Mississippi's Largest State Fishing Lake Is Six Miles From Laurel and Worth Every Minute
Why Rent On Lake Bogue Homa
Lake Bogue Homa in Jones County covers 882 acres of cypress-fringed water just six miles east of Laurel on Highway 84, carrying the distinction of being the largest state fishing lake managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. That designation reflects both the quality of the fishery and the level of investment in public access infrastructure, making it one of the most welcoming and well-maintained lakes in the state for visiting families. A lakeside vacation rental or cabin here gives your family private access to an exceptional fishing and recreation destination with a genuinely beautiful natural setting.
Three Boat Ramps, Three Accessible Fishing Piers, and Excellent Fish
Bass, crappie, bream, and catfish fill the lake’s water in numbers that support three boat ramps and three handicapped-access fishing piers, ensuring that guests of every ability level have meaningful and comfortable access to the water. The cypress trees and lush vegetation that frame the shoreline create a distinctly Mississippi aesthetic, a Deep South water landscape that is beautiful in its own particular and unhurried way.
Laurel: The Lauren Rogers Museum and the De Soto National Forest
The city of Laurel, just minutes from the lake, is a cultural destination of genuine quality. The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art holds a permanent collection of American and European art, Native American baskets, and Japanese woodblock prints that would be remarkable in a city twice Laurel’s size. The De Soto National Forest, accessible from the area, offers hiking, cycling, and natural exploration across a landscape of pine and hardwood forest that extends for miles in multiple directions.
Why a Rental Near Lake Bogue Homa Is the Sensible Choice
Vacation homes and cabins near Lake Bogue Homa give families full kitchens, lake views, private outdoor space, and comfortable bedrooms in a setting that combines Mississippi’s best state fishing lake with one of the state’s most underrated small cities. Picnicking along the cypress-lined shore is one of those simple lakeside pleasures that families carry home in their memory alongside the fish counts. Pet-friendly rentals are available. For Jones County and the broader southeast Mississippi region, Lake Bogue Homa is the most consistently rewarding lake destination for families who know what they are looking for.
- Surface area (mi)
- 2.21
- Max depth (ft)
- 14.01
- Elevation (ft)
- 226.38
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Bogue Homa has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, swimming is not allowed in Lake Bogue Homa, except in designated ski areas while skiing or jet skiing. This is to ensure safety and comply with state regulations.
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Lake Bogue Homa is a popular destination for outdoor activities because it is the largest state fishing lake managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. It offers good fishing for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, and has three handicapped access fishing piers and three boat ramps for all sizes of boats.
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Yes, night fishing is allowed from the bank or boats at Lake Bogue Homa, as long as the boats comply with state and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Fishing from courtesy piers adjacent to boat ramps is not permitted. Night fishing is permitted at all State Fishing Lakes except Lake Bill Waller.
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There is no public beach at Lake Bogue Homa. The lake offers amenities such as boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic areas, but it does not have a beach. Activities include fishing, duck hunting, and skiing in designated areas.
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The town closest to Lake Bogue Homa in Mississippi is Laurel. Lake Bogue Homa is located 6 miles east of Laurel on Highway 84. It is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
