Quote Originally Posted by mikefish View Post
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 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.