Striped Bass

Targeting striped bass near Oxford, Mississippi, means heading to nearby Sardis Lake, Enid Lake, or Grenada Lake, all part of the US Army Corps of Engineers flood control system in the Yazoo River basin. These lakes offer a robust striper population, often found schooling near submerged timber and creek channels. Springtime, particularly during the white bass spawning run, can be dynamite for stripers as they key in on the easy forage. Summer finds them holding deep, often near the thermocline. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or live bait rigs is a productive technique. A helpful tip is to pay attention to the current around the dam tailwaters, which concentrates bait and stripers. Also, be sure to check the lake levels before you go, as they can fluctuate significantly. The striper fishery here is sustained through stocking, so be aware of any size or creel limits.