6 Mississippi Catfish Spots With Views So Good You’ll Stay for Sunset

Mississippi
By Alba Nolan

Mississippi isn’t just famous for its fried catfish and Southern hospitality – it’s also home to some of the most beautiful fishing spots in the country. Imagine reeling in a fat channel cat while the sky explodes in shades of orange, pink, and purple behind you. These twelve locations combine excellent catfish action with jaw-dropping sunset views that’ll make you want to stay out on the water just a little bit longer.

1. Ross Barnett Reservoir – Jackson, MS

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Just northeast of Jackson, Ross Barnett Reservoir stretches across more than 30,000 acres, making it one of Mississippi’s premier catfish fisheries. Anglers pull in channel, blue, and flathead catfish year-round.



For sunsets, it’s unbeatable—the wide expanse of water and west-facing shorelines around Old Trace Park and the Highway 43 area offer glowing evening reflections across the rippling surface. Stay a little longer after your last cast and you’ll see why locals linger.

2. Sardis Lake – Near Oxford, MS

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Known for its abundant catfish and easy shoreline access, Sardis Lake is also one of the state’s most scenic reservoirs. The open water stretches far enough that you can catch panoramic sunsets almost anywhere along the north or west banks.



Bring a lawn chair, fish from a pier or the dam area, and you’ll have front-row seats to both the evening bite and the golden glow over the treeline. It’s a spot where the fishing is as rewarding as the view.

3. Enid Lake – Yalobusha County

Image Credit: Thomas R Machnitzki (thomas@machnitzki.com), licensed under CC BY 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

If you’re after peaceful surroundings and reliable catfish action, Enid Lake delivers both. This lake is a favorite among Mississippi anglers, thanks to its steady populations of channel and blue catfish.



At sunset, the light pours over its still waters, especially near Wallace Creek or Persimmon Hill. You’ll find plenty of quiet spots to soak in the colors as you reel in your final catch of the day, surrounded by nothing but nature’s soundtrack.

4. Grenada Lake – Grenada, MS

Image Credit: NatalieMaynor from Jackson, Mississippi, USA, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Grenada Lake is famous for monster crappie, but don’t overlook its thriving catfish population. The broad lake surface creates perfect conditions for sunset lovers.



Set up along the western banks or from a boat near Grenada Landing to see the sky burst into fiery shades of orange and pink reflected across miles of calm water. It’s the kind of moment that makes you forget the day’s tally of fish and just appreciate where you are.

5. Lake Tangipahoa – Percy Quin State Park, McComb, MS

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Nestled inside Percy Quin State Park, Lake Tangipahoa covers about 490 acres and is known for healthy catfish populations. The park’s rolling hills and open lake edges make it a lovely place to watch the sky light up at dusk.



Try fishing near the dam area for the best angle on the sunset—it’s a popular photography spot as well. The park remains open and well-maintained in 2025, making it a great family outing destination.

6. Elvis Presley Lake – Tupelo, MS

Image Credit: Magnolia677, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Named after the King himself, Elvis Presley Lake is small but mighty. Catfish thrive here, and it’s one of those serene lakes where time seems to slow down.



The calm surface mirrors every shade of the sunset, especially along the western bank. Locals say the quiet here is part of the magic—it’s a peaceful way to end a long fishing day, with nothing but the sound of water lapping gently at the shore.