Neshoba County Lake being drained for spillway fix

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is draining Neshoba County Lake to repair the dam’s spillway. 

The 138-acre state fishing lake is located seven miles southeast of Philadelphia on Highway 486. 

The boat ramp is closed due to low water, but bank fishing remains open to the public. During this time, all size and daily catch limits have been lifted, allowing anglers to keep as many fish as they catch. 

Officials said fishing is limited to rod-and-reel or pole fishing only, with other gear prohibited. Anglers must possess a valid state lake permit and a Mississippi fishing license unless exempt under state law.

The lake is currently closed to all activity until spillway repairs are complete. However, the campground, with 22 developed campsites with electrical, water, and sewer hookups, will remain open.

Some residents have expressed their opinions about the repairs on Facebook.

“They need to be fixing our roads and railroad tracks,” according to Nikki Leach.

“It’s just been fixed a few years ago,” wrote Jeanette Bobo McNeil. “Use the money to get things done in town and the county roads.”

This isn’t the first time Neshoba Lake has been drained. In the late nineties, the lake was rebuilt, reducing its size from 226 acres to 138 acres and significantly improving the lake’s structure and fishery. 

For more information regarding hunting or fishing in Mississippi, visit MDWF’s website at www.mdwfp.com, call (601) 432-2400, or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline.