The MS river water level near Desoto is around 17.5 (Helena gauge) and should be dropping all week long.

Fishing pressure is low on Desoto due to heat. Fish are more likely to bite early in the morning and late in the evening during these hot days.

For crappie try jigging along steep banks with cover in 8-10 feet of water. Ot try trolling in the deeper areas around 10-12 feet to catch suspended crappie looking for bait fish.

Bream can be caught in 2-4 feet of water around structure. Areas with rip rap or other gravel structure should be productive right now. Try live bait such as crickets or redworms. There's no new reports from bass anglers.

For current fishing info contact Warren Rico at Rico's in Rena Lara (662-624-4980)and Mike at Great River Road Country Store (662-627-4837).

For up to date river levels, go to www.rivergages.com then click on the Memphis district (Helena gauge) and Mississippi River and Passes.

For river lakes, the fluctuations of the Mississippi River is an important factor for determining how the fishing is going to be. Slow rises and slow falls produce the best fishing. The best crappie fishing on DeSoto Lake is at water levels between 16-18 feet (Helena Gauge).