Trace Lake is divided into two sections, with one side allowing both fishing and skiing, and the other open to fishing only. The portion of the lake that offers just fishing is covered with submerged timber in the form of standing stumps and fallen logs. However, anglers with good depthfinders can locate brushpiles and submerged Christmas trees that are sure to hold an abundance of fish in the portion of the lake open to skiing.

If a mess of catfish is what you prefer, then get the grease hot, because those whiskerfish are plentiful in Trace Lake. Just remember that, as is the case with the other state fishing lakes and state park lakes, the fishing methods are restricted to a single hook and line -- trotlines and jugs are not allowed. But according to some of the locals, a single hook baited with beef liver is all you need to catch enough fat channel cats to feed the entire family.

The fishing is productive whether you prefer to be on the water or perched on the shoreline. But if you get a hankering to wet a hook in the deeper waters filled with structure, then you will be pleased to discover that fishing boats are available for rental and ramps are provided for those who wish to launch their own boats.

A Mississippi fishing license is required for all persons ages 16 through 64. All out-of-state anglers 16 and older are required to have a Mississippi fishing license. Licenses may be purchased during office hours at the park office.

A very reasonable Fishing Entrance fee allows access to the lake. This fee is $5 for persons ages 16 through 64 or $3 for those who are disabled or age 65 and older. Another option is the $10 Launching/Fishing Entrance permit, which includes the fishing fee for up to two people and the entrance fee for up to four people. This permit is reduced to $7 for persons who are disabled or age 65 or older.

But don't think for a minute that great fishing is all that's available at Trace State Park. The park offers a multitude of unique recreational opportunities that are certain to appeal to everyone in your family. Whether it's the six air-conditioned cabins featuring outdoor grills and back porches overlooking Trace Lake, the 52 sites available for RV camping featuring picnic tables, grills, electrical and water hookups, or the 10 shaded sites along the lake available for primitive camping, Trace State Park has your camping needs covered. There are the 25 miles of trails that can be used by ATVs, motorcycles and mountain bikes. Helmets are required for ATVs and motorcycles. In addition, portions of the park's trails are set aside for horseback riding. Just as there are facilities for overnight people visitors, the park offers a barn with stalls for the horses as well.

If a mess of catfish is what you prefer, then get the grease hot, because those whiskerfish are plentiful in Trace Lake.

Some of the other attractions that add to Trace State Park's appeal are 25 picnic sites featuring tables and barbeque grills located throughout the park, many affording views of Trace Lake. Then there is Old Warrior Run, the first North Mississippi long arm course, offering 18 holes of disc golf excitement. But, let's not forget the elaborate playground equipment the park built just for the little kids.

"No other facility in Mississippi offers the spectrum of opportunities we have here at Trace State Park," said park manager Donald Campbell. "Once people visit here and have an enjoyable stay, they return again and again. There are very few times when there are not visitors in the campground or anglers on the lake. And I can't remember a weekend in recent history when the trails were not being used."