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Get tried and true tips and tricks to make growing food in your home easy again when you join us on May 7 for the return of our "First Tuesday Lecture Series"!
Museum of Natural Science
Want to learn about shark biology or how shrimp are caught? Curious about Mississippi’s marine fishes? Then this is the event for you!
Museum of Natural Science
Join us for a fun, paint-filled afternoon, for children ages 3-8, in the Museum's large classroom!
Museum of Natural Science
Enjoy a fun-filled day full of indoor and outdoor activities that will be accessible for everyone!
Museum of Natural Science
Webpage
How many times have you heard “once a spike, always a spike?” Or that there are blue deer in Mississippi?
To help identify your catch, MDWFP provides this fish identification guide to 39 common species.
Fishing & Boating
Fishing & Boating
Fishing Fact
Bighead carp are occasionally caught while fishing for other species, particularly with commercial fishing nets. The environmental impacts of these fish are unknown, but they could adversely impact many native species of fish due to competition for food. The young of both bighead and silver carp look similar to gizzard and threadfin shad, so both bighead and silver carp could be spread through the release of live bait.
![Bighead Carp](/sites/default/files/2024-04/bighead%20carp.jpg)
Description
Bighead carp are a deep-bodied carp with the eye located low on the head near the angle of the jaw. The back and head are olive to dark gray, becoming silvery to yellow-white on the sides and abdomen. Their body is covered with numerous dark gray to black blotches. Bighead carp can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weigh in excess of 100 pounds. As adults, bighead carp are most often confused with silver carp.
Habits and Habitat
Bighead carp were originally stocked into aquaculture facilities in combination with catfish to improve water quality and increase fish production. Bighead carp have escaped over the years to make their home in most of Mississippi’s larger rivers and reservoirs. Bighead carp are primarily filter feeders, feeding on a diet that consists of phytoplankton, detritus, zooplankton, and insect larva.
Other Names
Bighead, Marbled carp, Speckled silver carp, Asian carp
Scientific Name
Hypophthalmichthys nobilis
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record of 67 pounds 12 ounces was caught in lower Sardis Lake by Ron Maxwell in 2007. The state trophy record, harvested with a bow and arrow, is 89 pounds 13 ounces, and was shot by Shane Turnage in 2011.
Fishing Fact
Effective baits for catching grass carp include earthworms, small artificial baits, and doughballs. They are extremely strong swimmers and are difficult to land on light tackle.
![Grass Carp](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Grass%20Carp.jpg)
Description
Grass carp are one of the largest members of the minnow family. There is no keel on the belly. They have a wide mouth, a thick body, and a small, centrally positioned dorsal fin. The eyes are low on the side of the head, about even with the tip of the snout. Their back is gray to green, becoming silvery on the sides and underbody. Grass carp can reach lengths of over 4 feet and weigh over 50 pounds.
Habits and Habitat
Grass carp are native to China and were first introduced into the United States in 1963. They have been widely introduced throughout Mississippi, usually in small lakes and ponds to control aquatic weeds. Grass carp prefer to eat submerged vegetation, but will eat terrestrial vegetation when it comes in contact with the water.
Other Names
White amur, Carp
Scientific Name
Ctenopharyngodon idella
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record of 53.2 pounds was caught by Melvin Murphy in 2008. The state trophy record, harvested with a bow and arrow, is 72.7 pounds and was shot by Tony Christian in 2005.
Fishing Fact
American eels spend most of their lives in freshwater; however, at some point, adults travel toward the Sargasso Sea, a tropical area northeast of Cuba, to spawn. Spawning occurs during the winter. Eels are usually caught by anglers fishing for something else. They are very slimy and difficult to handle.
![American Eel](/sites/default/files/2024-04/American%20Eel.jpg)
Description
American eel have a slender, snakelike body with very small scales. A long dorsal fin extends more than two-thirds of the body length and is continuous with the tail; pelvic fins are absent. There are numerous small, sharp teeth in the jaws. Their back may be olive-green to brown, shading to greenish-yellow on the sides, and light gray or white on the belly. American eels in Mississippi range from 10 to 29 inches in length and weigh 0.5 pounds.
Habits and Habitat
The American eel is widespread throughout Mississippi and occur in a variety of habitats. They tend to hide under rocks during the day, and venture out only at night to feed. They feed on animal matter such as fish, crayfish, and insects.
Other Names
Freshwater eel, glass eel, river eel
Scientific Name
Anguilla rostrata
State Record
The state record of 5.06 pounds was caught in the Mississippi River by Mitch McClendon in 1994.
Fishing Fact
Shovelnose sturgeon are sometimes caught by anglers running trotlines for catfish on the Mississippi River. Though shovelnose sturgeon are abundant in the Mississippi River, and they have historically been harvested for their roe for caviar, they are currently listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened due to their similarity of appearance with the endangered pallid sturgeon. Harvest of all sturgeon species is prohibited.
![Shovelnose Sturgeon](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Shovelnose%20Sturgeon.jpg)
Description
Shovelnose sturgeon are primitive, odd-looking fish. They have several rows of sharp, bony plates along their elongated body, a strongly forked tail, spade-shaped snout, sucker-like mouth, and four barbels. Shovelnose sturgeon are normally brown or olive colored with a cream-colored belly. Average lengths of adults range from 22 to 26 inches in length. These fish are long-lived, reach sexual maturity at age 5 to 10 years, and do not spawn every year.
Habits and Habitat
Shovelnose sturgeon inhabit the Mississippi River and are normally found in deep water with moderately strong current. These fish feed on the bottom and primarily eat aquatic insects. Spawning normally occurs in the spring when water temperatures reach 63ºF to 70ºF over gravel or sand substrate.
Other Names
Hackleback sturgeon
Scientific Name
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
State Record
No record is possible because harvest of shovelnose sturgeon is illegal.
Rules & Regulations
Enforcement & Education
Fishing Fact
Because of their smaller size, threadfin shad are often stocked as supplemental forage for gamefish. Threadfin shad cannot survive water temperatures below 40ºF to 45°F. Winter die-offs, especially in shallow lakes and reservoirs, are common.
![Threadfin Shad](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Threadfin%20Shad.jpg)
Description
Threadfin shad are similar to gizzard shad. They have a silver-blue back that changes to nearly white on their sides and belly. All fins have a yellow tint, except the dorsal fin. A black oval or round spot is located behind the head. Adults are considerably smaller than gizzard shad adults, rarely exceeding 7 inches in length.
Habits and Habitat
Threadfin shad are abundant in most of Mississippi’s rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. They filter feed heavily on suitably sized plant and animal material with phytoplankton and algae making up most of the diet. Spawning begins in late spring when water temperatures reach approximately 70°F, and may continue into the summer. Spawning occurs from dawn to shortly after sunrise and the eggs are released near brush, vegetation or logs where they sink to the bottom and attach to plants and other objects. Natural hybrids with gizzard shad are not uncommon.
Other Names
Yellowfin shad, Yellowtail, and Shad
Scientific Name
Dorosoma petenense
State Record
No record exists at this time.
Fishing Fact
Gizzard shad are often used as bait for catfish. Because they are difficult to keep alive, they are used mostly 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).
![Gizzard Shad](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Gizzard%20Shad.jpg)
Description
Gizzard shad are abundant in most of Mississippi’s rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Spawning takes place from mid-April to late June when water temperatures are 60ºF to 70ºF. They feed almost entirely on organic detritus but will also pick through mud and organic matter on the bottom for small food. Plant material is also consumed by gizzard shad and includes various kinds of algae that they filter from the water with long, closely spaced gill rakers. They grind up this material with a muscular gizzard.
Habits and Habitat
Gizzard shad are abundant in most of Mississippi’s rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Spawning takes place from mid-April to late June when water temperatures are 60ºF to 70ºF. They feed almost entirely on organic detritus but will also pick through mud and organic matter on the bottom for small food. Plant material is also consumed by gizzard shad and includes various kinds of algae that they filter from the water with long, closely spaced gill rakers. They grind up this material with a muscular gizzard.
Other Names
Hickory shad, Skipjack, Shad, and Herring
Scientific Name
Dorosoma cepedianum
State Record
No record exists at this time.
Fishing Fact
Bigmouth buffalo are rarely caught with a rod and reel, but are commonly sought after by commercial fishermen.
![Bigmouth Buffalo](/sites/default/files/2024-08/Screenshot%202024-08-13%20142347.png)
Description
Bigmouth buffalo are deep-bodied fish having a large, wide mouth. They have a coppery olive-brown or gray back and sides with a white belly and white lips. Bigmouth buffalo can be distinguished from common carp by the lack of barbels on the mouth, and from smallmouth buffalo by the mouth pointing straight ahead. Bigmouth buffalo can reach lengths of 4 feet. They normally weigh between 3 and 12 pounds, but can reach weights of 80 pounds. Bigmouth buffalo can live up to 10 years in Mississippi, however, some have been reported to live as long as 20 years.
Habits and Habitat
These fish feed on the bottom seeking insects, mollusks, plants and algae. Bigmouth buffalo prefer large streams, rivers, oxbow lakes and reservoirs. Bigmouth buffalo spawn in the spring in shallow water when water temperatures are between 58ºF and 78ºF.
Other Names
Buffalo, White buffalo, and Gourdhead
Scientific Name
Ictiobus cyprinellus
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 46 pounds 3 ounces, caught by Willie Hearn at a private pond in 2007.
Fishing Fact
Silver carp are rarely caught using hook and line, but are commonly reported by commercial fishers. Silver carp are best known for its ability to leap up to 10 feet out of the water when disturbed by boat engine noise, and may potentially cause human injury. The environmental impacts of these fish are unknown but they could adversely impact many native species of fish due to competition for food. The young of both bighead and silver carp look similar to gizzard and threadfin shad, so both bighead and silver carp could be spread through the release of live bait.
![Silver Carp](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Silver%20Carp.jpg)
Description
Silver carp are a large, deep-bodied carp with a large eye located low on the head near the tip of the jaw. The back and upper sides are olive green, becoming silvery on the sides and abdomen. As adults, silver carp are most often confused with bighead carp. Silver carp may reach weights of 40 to 60 pounds.
Habits and Habitat
Similar to bighead carp, silver carp are native to Asia and were first imported into aquaculture facilities to improve water quality. They feed primarily on phytoplankton, small zooplankton, and other suspended organic matter.
Other Names
Speckled silver carp, Asian carp, Jumping carp
Scientific Name
Hypophthalmichthys molotrix
State Record
The current record of 15 pounds was caught by Vernard Williams in 2011.
Fishing Fact
Smallmouth buffalo can be taken fishing worms on the bottom, but are rarely caught with a rod and reel. They are commonly sought after by commercial anglers with gill nets.
![Smallmouth buffalo](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Smallmouth%20Buffalo.jpg)
Description
Smallmouth buffalo are deep-bodied. They are light to dark gray or black with a high arched back. This species of buffalo has a large head and large eyes with a small, downward turned mouth. Smallmouth buffalo can be distinguished from common carp by the lack of, and from bigmouth buffalo by the mouth being downward pointing, and sucker-like. These buffalo can grow to lengths of around 36 inches. This fish usually weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, but can reach weights of up to 50 pounds. In the Yalobusha River, smallmouth buffalo can live at least nine years, but they have been reported living up to 18 years in different states.
Habits and Habitat
Smallmouth buffalo prefer deep, large streams, rivers, oxbow lakes, and reservoirs; this fish feeds on the bottom for insects, mollusks, plants, and algae. Between March and May, spawning occurs in shallow water with temperatures between 57ºF and 70ºF.
Other Names
Razor-back buffalo, Round buffalo, Buffalo drum, and Roachback
Scientific Name
Ictiobus bubalus
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 57 pounds 12 ounces, caught by Charles M. Cox at Ross Barnett Reservoir in 1983.
Fishing Fact
Carp can be caught using a variety of baits from pet food to dough-balls and canned corn. Carp are very finicky, hard-to-fool fish that put up a strong fight. Carp are also targeted by bowfishers.
![Common Carp](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Common%20Carp.jpg)
Description
Common carp are heavy-bodied minnows with barbels on either side of the upper jaw. Typically, they are orange, but their color varies from olive green, brassy green or yellow, golden brown, or even gray on top with yellowish-white on the belly. Carp measuring 12 to 25 inches in length and weighing 5 to 25 pounds are common. Common carp can weigh over 75 pounds and reach lengths of 48 inches. Carp may also live in excess of 47 years in ponds. In the wild, their lifespan usually does not exceed 20 years.
Habits and Habitat
Carp feed on the bottom for plant and animal material. Carp live in a variety of habitats from deep streams to marshes. Common carp are native to temperate portions of Europe and Asia. They were first introduced into North America in the late 1880s. Spawning occurs in shallow, weedy areas in the spring with water temperatures between 62ºF and 76ºF. Though common carp have historically been considered a nuisance, a growing number of anglers in the United States have developed an interest in carp as a sportfish.
Other Names
German carp, European carp, Buglemouth bass, or Carp
Scientific Name
Cyprinus carpio
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record is 74 pounds, caught in 1963 at Pelahatchie Lake by Curtis Wade. This is also the largest carp caught on hook and line in the U.S.
Fishing Fact
Drum are normally not targeted by anglers in Mississippi, but are sometimes caught while fishing for other species with minnows or artificial lures. They hit and fight hard!
![Freshwater Drum](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Freshwater%20Drum.jpg)
Description
The common name comes from the drumming sound it makes with its air bladder. Drum are silvery all over, sometimes having a purple or reddish tinge. They have a down-turned mouth and a humped back. Their most distinctive feature is a tail that comes to a single point. Drum have large ear stones (otoliths) in the inner ear used or associated with motion detection and hearing. These ear stones are called “lucky bones.” They were used by Native Americans to ward off sicknesses or to use in ceremonies; they were also used as wampum by certain tribes. These fish have a blunt rounded snout; they are deep bodied and silvery. Drum can reach weights of 50 pounds, but their weight is usually less than 10 pounds. Drum can live up to 13 years.
Habits and Habitat
Adults feed on fish, mussels, clams, and snails. Freshwater drum prefer to inhabit silty bottoms in rivers, reservoirs and oxbow lakes. Water temperature during spawning is between 64ºF and 78ºF; this occurs in May and June.
Other Names
Drum fish, Gaspergou, Goo, Sheepshead, Grunt, or Croaker
Scientific Name
Aplodinotus grunniens
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 29.85 pounds, caught by Bryan Alan Christian in Sardis Lake Spillway in 2011.
Fishing Fact
Bowfin flesh is of poor quality and is rarely eaten. Bowfin eggs, however, are edible and sold worldwide as a less expensive substitute for sturgeon caviar. Bowfin are considered by many anglers to be one of the most aggressive fish to hook while fishing. Baits used for catching bowfin include nightcrawlers, minnows, frogs, crayfish, and artificial baits. Bowfin are often confused with the exotic snakehead fish. Bowfin have a small anal fin located on the belly, but snakeheads have a distinctive anal fin that is very long and similar to the dorsal fin.
![Bowfin](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Bowfin.jpg)
Description
Bowfin have a flattened head with sharp teeth and a long, stout body with a long, distinctive dorsal fin. Their swim bladder, which extends the entire length of the body, is used as a lung. These fish surface to exhale and inhale air, replenishing the air in their swimbladder. A distinctive black spot bordered by orange or yellow is located just in front of the caudal fin on young bowfin and on most adult males. The back and sides are mottled olive green turning to a lighter green or a whitish color on the belly. All the fins are light green except for the dorsal and caudal fins, which are dark green. The green color of males is heightened during the spawning season. Bowfin usually reach weights of 1 to 3 pounds but can weigh over 20 pounds. Bowfin can grow to 25 inches in length and live up to 10 years.
Habits and Habitat
Bowfin prefer shallow oxbow lakes, sluggish rivers, and swamps and feed primarily on fish. They also eat crayfish, grass shrimp, frogs, and insects. Bowfin migrate into shallower areas and usually feed at night. They spawn in the spring when water temperatures are between 64ºF and 78ºF. Males build bowl-shaped nests, which are constructed in shallow, weedy areas. Bowfin are extremely tolerant of poor water quality and can survive in very poor habitats due to their ability to breathe air with their swim bladder.
Other Names
Grinnel, Dog fish, Choupique, Cypress trout, Cypress bass, and Mud fish
Scientific Name
Amia calva
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 18 pounds 14 ounces, caught by B. H. Toney at Ross Barnett Reservoir in 1978.
Fishing Fact
Paddlefish are harvested for their meat and their eggs (roe), which are desirable for caviar. The demand for paddlefish roe increased as European and Russian sturgeon roe availability decreased. These fish are harvested by snagging and by commercial netting.
![Paddlefish](/sites/default/files/2024-04/Paddlefish.jpg)
Description
Paddlefish are usually a dark purplish-gray color on the back with white sides and belly. Paddlefish can reach lengths of 6 feet and weigh as much as 100 pounds.
Habits and Habitat
Researchers once believed that the paddle was used as a shovel to find food; later, it was discovered that sensory organs cover the paddle, which is used to find food. The primary food sources for adult paddlefish are very small animals and insect larvae called zooplankton. Adults filter plankton using their gill rakers. Young paddlefish eat insects and large zooplankton. They are well-adapted to river systems, preferring large reservoirs and free-flowing rivers. Paddlefish spawn in late March or early April when water temperatures are between 58ºF and 62ºF. These fish spawn in swift-moving river waters with gravel bottoms. Paddlefish are most abundant in Mississippi in the Mississippi River and Delta rivers and oxbows.
Other Names
Spoonbill, Spoonbill catfish, Shovel bill cat, Shovelfish, and Shovelnose
Scientific Name
Polyodon spathula
State Record
The Mississippi State Rod and Reel record is 65 pounds, caught by Randy Pues in Ross Barnett Reservoir Spillway in 1974.
Fishing Fact
Spinner baits, jigs, crank baits, plastic worms, and live worms are popular for landing a spotted bass.
![Spotted Bass](/sites/default/files/2024-05/spotted%20bass.jpg)
Description
Spotted bass are slender with rows of dark spots on the lower sides. These spots form horizontal streaks. Spotted bass also have a stripe along the middle of each side that form diamond-shaped blotches. The back of these fish is a dark mottling against an olive green color. The top and sides of these fish are dark, but the underside of the body is white. Spotted bass can reach lengths of 24 inches but are usually smaller with maximum size less than either largemouth or smallmouth bass. These fish usually live no more than six years. Females tend to live longer and grow faster than males.
Habits and Habitat
The diet of spotted bass changes as the fish grow, changing from plankton, small aquatic insects, and small crustaceans to larger aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish, and small fish. Spotted bass live in streams and rivers, preferring faster waters than largemouth bass. They have adapted very well to reservoirs, and are often found around rocks or rip-rap. These fish spawn in mid-April through June. Spawning occurs in water temperatures of about 63ºF to 78ºF. Female and male spotted bass are mature at the age of two years. Spotted bass like other bass are nest spawners. The males build nests and guard the nests until the eggs hatch.
Other Names
Kentucky bass, Diamond bass, Creek bass, Red-eye bass, and Spot
Scientific Name
Micropterus punctulatus
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 8 pounds 2 ounces, caught in a farm pond in 1975 by S. R. Grantham.
Fishing Fact
Warmouth are often caught by anglers fishing for bluegill or crappie in shallow water with crickets, worms, or minnows. With their large mouths, they often hit bass lures.
![Warmouth](/sites/default/files/2024-05/Warmouth.jpg)
Description
Warmouth are robust, blotchy sunfish with the upper jaw extending back behind the pupil. The back of the warmouth is a dark brown color that will sometimes have a hint of olive. The sides have vertically striped bars displaying specks of gold or green; colors are more intense during the breeding season. The belly is a combination of white, yellow, and orange. Warmouth can grow up to 11 inches in length. They usually weigh less than a pound, but can grow larger.
Habits and Habitat
Warmouth feed on crawfish, crabs, small fish, insects, and insect larvae. Most feeding takes place at dusk, at dawn, or at night, with very little activity in the middle of the day. These fish are usually found in ponds, reservoirs, and slow moving vegetated streams. They are found near stumps and heavily vegetated areas. They are more common in dark, acidic, “swampy” waters. Like other sunfish, warmouth are nest spawners. Males build nests in areas with heavy cover. Spawning takes place between May and August when water temperatures reach about 70ºF. Many anglers consider the warmouth a popular sport fish. These fish do not appear to overpopulate small waters and do not show signs of stunted growth as other sunfish do.
Other Names
Bigmouth, Goggle eye, Indian fish, Warmouth bass, Wide mouth, and Stump knocker
Scientific Name
Lepomis gulosus
State Record
Mississippi’s Rod and Reel record is 1 pound 8 ounces caught by Lillian Morris in Black Creek in 1979.