Mississippi River/Memphis help

I know this is a long shot, but my daughter is clogging (Appalachian Clog Dancing) at halftime of the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN on December 29th and we will be there a few days and since I'm going to be that close to the Mississippi River I'd love to catch a catfish (or any fish) while I'm there. I believe I will have Thursday (28th) in the morning and Saturday (30th) morning or evening where I can fish. Is there an easy place to get to and do a little bank fishing or some other option that might produce a fish for me. Is there anywhere to buy some bait around too? Thanks for any advice.
Mike

Take a kid outdoors!

I don't know of any place in the Memphis area to fish from the bank on the river.
Travel south to Walls, MS on Hwy 61, 3rd St. Travel west to Norfolk and over the levy to Desoto River Park. Fish as close to the ramp as you can. Will need MS fishing license.
I have some frozen shrimp that's frosted, was going to throw it out or use as bait later.
Only bait shop I know of in Memphis is on Hwy 61 between E Holmes Rd and W Holmes Rd on the right side of the road headed south. (E Holmes Rd is about 2 blocks north of W Holmes Rd.)

PM sent.

Thank you for the information!
Mike

Take a kid outdoors!

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Originally Posted by mikefish

I know this is a long shot, but my daughter is clogging (Appalachian Clog Dancing) at halftime of the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN on December 29th and we will be there a few days and since I'm going to be that close to the Mississippi River I'd love to catch a catfish (or any fish) while I'm there. I believe I will have Thursday (28th) in the morning and Saturday (30th) morning or evening where I can fish. Is there an easy place to get to and do a little bank fishing or some other option that might produce a fish for me. Is there anywhere to buy some bait around too? Thanks for any advice.
Mike

Take a kid outdoors!

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I am from Memphis but moved thirty five years ago, but still I know some places. If you cross the river on the old bridge on Lamar Ave. ( I-55) into Arkansas, take the first exit which is Bridgeport, then Dacus Lake rd. Follow the old bridge supports back towards the river and there is a little parking area under the bridge for bank fishermen. There is usually great access to the river....however...the river is very low now and I do not know what the accessibility is now. There are several large sand bars in the vicinity as well and in the warm months, there are several fisherman fishing from the bank. One word of caution, this area is far from anyone so make sure you have a first aid kit and a way to protect yourself.

If you have time, there are better options to bank fish for catfish. There are a number of Mississippi River oxbows up and down each side of the river. Mississippi has Tunica Cutoff, a terrific place to fish. North of Memphis is Cold Creek. Arkansas has several oxbows. Look up Island 40, Brandywine, Midway, and Whitehall. There again, they are all a good drive from where you will be staying, but all loaded with catfish, bream, crappie, ect. Dacus Lake is closer but I believe it is private now.
I know Midway is private but there is only a five dollar fee. It is as good or better than any.

Midway Lake has a website
Click to Pay Page | Welcome To Midway Lake
I would highly recommend.

I was looking at google earth, spotted a place that might do. At the north end of Mud Island is a day park and ramp.
I've seen people fish from the cobblestones at Wolf river harbor in the past.
Channel 3 Dr, Martyrs park, can get under the old bridges.
Mhoon Landing Park, site of the old Splash Casino. We've launched on the old concrete erosion tile. Good path to get to the water.
Like said, "have a first aid kit and a way to protect yourself."

Thanks for all the information guys!! I am mainly interested in fishing the Mississippi River as I have caught fish in Tennessee in general already. And thanks for the warnings . . . I am never without first aid and protection! LOL I really just hate to pay the $400+ for a guide for a half day trip.
Mike

Take a kid outdoors!

You might try Meeman Shelby Forest State Park. Its about 15 miles North of Downtown and if you follow the road to the river boat ramp there are places to park about .25 miles before you get to the ramp and you can walk out on a sandbar. You will see the access on the right. As low as it is you can probably find several places to walk out to. I would call the park first and verify the road is not closed going to the ramp. Seems like it was the last time I was there a couple of years ago. There are some small lakes in the park too that allow bank fishing if the river access is closed. Good luck.

Canebreaker has a great idea! The south end of Mud Island sits across the old Wolf River harbor area. From the Memphis side, there is a cobblestone wharf area that will allow you access to the water. I have never fished there but it seems an excellent place to fish for cats. There is no longer any current from the Wolf River as it was diverted to a different exit many, many years ago, but it does offer backwater away from the main river. If you go, ck out Mud Island. There is a River Park that includes a concrete relief map of the river that is outstanding.

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Originally Posted by canebreaker

I was looking at google earth, spotted a place that might do. At the north end of Mud Island is a day park and ramp.
I've seen people fish from the cobblestones at Wolf river harbor in the past.
Channel 3 Dr, Martyrs park, can get under the old bridges.
Mhoon Landing Park, site of the old Splash Casino. We've launched on the old concrete erosion tile. Good path to get to the water.
Like said, "have a first aid kit and a way to protect yourself."

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Mud Island was great back in it's day. Homes built close to the park and the tram needing repairs shut some of it down. I went to a few concerts, couldn't see the stage for the smoke.

Mike, how was the trip?