Topwater Popper Fishing on Okhissa Lake
Okhissa Lake · Mississippi · Southeast
Okhissa Lake is a 1,070-acre U.S. Forest Service impoundment in southwest Mississippi known for its deep, clear water and extensive standing timber. Its unique management, which restricts private docks, maintains a pristine feel, creating an environment favorable for trophy largemouth bass.
A floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for Okhissa Lake
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
Seasonal Tactics on Okhissa Lake
Lake: Bass migrate to shallower depths, often in 5-15 feet, utilizing the timber and submerged hydrilla beds for spawning. Flipping jigs and Texas-rigged plastics into cover are productive.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
Lake: As water temperatures rise, bass pull to deeper structure, suspending over standing timber or congregating on points and ledges in 20-40 feet. Drop shots, deep crankbaits, and slow-rolled spoons become effective.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
Lake: Cooling temperatures trigger baitfish migrations, causing bass to school and chase shad on main lake points and creek channels. Topwater baits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits can be highly productive during these feeding windows.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day in fall.
Lake: Bass move into the deepest sections of the lake, often holding tight to vertical timber in 30-50 feet. Slow presentations with football jigs, jigging spoons, or tight-wobbling crankbaits are necessary.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for Okhissa Lake
Ready to fish Okhissa Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →