Guide To Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Fishing In Mississippi

Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Fishing In MS

Mississippi offers opportunities for walleye fishing, with the chance to catch both walleye and related species like sauger and saugeye. Walleye are known for their delicious flavor and challenging nature, making them a sought-after species among anglers in the state.

Several lakes and rivers in Mississippi provide suitable habitats for walleye fishing. One notable location is the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, particularly the Columbus Pool and Aberdeen Pool sections. These areas are known for their walleye populations and offer excellent fishing opportunities. Other lakes like Pickwick Lake and Bay Springs Lake are also popular destinations for walleye anglers.

In addition to walleye, anglers in Mississippi can target sauger and saugeye. Sauger are closely related to walleye and share similar characteristics, including their preference for river systems and similar angling techniques. Saugeye, on the other hand, are a hybrid species created by crossbreeding walleye and sauger. They exhibit traits of both parent species and are often stocked in selected waters for angling purposes.

When it comes to state records, Mississippi has seen some impressive catches. The current state record for walleye stands at around 10 pounds, while sauger and saugeye records are also noteworthy. These fish are known to grow to substantial sizes in Mississippi waters, providing anglers with the potential for memorable catches.

Walleye, sauger, and saugeye fishing in Mississippi is typically best during the cooler months, particularly in the spring and fall seasons when these fish are more active. Anglers often target them near structure, such as points, drop-offs, and submerged rocks. Successful techniques include jigging, trolling with crankbaits, or drifting with live bait rigs.

Mississippi's walleye fishing opportunities, along with the added excitement of targeting sauger and saugeye, make it an attractive destination for anglers seeking a diverse fishing experience. Whether you're fishing on lakes or rivers, the challenge of catching these prized species and the potential for impressive catches make Mississippi a rewarding destination for walleye enthusiasts.

Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Fishing Lakes

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Mississippi walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

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Top lures for walleye in Mississippi

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes improves your odds of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

Mississippi State Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Records

The state record walleye was caught out of the Tennessee River.

The state record sauger came from the Mississippi River (Greenville).

The state record saugeye was taken out of Bay Springs Lake.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Fishing For Sauger

Closely related to the walleye and similar in appearance, sauger are generally smaller than walleye, reaching 4 to 5 pounds (or more) and up to about 20 inches. Often found in muddier rivers, it thrives in larger, silty lakes. They spawn in the shallows at night, without creating or guarding specific nests.

Fishing For Saugeye

This hybrid is created by mating sauger with walleye. The walleye influence allows the hybrids to grow larger than sauger, often to sizes equaling walleye. Saugeye tend to survive best in turbid/silty water and are caught in the same general areas and habitat populated by walleye and sauger.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.