Friday, December 13, 2013

Okhissa Lake

With 39 miles of shoreline, Okhissa Lake is a fairly new fishing destination in Mississippi. Located in the southwestern area of the state, it is a 1500 acre lake built by the U.S. National Forest Service. Work began on the lake in 1999 with the laying of 10,000 tons of lime at the lake's bottom. Since stocking it with Florida bass, bluegill, redear bream and catfish, the lake has continued to flourish and produce some of the largest fish in the area. Record 10 lb. catfish and 12 lb. bass have been recorded.

My dad and I thought we'd try it out and planned this outing for November 19th, about a week in advance. On the day we arrived, the wind was blowing out of the north with temps in the upper 30s. My dad had purchased 4 packages of night crawlers and a pound of shrimp. We fished at four different locations and did not have one nibble. I felt bad that 8 worms lost their lives for no good reason. My saving grace was bringing my camera. I told my dad the drive out was worth it just to see all the fall color.
Okhissa Lake is part of the Homochitto (HOME-ah-CHITTAH) National Forest which comprises 191,839 acres












Linking to Skywatch Friday. Thanks, hosts!!!

43 comments:

Helma said...

Funny as you say you felt bad every 8 worms leiten life for a bad reason . But in nature , it is still as " eat or be eaten ."
You've got some great pictures of this new area with beautiful and warm colors .

EG CameraGirl said...

Beware of alligators? YIKES! But the colour was so beautiful, that's for sure.

Melissa said...

I used to enjoy listening to an early morning fishing radio show when I lived in California (not that I even fish!) I just liked the show. One thing I learned was that weather makes such a big difference in where and how to catch fish! At least you had a beautiful day to enjoy (and brought your camera!).

Hootin Anni said...

Exceptionally beautiful scenery. I love Autumn colors.

And adore the photo of your father as he sits with patience for the catch of the day.

Indrani said...

Stunningly beautiful scenes. I can never walk out of this place.

Karen said...

My husband is a fisherman, I always take my camera and wander off! You got some gorgeous fall colour shots, and a really nice one of your dad fishing!

rainfield61 said...

You caught so many, but not fish.

TexWisGirl said...

the trees are beautiful, but so are those BLUES!

the worms surely provided food for fish or turtles. :)

Anvilcloud said...

Nice pics of what looks like a great spot. No doubt you will look back fondly on this day spent with your dad, fish or no fish. It's hard for this northerner to get into his head, how fine your area looks at the end of November.

don said...

A beautiful series of the lake and the pretty colors. Too bad the fish weren't biting.

Hilary said...

My thoughts followed Anvilcloud's as far as how spectacular the colours are at that time of the year. Especially while we're in a deep freeze right now.

Lovely photos as always, Gail. I love the one of your dad at the end.

Amy Burzese said...

Yes, indeed. Beautiful scenery. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and take what you can get. And you got some great shots.

Unknown said...

Amazing pictures.

Never seen such mesmerizing beautiful shots

Greetings from India!

Regards
Rachit

Anonymous said...

The photo of you dad fishing is my favorite. Beautiful shots gail. Dianne

Powell River Books said...

Looks like my kind of fishing spot. - Margy

Anonymous said...

It was definitely worth getting these beautiful fall captures.

Ruth Hiebert said...

No need for fish,when the scenery is this beautiful. Each picture is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Breathtakingly beautiful!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...


wonderful colors

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful skies and the lake is pretty. Looks like a great fishing spot. Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa Gordon said...

What a wonderful way to spend a day, Gail.
Have a great weekend!

Brian King said...

Beautiful place! You had some nice touches of fall color!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Love these. Favorites are the third one, with the blue sky and blue water and colorful trees, and the fourth one, with your dad sitting lakeside in the tall grasses. It looked cold, but beautiful.

We're expecting several inches of snow tonight and tomorrow.

Unknown said...

What beautiful country my friend. Definitely worth the drive out even if you didn't catch any fish.

Hugs~

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Absolutely beautiful location!

Anonymous said...

Oh my - what amazing blue skies and scenery!

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Beware of alligators -- yet your dad still sat so close to shore! Wonderful compositions.
Here's my contribution to Skywatch Friday -- Take 25 to Hollister

Betty Manousos said...

what a beautiful scenery, gail! the lake is so pretty! and the sky. what a wonderful way to spend a day.

needless to say, i absolutely love your photos!

Pallavi said...

Such beautiful fall colors dear Gail. So glad you enjoyed this lovely time with your dad and got some fabulous pictures. Also, thank you so much for nominating my post on Hilary's blog. You are so sweet ! Much love and a big hug your way! :)

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love that picture of your dad fishing. You should frame that and give it to him for Christmas :)

Stephanie said...

Seeing the sign 'Beware of Alligators' makes me chuckle :) Here in CO we have signs like 'Beware of Bears' or 'Don't feed the Bears' ) I think I prefer them over the alligators. LOVE your photos, Gail. I really, really, really like the one on the woods with the tree trunks - beautiful! Hugs to you

DeniseinVA said...

Gorgeous scenery and time with your Dad, fish or no fish, would be precious. Lovely photos and a lovely post :)

Anonymous said...

Love the shot of your father sitting in the chair an gazing out over the water :)
Wishing you both much happiness :)

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Beautiful shots!!!!
I found you through Our Beautiful World, and thought I stop by to say HELLO! : )

Our photos said...

Beautiful series photos of the lake!

Kerry said...

That is lovely fall color, much more vivid than what I remember from living in Alabama.

I bet the alligators slow down in the fall. Maybe.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Beautiful Gail as always! Looks like such a peaceful place!!!

Suzan said...

Lovely!! Bet you didn't have any problems with the gators that day!! They should be dug into the mud for warmth!!

Suzan said...

The fish must have been dug in the mud too :-}}}

Donna said...

What a gorgeous sight in late fall...all is white here...of course it is a bit disconcerting to see the alligator sign..yikes!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wow it was gorgeous! I always used to say I liked to go fishing, I just didn't like to actually fish. Because it was always so quiet and beautiful where Bill would go, I just liked to read and look while he fished (that was before I took pictures)... now he doesn't fish either, we just go.

I hope your dad wasn't too disappointed.

Evelyn S. said...


The fall colors are amazing.... and your choice of perspectives is wonderful.

Carletta said...

Stunning vistas! Such gorgeous skies and that wavy water - beautiful!