Fishing Hamp Lake in Pearl River County, Mississippi

• Overview

  Hamp Lake sits within Pearl River County in Mississippi. The bank is 102 feet above sea level. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The town to know is Bogalusa, 3.8 miles out. Poplarville is 15 miles and Carriere 16 miles. Within a short run: Big Eddy Lake 0.6 miles away, Carrs Lake 0.7 miles, Horseshoe Lake 1.2 miles away, Round Lake 1.6 miles and Gator Lake 1.7 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Hamp Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Nearby survey and observation records mention gulf logperch, threadfin shad, gizzard shad, longear sunfish and blacktail shiner. That is what has been logged nearby, not a stocking list, so check local rules before you plan around any one species. Hamp Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 81°F, while January sits near 49°F. The whole calendar is open, with dawn and dusk the productive hours in summer. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. That shapes the year on Hamp Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping shows an empty shoreline: no ramp, no jetty, no marked entry. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Big Eddy Lake, 0.6 miles away. For Hamp Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.