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Mississippi · Fishing
Lucedale sits in the heart of George County, and the fishing around town reflects the character of south Mississippi's coastal plain: slow-moving rivers, quiet lake bays, and a mix of species that rewards both patient bank anglers and those willing to work a boat.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Lucedale sits in the heart of George County, and the fishing around town reflects the character of south Mississippi's coastal plain: slow-moving rivers, quiet lake bays, and a mix of species that rewards both patient bank anglers and those willing to work a boat. The Pascagoula River at the Merrill Access point is the anchor of the local scene, offering largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, and bluegill in a river system that runs at a moderate difficulty level — manageable for most anglers but with enough current and structure to keep things interesting. Carter Lake and Dean Bay round out the options with calmer lake fishing that tends to suit families or anyone who wants a lower-key outing. At 50 feet elevation, the Merrill Access sits on low, flat terrain typical of the Pascagoula drainage, so expect soft banks and potentially muddy conditions after rain. None of these are destination trophy fisheries with special designations, but they are productive, accessible local waters that hold fish year-round. If you are driving in from out of town, the three sites give you enough variety to fill a full day on the water without logging serious miles between spots.
The Merrill Access holds largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, and bluegill. Flatheads tend to run larger but require live or fresh-cut bait fished near bottom structure, while channel cats and bluegill are more forgiving targets for lighter tackle.
Early morning and the last two hours before dark are consistently the most productive windows for largemouth bass on the Pascagoula River and the lake sites. Catfish at the Merrill Access bite through the night, so an evening-into-dark session with cut bait on the bottom is a reasonable approach.
Pascagoula River - Merrill Access
~1 min drive
Moderate
Dean Bay
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Carter Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Kirkwood Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Big Creek Lake
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AL.
Sam's Lake
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Bird Lake
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Barnes Lake
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Smith Pond
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AL.
Blue Lake
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MS.
Also worth it near here
It is rated moderate, meaning there is enough current and river structure to require some awareness of how to read water and position a boat or anchor, but it is not a technical fishery. Bank anglers can fish from the access area without needing to navigate the river itself. If you are new to river fishing, start at the access point rather than running upstream.
Yes. Both are lake fishing sites, which means calmer water, easier boat handling, and generally more forgiving conditions than the river. They are reasonable choices if you are fishing with kids or just want a relaxed outing without dealing with current.
Yes, a valid Mississippi fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older fishing public waters in the state. You can purchase one through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website or at local bait and tackle retailers. Check the current MDWFP regulations for any size or creel limits that apply to the species you are targeting.
