippi River
Sand bass, Barfish, Stripe, Silver bass, and Striped bass.and oxbow lakes along the river. White bass are native
to large rivers but are also found in reservoirs. They
Description typically move upstream into rivers and streams when
White bass are deep bodied with an arched back and a spawning. Water temperature for spawning is between
lower jaw that projects further than the top jaw. White 62ºF and 68ºF (usually between March and May). Prior
bass are often confused with small striped bass. The to spawning, white bass form large schools and migrate
white bass is a bluish gray on the back with white in the upstream.
belly area, and both of the silvery sides have between
four and seven dark lateral stripes. These fish usually State Record
weigh between 1 and 3 pounds but can reach weights of Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record for the white bass is
7 pounds. White bass typically do not live more than 5 5 pounds 6 ounces, caught by William Mulvhill in the
years. Grenada Reservoir Spillway in 1979.

Habits and Habitat Fishing Fact

Although they will eat insects, white bass feed mostly Jigs, spinners, crank baits (small and medium) and
on gizzard and threadfin shad. These bass, which are a minnows are popular lures used for white bass fishing.

15
 Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Other Names in freshwater streams, reservoirs, and coastal drainages.

Rock fish, Stripe, Greenhead, Striper, and Sea-run. Striped bass prefer cooler water, especially larger striped
bass. Because of this, stripers typically don’t do well in
Description Mississippi reservoirs. These fish will spawn as early as
Striped bass are laterally compressed, elongated fish February or as late as April when water temperatures
with large mouths. The back is olive green or blue-green reach about 57ºF to 70ºF.
with a white belly. The sides have up to nine dark lateral
stripes against a silver or silvery-blue background. State Record
They can be distinguished from white bass by having The Mississippi Rod and Reel record weighing 37.8
several stripes extending to the tail, two tooth patches pounds was caught in 1993 by T. Graves in the Bouie
on the back of the tongue, a torpedo shaped body, and River.
normally a larger size. These fish usually weigh between
5 and 15 pounds but can weigh up to 60 pounds or more Fishing Fact
with fish living in reservoirs growing faster than those Slab spoons, deep running artificial lures, and jigs
in rivers. Striped bass can live up to 12 years. (particularly chartreuse and white colors) are effective
when trying to land a striped bass.
Habits and Habitat
Striped bass feed on insect larvae, shrimp, small
crustaceans, and fish, particularly shad. These bass live

16
 Hybrid Striped Bass (Morone saxitillis X Morone chrysops)

Other Names State Record

Sunshine bass, Cherokee bass, Wipers, and Hybrids. The Mississippi State Rod and Reel record is 17.8
pounds, caught in Lower Sardis Lake by Robert Fulce
Description in 1991.
A cross between the female white bass and the male
striped bass, hybrid striped bass rarely occur naturally Fishing Fact
in the wild but have been stocked throughout the State. Anglers catch schooling hybrid bass on a variety of
Hybrid striped bass have broken horizontal lines that lures. Deeper holding fish can be caught by trolling
distinguish them from striped bass. Hybrids have crankbaits. These fish are often stocked to control shad
a blue to dark bluish or blackish colored back, light populations in lakes and reservoirs and to provide an
colored sides, and white belly. These bass usually weigh additional sport fish for anglers.
between 5 to 10 pounds but can reach weights of 20
pounds. Hybrid striped bass can reach lengths of 17
inches or more. Hybrid striped bass usually live 5 to 6
years.

Habits and Habitat

Adults primarily feed on gizzard and threadfin shad.
Hybrid striped bass are found in a variety of habitats
from sandy, shallow areas to rocky areas near dams.
Hybrids are more tolerant of warm water than striped
bass and survive better in Mississippi lakes.

17
 Yellow Bass (Morone mississippiensis)

Other Names These fish mostly live in oxbow lakes and rivers, and are
Rockfish, Streaker, and Yellow belly. also found in areas with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Spawning takes place in April and May in shallow water
Description when water temperatures are between 60ºF and 70ºF.
Yellow bass are laterally compressed, deep bodied fish They tend to overpopulate and stunt in smaller lakes
displaying dark stripes on the sides. These lateral stripes and ponds.
are similar to the white bass, but the stripes on the yellow
bass are darker and broken above the anal fin. Yellow State Record
bass can also be distinguished from white bass by the The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for the yellow bass
absence of a tooth patch on the tongue. Its yellowish is 1.76 pounds and was caught by J. Hopper in 2010 in
sides are the main reason for its name, even though the Pickwick Lake.
sides display dark brown or black lines. These fish can
grow over 2 pounds, but yellow bass are usually small, Fishing Fact
which reduces its popularity as a game fish. Use lures and baits that resemble small insects,
minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect
Habits and Habitat larvae. However, minnows are the best bait to use on
The diet of Yellow Bass consists of other fish and insects yellow bass, though they are very effective at catching
and may include shrimp and crabs in coastal areas. other fish as well.

18
 Walleye (Sander vitreus)

Other Names Waterway and its tributaries. Walleye spawn in shallow

Yellow pickerel, Marble eye, Glass eye, and Jack fish. water with rocky substrate when water temperatures
are between 48ºF and 56ºF. This occurs in March. The
Description Southern Walleye (Gulf Coast Walleye) is unique to
The name reflects its large, glossy eyes. Walleye have a the Mobile River Basin. It is genetically different from
slender body and a mouth full of sharp teeth. These fish the northern strain of walleye. Southern Walleye are a
are golden yellow or greenish brown with dark blotches “Species of Concern” because of habitat alterations.
and a white belly. A white area on the lower lobe of the
tail distinguishes it from its smaller cousin, the sauger. State Record
Walleye are usually between 14 and 28 inches long The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for walleye is 9.66
but can reach lengths of over 30 inches. Females grow pounds, caught by Clayton E. Hobbs in the Tennessee
larger than males. Walleye can reach weights of up to River (Iuka) in 1985.
10 pounds but can grow to 25 pounds. Walleye usually
live 5 to 8 years but can live up to 10 or even 20 years. Fishing Fact
Walleye are excellent sport fish and are sought after
Habits and Habitat for their white, flaky meat. Walleye are best caught at
Walleye typically feed and spawn at night. These fish night during the winter and in early spring. Many are
feed on insects and crayfish in rocky areas. However, caught on trot lines. Effective baits to use when fishing
the walleye’s most common source of food is fish, for walleye are nightcrawlers, minnows, plugs, spinner
primarily gizzard and threadfin shad. In Mississippi, combos, and jigs.
these fish are found mainly in the Tennessee Tombigbee

19
 Chain/Redfin Pickerel (Esox spp.)

Other Names and streams but prefer lakes with abundant aquatic
Green pike, Duckbilled pike, Black pike, and Jack fish. vegetation. Pickerel spawn in vegetation as the sticky
eggs attach themselves to the plants. Spawning takes place
Description in late winter or early spring when water temperatures
These fish are long and slender with a long mouth and are between about 39ºF and 59ºF. Unlike some species
well-developed teeth. Pickerel have dark brown or pickerel do not guard the eggs after spawning.
green chainlike marks on the sides with a dark back.
The snout is dark, and fins have a dusky coloring to State Record
them. Pickerel can weigh 2 to 10 pounds and can reach The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for Chain Pickerel
lengths of up to 31 inches. They can live up to 9 years in weighs 6.25 pounds was caught in Bay Springs Lake by
the wild with females growing faster and living longer R. Boren in 1986.
than males.
Fishing Fact
Habits and Habitat Pickerel are often caught by anglers using the same
Adults feed mostly on crayfish and small fish like shad, artificial lures offered to largemouth bass.
sunfishes, and shiners. They feed mostly in the early
morning and late evening. They live in clear lakes

20
 Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Other Names minnows. These fish are active at night in streams,

Fiddler, Willow cat, Speckled cat, Spotted cat, rivers, oxbow lakes, and ponds. Channel catfish spawn
Government cat, and River cat. in late spring to early summer when water temperatures
are between 60ºF and 75ºF. Channel catfish are raised
Description commercially in the Delta and other areas in the state.
Channel catfish have elongated bodies with a whitish Channel catfish are often stocked in small lakes and
belly and olive or brown body. They have a deeply ponds. If too many are stocked in bass-bream ponds,
forked tail, barbels, and black spots on the sides and tail. the result is poor growth of all fish and muddy water
Channel catfish can be distinguished from blue catfish from the feeding action of overabundant catfish.
by their rounded anal fin (versus straight in blue catfish)
and the presences of dark spots on the body. These State Record
spots are often not present in large fish. Channel catfish Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 51 pounds 12
typically weigh between 5 and 10 pounds but can reach ounces, caught by Tom Edwards at Lake Tom Bailey in
weights of over 50 pounds. These fish can reach lengths 1997.
of up to 50 inches. Channel catfish normally live at least
6 to 10 years but can live longer. Fishing Fact
These fish can be caught in a variety of ways including
Habits and Habitat hand grabbing, jugs, limblines, rod and reels, and
Channel catfish feed on insect larvae, crustaceans, trotlines. Best baits to use are liver, stink baits, cut fishes,
crayfish, and small fish such as gizzard shad and and worms; they are rarely caught on artificials.

21
 Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Great forktail cat, Blue channel, Humpback, White river Adults feed on smaller fish, various mollusks (mussels
cat, White sailor, Blue sailor, and Mississippi cat. and clams), shrimp, crabs, crayfish, and aquatic insects.
These fish are found in larger rivers, oxbow lakes,
Description reservoirs, and brackish water near the coast.
Blue catfish are a somewhat robust catfish with a humped State Record
back. These fish have a deeply forked caudal fin. Larger The Mississippi Rod and Reel record is 95 pounds,
mature fish are a dark blue color that fades into a white caught by Dakota Hinson on the Mississippi River at
belly. Blue catfish can be distinguished from channel Natchez in 2009.
catfish by their straight anal fin (versus rounded in
channel catfish) and the absence of dark spots on the Fishing Fact
body. These fish can commonly attain weights of 5 to 20 Methods that anglers use to target blue catfish include
pounds but can reach lengths of over 5 feet and weigh hand grabbing, tight lining, trot lining, and jug fishing.
up to 130 pounds. These fish can live over 20 years. Stink baits and worms used for channel cats are less
likely to take blues than minnows or cut shad.

22
 Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)

Other Names logs, holes, or depressions on the bottom when water

Appaloosa cat, Shovelhead cat, Tabby cat, Willow cat, temperatures reach about 72ºF to 75ºF. Males guard the
Spotted cat, and Yellow cat. nests even after eggs hatch. Tagging studies have shown
flatheads are territorial and tend to stay in the same
Description area. Flatheads should never be stocked in bass-bream
Flathead catfish adults are full bodied fish with small ponds due to their voracious fish-eating habits. They
eyes, a flat head, and a round caudal fin (tail). The lower will eliminate almost all but the very smallest bream
jaw protrudes past the upper jaw. Flathead catfish are a from a pond..
mottled grey to an olive/tan color on the back. The belly
is yellow or white in color. These fish can reach lengths State Record
of over 4 feet and weights of more than 90 pounds. Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 77.7 pounds, caught
by Matt Bingham in the Mississippi River in April 2012.
Habits and Habitat
Adult flatheads feed mostly on the bottom on crayfish and Fishing Fact
smaller fish such as darters, sunfishes, minnows, shad, The use of trotlines, limb lines, rod-and-reel, and
and smaller catfish. Feeding and movement increase jugs with live bait, along with hand-grabbing, are all
at night. Flathead catfish are normally found in deep common methods of catching flathead catfish. Because
pools of streams or rivers and are normally associated of their size and good eating qualities, they are usually
with underwater structure. They are often commonly considered the trophy of the catfish clan.
found in oxbow lakes and reservoirs in Mississippi.
Spawning begins in May and continues through July in

23
 Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas)

Other Names varies starting from early spring lasting through the
Small bullhead, Mudcat, Smoothie and Polliwog. summer when water temperatures are 68ºF to about
72ºF. Unlike other fish, the female usually constructs
Description the nests and will guard it first before the male, and
Black bullheads are full-bodied fish having small eyes continues to guard it after spawning takes place. Like
and dark chin barbels. The upper jaw protrudes past the green sunfish, bullheads often colonize new ponds from
lower jaw. A mixture of black, yellow, and brown color existing water bodies and overpopulate and compete
the upper sides and back of these fish while the belly is with bass and bream.
a white color. These fish can reach lengths of over 20
inches and reach weights of 7 pounds or more, though State Record
most fish average less than a pound in weight. Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 5.56 pounds, caught
by Harold Alexander in Sunrise Lake in 1988.
Habits and Habitat
Adult black bullheads are bottom feeders, preying Fishing Fact
mostly on crayfish, aquatic insects, and fish. Black Black bullheads are generally not sought after by
bullheads are found in streams, deep pools, and oxbow Mississippi anglers due to their small size, but these
lakes. They are also found in reservoirs but do better in fish can be caught with worms or other natural bait in
smaller water areas. Spawning for the black bullhead streams or small ponds.

24
 Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis)

Other Names commonly seen in oxbow lakes. These fish prefer clear,
Mudcat, Butter ball, Butter cat, Smoothie, Polliwog, heavily vegetated water. Spawning begins in spring and
Paper skin, and White whisker bullhead. continues through early summer. Both the male and
female will construct the nest with their fins and shovel
Description material out of the next with their snout. Rocks are also
Yellow bullheads are moderately robust fish having a removed with the mouth, and both fish will sit on the
rounded or square caudal fin. The chin area is white, nest facing opposite directions.
including the barbels on the chin. The back and sides
of yellow bullheads are usually yellow to yellow-brown State Record
in color as their name implies. Compared to the brown The Mississippi State Rod and Reel record is 2 pounds
bullhead and the black bullhead, the yellow bullhead 13 ounces, caught by Robert Cason in Mossy Lake in
is usually smaller. These fish can reach weights up to 1974.
6 pounds, but most fish are less than a pound. Yellow
bullheads live up to 6 years. Fishing Fact
Yellow bullheads are usually caught on baits intended
Habits and Habitat for bream or catfish. They are generally considered
Yellow bullheads feed on crayfish, grass shrimp, worms, undesirable to anglers due to their small size, which
aquatic insects, beetles, and fish. Yellow bullheads results from their tendency to overpopulate.
can be found in streams, rivers, and ponds and are

25
 Shortnose Gar (Lepisosteus platostomus)

Other Names shortnose gar prefers quiet back waters of large rivers
Billy gar, Short-billed gar, Stub-nose gar, Duckbilled and oxbow lakes. Shortnose gar spawn in the spring
gar, or Broadnose gar. and early summer (April through June) or when
temperatures are between 66ºF and 74ºF in vegetated
Description shallow water. Shortnose gar eggs, like other gar eggs,
Shortnose gar have elongated bodies with a short, broad are poisonous.
snout and spots on the tail. The underside is lightly
colored with the sides and back of the fish having an State Record
olive green color. Shortnose gar may be distinguished Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record for the shortnose is
from other gar species in that they lack the double row 5.83 pounds, caught by Robert Mills in Enid spillway
of teeth in the upper jaw of the alligator gar, the long in 1999.
snout of the longnose gar, and the spots of the spotted
gar. Shortnose gar are smaller than other gar species Fishing Fact
in Mississippi, and rarely exceed a length of 3 feet or Shortnose gar may be captured by entangling the teeth
5 pounds in weight. These are the smallest of the four in nylon threads or by bowfishing. They are rarely
different gar species, reaching lengths of 2 to 4 feet. fished for intentionally, but are caught accidentally on
baits and lures intended for other fish.
Habits and Habitat
Adults feed primarily on other fish, but also eat insect
larvae and small crawfish, shrimp, and crabs. The

26
 Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)

Other Names while staying in deeper water during the day. Spotted
Bill fish, Garfish, and Shortnose gar. gar prefer slow, clear waters of rivers and lakes and will
spawn in shallow water with heavy vegetation and little
Description water flow. Spawning season lasts from April to May.
Spotted gar have elongated bodies with a long, broad
snout and spots on the head, fins, and body. This gar is State Record
a whitish color underneath and olive green on the sides The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for the spotted
and the back. Spotted gar normally weigh between gar is 8.1 pounds, caught by Chuck Herring at the Enid
1 and 5 pounds, but can reach weights of 20 pounds. Lake spillway in 2012.
Spotted gar can reach lengths of over 3 feet. The spotted
gar can live up to 18 years. Fishing Fact
Spotted gar may be captured by entangling the teeth in
Habits and Habitat nylon threads or by bowfishing. They are rarely fished
Adults feed on insect larvae and small crustaceans, but for intentionally, but are caught accidentally on baits
mostly fish. Spotted gar feed in shallow water at night and lures intended for other fish.

27
 Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Needlenose gar, Billyfish, Pin-nose gar, and Scissorlips. A longnose gar’s diet consists of fish, particularly shad
and sunfishes. Longnose gar are normally found in
Description medium to large rivers but also inhabit oxbow lakes,
Longnose gar have an elongated body with a long, reservoirs, and estuaries. These fish spawn in the spring
narrow snout and black spots on the fins and sides. The in shallow water ranging from 62ºF to 70ºF.
sides and back are dark brown or olive green with the
belly a white color. Longnose gar normally grow longer State Record
than 3 feet, and often reach lengths of over 5 feet. Their Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 40 pounds, caught
weight is usually around 20 pounds, but they can reach by J.E. Bennett in Grenada Lake Spillway in 2004.
weights of up to 40 pounds. Females grow faster and
live longer than males. Males usually live 11 years but Fishing Fact
can live up to 17 years. Females, on the other hand, can Longnose gar often tangle themselves in nets, and
live up to 22 years with most living longer than 17 years. are caught by using nylon threads to snare the teeth.
In fact, longnose gar can live up to 30 years in captivity. Longnose gar often jump repeatedly when hooked.
They are also targeted by bowfishers. Some people
prefer gar meat fried or smoked.

28
 Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula)

Other Names typically inhabit large river systems, but can also be
Mississippi alligator gar, Great gar, Gator, and Gator gar. found in oxbow lakes, bayous, and estuaries. Alligator
gar have declined precipitously throughout much of
Description their former range and are most common in south
The name reflects the shape of the alligator gar’s head Mississippi.
which resembles an alligator. Alligator gar have a short,
broad snout, and the upper jaw has two rows of large State Record
teeth. These fish have a cylindrical body that is olive- In 2011, the new trophy record alligator gar was caught
brown on the back and on the sides. The belly is lighter with bow and arrow; this gar weighed 234 pounds. In
in color, and dark spots are seen on the fins. The alligator the same year, a commercial fisherman in Lake Chotard
gar is the largest of the gar species. Alligator gar can caught a 327 pound alligator gar in his gill net. It
reach over 9 feet in length and weigh over 300 pounds. measured 8 feet 5 ½ inches long. Mississippi’s Rod and
Reel record is 215 pounds, caught by Earl Stafford in the
Habits and Habitat Mississippi River near Natchez in 2003.
Fish are the main component of the alligator gar’s diet.
Alligator gar may also eat ducks and cormorants. Gar in Fishing Fact
brackish water near the coast prey on blue crabs, mullet, Alligator gar are sometimes targeted on rod-and-reel
and other fish. Spawning occurs in late spring, in and by folks after a true trophy. These fish pull hard, jump
around dense areas of aquatic vegetation. Alligator gar often, and fight all the way to the boat and in it!

29
 Paddlefish (Ploydon spathula)

Other Names free-flowing rivers. Paddlefish spawn in late March or

Spoonbill, Spoonbill catfish, Shovel bill cat, Shovelfish, early April when water temperatures are between 58ºF
and Shovelnose. and 62ºF. These fish spawn in swift moving river waters
with gravel bottoms. Paddlefish are most abundant in
Description Mississippi in the Mississippi River and Delta rivers and
Paddlefish are usually a dark purplish-gray color on the oxbows.
back with white sides and belly. Paddlefish can reach
lengths of 6 feet and weigh as much as 100 pounds. State Record
The Mississippi State Rod and Reel record is 65 pounds,
Habits and Habitat caught by Randy Pues in Ross Barnett Reservoir
Researchers once believed that the paddle was used as a Spillway in 1974.
shovel to find food; later, it was discovered that sensory
organs cover the paddle, which is used to find food. The Fishing Fact
primary food sources for adult paddlefish are very small Paddlefish are harvested for their meat and their eggs
animals and insect larvae called zooplankton. Adults (roe), which are desirable for caviar. The demand for
filter plankton using their gill rakers. Young paddlefish paddlefish roe increased as European and Russian
eat insects and large zooplankton. They are well- sturgeon roe availability decreased. These fish are
adapted to river systems, preferring large reservoirs and harvested by snagging and by commercial netting.

30
 Bowfin (Amia calva)

Other Names migrate into shallower areas and usually feed at night.
Grinnel, Dog fish, Choupique, Cypress trout, Cypress They spawn in the spring when water temperatures
bass, and Mud fish. are between 64ºF and 78ºF. Males build bowl shaped
nests, which are constructed in shallow, weedy areas.
Description Bowfin are extremely tolerant of poor water quality and
Bowfin have a flattened head with sharp teeth and a can survive in very poor habitats due to their ability to
long, stout body with a long, distinctive dorsal fin. Their breathe air with their swim bladder.
swim bladder, which extends the entire length of the
body, is used as a lung. These fish surface to exhale and State Record
inhale air, replenishing the air in their swimbladder. A Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 18 pounds 14
distinctive black spot bordered by orange or yellow is ounces, caught by B. H. Toney at Ross Barnett Reservoir
located just in front of the caudal fin on young bowfin in 1978.
and on most adult males. The back and sides are mottled
olive green turning to a lighter green or a whitish color Fishing Fact
on the belly. All the fins are light green except for Bowfin flesh is of poor quality and is rarely eaten.
the dorsal and caudal fins, which are dark green. The Bowfin eggs, however, are edible and sold worldwide as
green color of males is heightened during the spawning a less expensive substitute for sturgeon caviar. Bowfin
season. Bowfin usually reach weights of 1 to 3 pounds are considered by many anglers to be one of the most
but can weigh over 20 pounds. Bowfin can grow to 25 aggressive fish to hook while fishing. Baits used for
inches in length and live up to 10 years. catching bowfin include nightcrawlers, minnows, frogs,
crayfish, and artificial baits. Bowfin are often confused
Habits and Habitat with the exotic snakehead fish. Bowfin have a small
Bowfin prefer shallow oxbow lakes, sluggish rivers, anal fin located on the belly, but snakeheads have a
and swamps and feed primarily on fish. They also distinctive anal fin that is very long and similar to the
eat crayfish, grass shrimp, frogs, and insects. Bowfin dorsal fin.

31
 Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Drum fish, Gaspergou, Goo, Sheepshead, Grunt, or Adults feed on fish, mussels, clams, and snails.
Croaker. Freshwater drum prefer to inhabit silty bottoms in
rivers, reservoirs and oxbow lakes. Water temperature
Description during spawning is between 64ºF and 78ºF; this occurs
The common name comes from the drumming sound in May and June.
it makes with its air bladder. Drum are silvery all over,
sometimes having a purple or reddish tinge. They have State Record
a down-turned mouth and a humped back. Their most Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 29.85 pounds,
distinctive feature is a tail that comes to a single point. caught by Bryan Alan Christian in Sardis Lake Spillway
Drum have large ear stones (otoliths) in the inner ear in 2011.
used or associated with motion detection and hearing.
These ear stones are called “lucky bones.” They were used Fishing Fact
by Native Americans to ward off sicknesses or to use in Drum are normally not targeted by anglers in
ceremonies; they were also used as wampum by certain Mississippi, but are sometimes caught while fishing for
tribes. These fish have a blunt rounded snout; they are other species with minnows or artificial lures. They hit
deep bodied and silvery. Drum can reach weights of 50 and fight hard!
pounds, but their weight is usually less than 10 pounds.
Drum can live up to 13 years.

32
 Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Other Names portions of Europe and Asia. They were first introduced
German carp, European carp, Buglemouth bass, or into North America in the late 1880s. Spawning
Carp. occurs in shallow, weedy areas in the spring with water
temperatures between 62ºF and 76ºF. Though common
Description carp have historically been considered a nuisance, a
Common carp are heavy-bodied minnows with barbels growing number of anglers in the United States have
on either side of the upper jaw. Typically, they are developed an interest in carp as a sportfish.
orange, but their color varies from olive green, brassy
green or yellow, golden brown, or even gray on top with State Record
yellowish-white on the belly. Carp measuring 12 to The Mississippi Rod and Reel record is 74 pounds,
25 inches in length and weighing 5 to 25 pounds are caught in 1963 at Pelahatchie Lake by Curtis Wade. This
common. Common carp can weigh over 75 pounds is also the largest carp caught on hook and line in the
and reach lengths of 48 inches. Carp may also live in U.S.
excess of 47 years in ponds. In the wild, their lifespan
usually does not exceed 20 years. Fishing Fact
Carp can be caught using a variety of baits from pet food
Habits and Habitat to dough-balls and canned corn. Carp are very finicky,
Carp feed on the bottom for plant and animal material. hard-to-fool fish that put up a strong fight. Carp are
Carp live in a variety of habitats from deep streams also targeted by bowfishers.
to marshes. Common carp are native to temperate

33
 Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Buffalo, White buffalo, and Gourdhead. These fish feed on the bottom seeking insects, mollusks,
plants and algae. Bigmouth buffalo prefer large streams,
Description rivers, oxbow lakes and reservoirs. Bigmouth buffalo
Bigmouth buffalo are deep-bodied fish having a large, spawn in the spring in shallow water when water
wide mouth. They have a coppery olive-brown or temperatures are between 58ºF and 78ºF.
gray back and sides with a white belly and white lips.
Bigmouth buffalo can be distinguished from common State Record
carp by the lack of barbels on the mouth, and from Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 46 pounds 3 ounces,
smallmouth buffalo by the mouth pointing straight caught by Willie Hearn at a private pond in 2007.
ahead. Bigmouth buffalo can reach lengths of 4 feet.
They normally weigh between 3 and 12 pounds, but can Fishing Fact
reach weights of 80 pounds. Bigmouth buffalo can live Bigmouth buffalo are rarely caught with a rod and
up to 10 years in Mississippi, however, some have been reel, but are commonly sought after by commercial
reported to live as long as 20 years. fishermen.

34
 Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Razor-back buffalo, Round buffalo, Buffalo drum, and Smallmouth buffalo prefer deep, large streams, rivers,
Roachback. oxbow lakes, and reservoirs; this fish feeds on the
bottom for insects, mollusks, plants, and algae. Between
Description March and May, spawning occurs in shallow water with
Smallmouth buffalo are deep-bodied. They are light temperatures between 57ºF and 70ºF.
to dark gray or black with a high arched back. This
species of buffalo has a large head and large eyes with State Record
a small, downward turned mouth. Smallmouth buffalo Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 57 pounds 12
can be distinguished from common carp by the lack of ounces, caught by Charles M. Cox at Ross Barnett
barbells, and from bigmouth buffalo by the mouth being Reservoir in 1983.
downward pointing, and sucker-like. These buffalo can
grow to lengths of around 36 inches. This fish usually Fishing Fact
weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, but can reach weights Smallmouth buffalo can be taken fishing worms on the
of up to 50 pounds. In the Yalobusha River, smallmouth bottom, but are rarely caught with a rod and reel. They
buffalo can live at least nine years, but they have been are commonly sought after by commercial anglers with
reported living up to 18 years in different states. gill nets.

35
 Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)

Other Names Habits and Habitat

Hickory shad, Skipjack, Shad, and Herring. Smallmouth buffalo prefer deep, large streams, rivers,
oxbow lakes, and reservoirs; this fish feeds on the
Description bottom for insects, mollusks, plants, and algae. Between
Gizzard shad are abundant in most of Mississippi’s rivers, March and May, spawning occurs in shallow water with
streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Spawning takes place temperatures between 57ºF and 70ºF.
from mid-April to late June when water temperatures
are 60ºF to 70ºF. They feed almost entirely on organic State Record
detritus but will also pick through mud and organic No record exists at this time.
matter on the bottom for small food. Plant material is
also consumed by gizzard shad and includes various Fishing Fact
kinds of algae that they filter from the water with long, Gizzard shad are often used as bait for catfish. Because
closely spaced gill rakers. They grind up this material they are difficult to keep alive, they are used mostly
with a muscular gizzard. as cutbait. Gizzard shad are most similar to threadfin
shad, but unlike threadfin shad, have a subterminal
mouth (upper jaw projects well beyond the lower jaw).

36
 Threadfin Shad (Dorosoma petenense)

Other Names reach approximately 70°F, and may continue into the
Yellowfin shad, Yellowtail, and Shad. summer. Spawning occurs from dawn to shortly after
sunrise and the eggs are released near brush, vegetation
Description or logs where they sink to the bottom and attach to
Threadfin shad are similar to gizzard shad. They have plants and other objects. Natural hybrids with gizzard
a silver-blue back that changes to nearly white on their shad are not uncommon.
sides and belly. All fins have a yellow tint, except the
dorsal fin. A black oval or round spot is located behind State Record
the head. Adults are considerably smaller than gizzard No record exists at this time.
shad adults, rarely exceeding 7 inches in length.
Fishing Fact
Habits and Habitat Because of their smaller size, threadfin shad are often
Threadfin shad are abundant in most of Mississippi’s stocked as supplemental forage for gamefish. Threadfin
rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. They filter feed shad cannot survive water temperatures below 40ºF to
heavily on suitably sized plant and animal material with 45°F. Winter die-offs, especially in shallow lakes and
phytoplankton and algae making up most of the diet. reservoirs, are common.
Spawning begins in late spring when water temperatures

37
 Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus)

Other Names primarily eat aquatic insects. Spawning normally

Hackleback sturgeon. occurs in the spring when water temperatures reach
63ºF to 70ºF over gravel or sand substrate.
Description
Shovelnose sturgeon are primitive, odd-looking fish. State Record
They have several rows of sharp, bony plates along their No record is possible because harvest of shovelnose
elongated body, a strongly forked tail, spade-shaped sturgeon is illegal.
snout, sucker-like mouth, and four barbels. Shovelnose
sturgeon are normally brown or olive colored with a Fishing Fact
cream-colored belly. Average lengths of adults range Shovelnose sturgeon are sometimes caught by anglers
from 22 to 26 inches in length. These fish are long- running trotlines for catfish on the Mississippi River.
Though shovelnose sturgeon are abundant in the
lived, reach sexual maturity at age 5 to 10 years, and do
not spawn every year. Mississippi River, and they have historically been
harvested for their roe for caviar, they are currently listed
Habits and Habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened due
Shovelnose sturgeon inhabit the Mississippi River and to their similarity of appearance with the endangered
are normally found in deep water with moderately pallid sturgeon. Harvest of all sturgeon species is
strong current. These fish feed on the bottom and prohibited.

38
 American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)

Other Names under rocks during the day, and venture out only at
Freshwater eel, glass eel, river eel. night to feed. They feed on animal matter such as fish,
crayfish, and insects.
Description
American eel have a slender, snakelike body with very State Record
small scales. A long dorsal fin extends more than two- The state record of 5.06 pounds was caught in the
thirds of the body length and is continuous with the Mississippi River by Mitch McClendon in 1994.
tail; pelvic fins are absent. There are numerous small,
sharp teeth in the jaws. Their back may be olive-green Fishing Fact
to brown, shading to greenish-yellow on the sides, American eels spend most of their lives in freshwater;
and light gray or white on the belly. American eels in however, at some point, adults travel toward the
Mississippi range from 10 to 29 inches in length and Sargasso Sea, a tropical area northeast of Cuba, to
weigh 0.5 pounds. spawn. Spawning occurs during the winter. Eels are
usually caught by anglers fishing for something else.
Habits and Habitat They are very slimy and difficult to handle.
The American eel is widespread throughout Mississippi
and occur in a variety of habitats. They tend to hide

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 Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Other Names lakes and ponds to control aquatic weeds. Grass

White amur, Carp. carp prefer to eat submerged vegetation, but will eat
terrestrial vegetation when it comes in contact with the
Description water.
Grass carp are one of the largest members of the minnow
family. There is no keel on the belly. They have a wide State Record
mouth, a thick body, and a small, centrally positioned The Mississippi Rod and Reel record of 53.2 pounds
dorsal fin. The eyes are low on the side of the head, was caught by Melvin Murphy in 2008. The state trophy
about even with the tip of the snout. Their back is gray record, harvested with a bow and arrow, is 72.7 pounds
to green, becoming silvery on the sides and underbody. and was shot by Tony Christian in 2005.
Grass carp can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weigh
over 50 pounds. Fishing Fact
Effective baits for catching grass carp include
Habits and Habitat earthworms, small artificial baits, and doughballs. They
Grass carp are native to China and were first introduced are extremely strong swimmers and are difficult to land
into the United States in 1963. They have been widely on light tackle.
introduced throughout Mississippi, usually in small

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 Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)

Other Names consists of phytoplankton, detritus, zooplankton, and

Bighead, Marbled carp, Speckled silver carp, Asian carp. insect larva.

Description State Record

Bighead carp are a deep-bodied carp with the eye The Mississippi Rod and Reel record of 67 pounds 12
located low on the head near the angle of the jaw. The ounces was caught in lower Sardis Lake by Ron Maxwell
back and head are olive to dark gray, becoming silvery in 2007. The state trophy record, harvested with a bow
to yellow-white on the sides and abdomen. Their body and arrow, is 89 pounds 13 ounces, and was shot by
is covered with numerous dark gray to black blotches. Shane Turnage in 2011.
Bighead carp can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weigh
in excess of 100 pounds. As adults, bighead carp are Fishing Fact
most often confused with silver carp. Bighead carp are occasionally caught while fishing for
other species, particularly with commercial fishing nets.
Habits and Habitat The environmental impacts of these fish are unknown,
Bighead carp were originally stocked into aquaculture but they could adversely impact many native species of
facilities in combination with catfish to improve water fish due to competition for food. The young of both
quality and increase fish production. Bighead carp bighead and silver carp look similar to gizzard and
have escaped over the years to make their home in most threadfin shad, so both bighead and silver carp could be
of Mississippi’s larger rivers and reservoirs. Bighead spread through the release of live bait.
carp are primarily filter feeders, feeding on a diet that

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 Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molotrix)

Other Names State Record

Speckled silver carp, Asian carp, Jumping carp. The current record of 15 pounds was caught by Vernard
Williams in 2011.
Description
Silver carp are a large, deep-bodied carp with a large Fishing Fact
eye located low on the head near the tip of the jaw. The Silver carp are rarely caught using hook and line, but
back and upper sides are olive green, becoming silvery are commonly reported by commercial fishers. Silver
on the sides and abdomen. As adults, silver carp are carp are best known for its ability to leap up to 10
most often confused with bighead carp. Silver carp may feet out of the water when disturbed by boat engine
reach weights of 40 to 60 pounds. noise, and may potentially cause human injury. The
environmental impacts of these fish are unknown but
Habits and Habitat they could adversely impact many native species of fish
Similar to bighead carp, silver carp are native to Asia and due to competition for food. The young of both bighead
were first imported into aquaculture facilities to improve and silver carp look similar to gizzard and threadfin
water quality. They feed primarily on phytoplankton, shad, so both bighead and silver carp could be spread
small zooplankton, and other suspended organic matter. through the release of live bait.

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