Friday, January 23, 2015

Scouting the Scenic Small Streams along the Natchez Trace Parkway

My brother and I recently spent a rewarding Saturday scouting some of the scenic small streams that are found along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. We decided to zero in on a few streams that flow along the Choctaw County stretch of the Trace. These streams years ago were a source of food for all those who lived near them. Today those who drive over the many bridges that cross all these streams seldom pay any attention to their beauty and what species of fish they whole. My brothers and I use to fish all these streams as boys when we lived in the area; now the streams are void of any fishing; how times have changed.
We wanted to spend the day to see which streams would be fishable in the summer when all the streams are flowing at their normal level. As you view the images below you will notice that the streams were somewhat stained and showed signs of some high water. Even with an elevation in water level, we could see some excellent pocket water and drop-offs that will be perfect to fish with the fly rod come summer.
Big Sand the name of this stream was one we selected to fish come summer because of its easy access from its banks. We found some nice pocket holes along its banks.
Little Bywy creek is one of our favorites and one we fished as boys; notice the inside cut bank, which is where Redeye Bass hang out in the summer months. A dry fly floated along the edge of the bank would get a reaction.
Jenkins Creek pictured here is probably the easier stream to access. There were some fast runs as well as drop-offs into deep pools in this creek, which would whole redeye bass, as well as Sun Perch. Casting upstream and letting a dry or nymph float through the deep runs would be deadly.
Little Bywy just on the Trace Parkway looks so good I just had to give it a cast or two. I know the bass and sun perch were there, but on this day blue skies and cold temps kept them at bay. 
Middle Bywy could be a bit more difficult to fish compared to the other streams because of its high banks. One would need to wade this stream in places to have success. The ideal tackle here would be the Little Jewel 10 ft. rod rigged with a nymph or dry. Catfish are abundant in all these streams and a red worm tipped on a size six hook will yield some nice channel catfish using the Little Jewel. As boys, we always used a cane pole and red worms. Our cane pole will be replaced come summer with the Little Jewel and our 7 ½ ft. fly rods. I guess you could say we have moved up in the world of fishing.

16 comments:

  1. Great looking waters! Hope you slay them there this summer!

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  2. I've read about this Natchez Trace, so I was interested in see what you might find there. I've heard it covers several southern states and traveling it is like going back in time. Will be waiting for your "summer" report!

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  3. It's a lot of fun to scout these streams in advance and then plan a way to fish them when time allows. If nothing else, it gives us a way to look ahead to greener times.

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  4. I'm kind of liking the looks of Natchez Trace. I'll bet it's a joy to fish in the summer. Keep us posted Bill!

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  5. Juan
    My brother and I are looking forward to fishing at least a couple of the streams come July or August. Thanks for the comment

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  6. Mark
    I feel you and Alan can really relate to this post, because of you guys are experts when it comes to fishing small streams---thanks for the comment

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  7. Howard
    If one wants a scenic quite drive on a two lane highway, then the Trace is the route for you. thanks for the comment

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  8. River
    The scouting report was worth the day, because you just don't show up and try to fish this streams blind. Thanks for the comment

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  9. Hi, Bill. Sorry for taking a few days to get here to leave a comment. For some reason I was having trouble with your link from my blog roll. Anyway, small stream fishing is an addiction all in itself! Those small creeks would look to me to be ideal for some fun and not lots of company while fishing. Thanks for sharing Mississippi with us.

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  10. Mel
    It is like time has passed all these streams by and no one could care less about them anymore. Big timber companies who cut the timber in and around the streams have no respect for their beauty, leaving big tree top in their waters. This would have never happened 50 years ago. Thanks for the comment

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  11. I was having trouble seeing it also. Reminds me of a few in the Ouachita Mtns I walked as a kid...there can be gold in those small streams.

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  12. Drew
    Have you fished any of the small streams in the Ouachita Mtns? Thanks for the comment

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  13. Nice looking little streams Bill.
    I have made a promise to myself to fish more warm water fish, especially sunfish, and crappie this year.
    By the way you are spot on as to your way of fishing these streams.

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  14. Bill your spot on in your way of fishing these streams.
    Try fishing the riffles from time to time.

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  15. Alan
    Any advice you give me to fish these small stream is appreciated. I am anxious to see some of those bluegill you will land there this season. Thanks for the comment

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  16. Alan
    The riffles I will fish!! Thanks for the comment

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