Thread: Oxbows, Rising River, Cold Fronts etc.

Hey guys,

Just looking for input and experiences on fishing Ms river oxbow lakes. I have 3 within 20 minutes of my house & 5 within 45 minutes, (Vidalia). I just got back into Crappie fishing after many year absence, bought a new rig and have outfitted it with superb electronics, (Hummingbird 1197c & 997c + interlink) and I went out to one of the local lakes Monday & just rode around marking submerged structure & noting points, channels etc. I went out Tuesday and had no problem locating large concentrations of fish but couldn't get anything to bite. Threw every color combo @ every depth and even live bait. Tried trolling & vertical jigging & still nothing. I probably picked the worst time to go, (don't get many days off), but the lake was on the rise and there was a cold front headed this way.

I'd really like to get some pointers from you "Ole Pro's" on how to fish these types of lakes as they're so close to me. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

What oxbows are you close to? I fish the oxbows closer to the La/Ark line.

Old River - Vidalia, Concordia Lake, Lake St. John, Deer Park, Cocodrie Lake & Black River Lake. Quite a few to choose from.

Ark/LA line. Which ones do you fish. I fished Lake Chico when I was in High School many years ago. Never fished Lake Providence but always meant to.

Old River & Deer Park-Both rivers are completely controled by the big muddy, I've had some luck at old river but you need to find the brush piles. Haven't fished deer park in a few years, the best fishing there was drifting, thats not my cup of tea so I fished
around cane poles that people put out.

Concordia & Lake St. John can be fished when the mississippi is up. I like St. John,
put in go up the lake and fish the cypress trees on the opposite side from where you laungh.

Cocodrie and Black River Lake Is where I like to fish in the winter and early spring.
A lot of rain fall will affect the lake. I fish the main lake the bridges and both canals
I haven't fiahed black river lake very much.

That's very helpful information! I think I'll give St. John a try when this front passes & I'll post a fishing report. Thanks again!

My brother went to cocodrie yesterday the 2nd & caught 18 nice fish.

I've fished Chotard and the connecting lakes (north of Vicksburg but in La) a few times and the locals all say its best when its falling. OneOn and I fished Sunday thru Wed and really struggled to catch a mess each day. 25 on our best day. We did get a few over two pounds however it was very slow for everyone fishing those days. We learning too so I guess ya just have to keep going and paying your dues. Don Stamper

That's what I have in mind. Going to try it this Saturday over at either St. John or Concordia if the weather comes around. Mainly because it's close. If work doesn't get in the way I may venture out to Cocodrie myself. Been looking forward to fishing that one.

Found a good article about Mississippi Oxbows in April that has some interesting info. It's located at Magnolia State Oxbow Crappie