Fishing has been very slow on Desoto recently as the water level are still very high. There have been no new reports from bass or crappie anglers recently. For current fishing info contact Warren Rico at Rico's in Rena Lara (662-624-4980)and Mike at Great River Road Country Store (662-627-4837).

The Current river level near DeSoto Lake is 24.4 feet (Helena gage) and is rising slowly. Go to rivergages.com for a web site with current water level predictions.

For river lakes, the fluctuations of the Mississippi River is an important factor for determining how the fishing is going to be. Slow rises and slow falls produce the best fishing. The best crappie fishing on DeSoto Lake is at water levels between 16-18 feet (Helena Gauge).

Online Map

For a general map go to Http://outfitters.org Click on public waters and then click on Desoto Lake under "more area lake maps".

NOTE, Boaters need to be VERY cautious in the chute at levels below 10 feet at Helena as ROCK HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE OUTLET to prevent head-cutting in the chute from work done to reinforce the eroding banks along the river. THE ROCK WAS LEVELED IN EARLY OCTOBER 2007 TO A ELEVATION EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 6 FEET ON THE HELENA GAGE. This work also increased low water level on DeSoto Lake by about 2 feet.