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Columbus Lake

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
1
Species
33

Columbus Lake is the largest reservoir along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, covering 8,910 acres of prime fishing waters in northeastern Mississippi. Opened in 1981 and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 22-mile reservoir extends from Aberdeen Lock and Dam (mile 357.5) to Columbus Lock and Dam (Stennis Lock and Dam, mile 334.7). With depths ranging from shallow flats to deeper channels and numerous structural features, Columbus Lake has established itself as a popular destination for anglers from Mississippi and western Alabama, particularly those seeking largemouth bass and crappie.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Columbus Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Dick's Sporting Goods

Dick's Sporting Goods

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Know where you can legally fish on Columbus Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Mississippi licenses and regulations

Mississippi Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Mississippi Fishing License

Resident - Each resident of the State of Mississippi ages sixteen (16) through sixty-four (64), fishing in the fresh or marine waters of Mississippi, including lakes and reservoirs but NOT to include privately owned ponds and streams, shall be required to buy a fishing license. A saltwater license is required south of U. S. Highway 90 and a freshwater or saltwater license is valid between I-10 and U. S. Highway 90. Saltwater license is not valid north of I-10. Any person sixty-five (65) or older, or any person otherwise exempted from obtaining a freshwater fishing license, must have documentation with him/her at all times while fishing as described in Exemptions. All non-resident anglers, except minors under the age of sixteen (16), are required to obtain a fishing license while fishing in the fresh or marine waters of the State of Mississippi.

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Mississippi Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Mississippi Stream Access Laws

Mississippi waterways with a long history of public use or a mean annual flow of at least 100 cfs are considered navigable and open to public recreation. The public may use surfaces and streambeds, regardless of ownership, up to the high watermark.

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Take Columbus Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Columbus Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Columbus Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Columbus Lake and check the forecast before you go.

TOMBIGBEE RIVER AT STENNIS LOCK AND DAM, MS

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