The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks has begun draining Lake Tom Bailey in Lauderdale County to make necessary dam repairs, the agency announced.
The 182-acre fishing lake, located eight miles east of Meridian on Highway 11, will remain open for a limited time during the process. The boat ramp will close once water levels drop too low for safe launching, but bank fishing will be allowed until the lake is shut down completely.
At this time, all size and daily creel limits are suspended, giving anglers the rare opportunity to keep as many fish as they catch. However, fishing is restricted to rod-and-reel, or pole fishing only, and a valid state lake permit and Mississippi fishing license are still required unless exempt under state law.
Once dam construction is complete, the lake will be refilled and restocked with fish.
In the meantime, anglers are encouraged to visit nearby alternatives such as Okatibbee Lake in Lauderdale County, Lake Claude Bennett in Jasper County, and Ivy Lake at Clarkco State in Quitman.
For more information on hunting and fishing in Mississippi, click here.
