JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) fisheries biologists are optimistic about fishing success in 2016 on Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid, and Grenada Reservoirs based on last fall’s sampling.
Crappie have had good to excellent spawns from 2012-2015. Use larger baits and/or fish deeper to improve your percentage of keepers. White crappie from the huge 2009 year class were still present so anglers have a chance at landing a three pounder. Crappie regulations on the four lakes are the same: fish must be over 12 inches, 15 fish per angler per day, four poles per angler, and a 40 fish boat limit for boats with three or more anglers.
Largemouth bass in the two-pound range were present in Sardis and Arkabutla, but less numerous in Enid and Grenada. The biggest bass were at Enid. White bass numbers fell on Sardis after a fish kill last fall. They have no size or daily creel limits and can be caught casting jigs or small crankbaits.
Channel catfish were the dominate catfish at Enid Lake. Blue catfish (“white river cats”) were the most numerous catfish on the other lakes with many over 10 pounds. Whole or cut shad are better baits for blues than typical “catfish baits”.  
Bream numbers have increased on all lakes, especially at Arkabutla and Sardis. Target bream with crickets or worms when they spawn over a firm bottom of sand or gravel.
There are MDWFP state parks on Sardis, Enid, and Grenada Reservoirs; book ahead as they fill up quickly during peak fishing times. Food, lodging, and other amenities are available in Hernando, Batesville, Oxford, Grenada, and other nearby towns.