Fishing at Rain Cloud Lake, DeSoto County, Mississippi

• Overview

  Set in DeSoto County, Mississippi, this is Rain Cloud Lake. It stands 276 feet above sea level. With some 40 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Coldwater at 3.3 miles is the nearest place to stop. The nearest city of size is New South Memphis, 24 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Rain Cloud Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. County-wide records name channel catfish, largemouth bass and common carp. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Rain Cloud Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 39°F to 80°F. Winter here means light layers, not lost months. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Rain Cloud Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The nearest mapped parking is 0.9 miles away, so the last stretch is on foot. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Deer Track Lake is 0.4 miles off. Confirm before you fish Rain Cloud Lake.