You can catch a record fish when this Mississippi state lake opens this month

‘I’m particularly excited about the crappie fishing. When we did our spring sampling in 2023 they were 10-plus inches. I think the crappie fishing should be excellent.’

Elvis Presley Lake has been closed for three years, but when it reopens this month, not only should the fishing be action-packed, you may be able to set a lake record.

According to Dustin Rodgers, Northeast Mississippi District biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the lake was closed in 2021 as a way of hitting the reset button on fishing.

“We tend to do that when the lakes have gotten old and the fishing is degraded,” Rodgers said. “It’s a restart for the lake. You get new fish and new genetics.”

The lake was drained and upgrades and repairs were made. The lake was stocked in 2022 and the fish are now ready to be caught.

“It should be excellent,” Rodgers said. “During sampling, we did get a few bass over 4 pounds, so they’re exhibiting good growth rates.

“I’m particularly excited about the crappie fishing. When we did our spring sampling in 2023 they were 10-plus inches. I think the crappie fishing should be excellent.”

The lake also offers a unique opportunity. There are lake records for the biggest bass and catfish and those won’t likely be broken any time soon, but no records for other species.

“Currently, crappie, redear and bluegill are open,” Rodgers said. “Automatically, whatever fish people want to turn in will be a lake record.”

More: Catch a boatload of fish when this Mississippi state park lake reopens next week

When will Elvis Presley Lake open?

• Youth day: Saturday, May 18, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Anglers 15 and younger only and must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old and has a valid Mississippi fishing license.
• General public: May 22, 2024, at 6 a.m. A state lake permit and a valid Mississippi fishing license is required unless exempt under state law.

Upgrades to Elvis Presley Lake

• Gravel beds added
• New courtesy piers at boat launch
• New restroom at boat launch area
• New bridge connecting boat launch area and day-use area
• Fish attractors added
• New lake manager office

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What fish are stocked in Elvis Presley Lake?

• Northern largemouth bass
• Bluegill
• Channel catfish
• Crappie
• Redear sunfish

How many fish can I keep?

• Bass: 10, only one may be over 22 inches and any between 16 inches and 22 inches must be released
• Bream: 50 bluegill, redear sunfish or other similar species such as longear sunfish in aggregate
• Catfish: 10
• Crappie: 20 with no length limit

How big are the lake record fish?

• Largemouth bass: 10 pounds
• Bluegill: Open
• Catfish: 26 pounds
• Crappie: Open
• Redear sunfish: Open

How much does it cost?

• Fishing permit: $5 for anglers 16-64, $3 for anglers 65 and older or disabled.
• Boat launch: $7 for anglers 16-64, $6 for anglers 65 and older or disabled. This also covers the fishing permit fee for the boat owner. Others in the boat must purchase the appropriate fishing permit.
• Anglers 15 years and younger: Free
• Note: Anglers must have a valid Mississippi freshwater fishing license unless exempt.

Can I camp at Elvis Presley Lake?

• The campground remains closed for renovations.
• Alternative nearby locations for camping include Trace State Park and Tombigbee State Park.

More information

• Size: 322 acres
• Location: 272 Road 995 in Lee County near Tupelo
• Phone: 662-620-6314

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.