The mighty Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world and home to enormous navigation and fisheries. Its waters start in Minnesota, flow south through the states of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Tennessee before it enters Louisiana and proceeds then straight down to the Gulf of Mexico. At the midpoint of its voyage, the broad and majestic Mississippi achieves its greatest size and breadth at Natchez, Mississippi. Indeed, Natchez, is the only city in the United States where two separate and distinct parts of the Mississippi River converge at the same point. From this unique point of convergence, the Mississippi River flows south with a wide area of more than 8,500 miles in length and an average width of 2 to 3 miles.
The Mississippi River’s maximum width at Natchez is 9.9 miles. This is the widest point of the Mississippi River in the United States. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the river is widest at this point in the country, stretching from the Big Black River in the east to the Tensas River in the west. At this point, USGS has measured the extreme width of the Mississippi River at Natchez from an eastern side that is 5.3 miles from the Big Black River jetty and a western side that is 7.2 miles from the Tensas jetty.
The great Mississippi River at Natchez has had an immense impact on the local economy. Most of the area’s industry and commerce relies heavily on the river to bring goods and resources to the city. The abundance of the river’s history and culture makes this area a popular destination for tourists. Many people visit the city of Natchez to take a cruise down the river, take in the river’s beauty, and learn about the city’s culture, history, and legacy. Moreover, the abundance of fish species in the vast region provides a great opportunity for fishing and has led to the growth of the area’s fishing tradition.
The river’s width in Natchez is visibly larger than any other part of the Mississippi. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the widest sections occur in the area of the lower Mississippi, where the flow slows down due to adjacent tributary systems and forms a meander belt. This large meandering area has formed a wide floodplain, allowing for a much wider area for the river in Natchez than in other sections.Here, the state of Mississippi has established the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic road that follows the edge of the Mississippi River for almost 200 miles. The wide nature of the area also provides a unique geologic structure upstream of the city, named The Grand Gulf, a large bayou.
Grand Gulf
The picturesque Grand Gulf is an outstanding feature of the Mississippi River near Natchez. Formed by the Euphrates Fault, this large bayou presents an impressive crevasse at its brink. Fed by the surrounding quagmires, the Mississippi descends more than 400 feet into a chasm. Spread over a 70×30-mile region, Grand Gulf State Park is home to an array of wildlife and includes an array of freshwater and marsh habitats. The area offers a scenic view of the river and remarkable opportunities for fishing, camping and exploring the various terrains. Grand Gulf has long attracted adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Grand Gulf is also a major attraction for tourists. The area has a number of camping and lodging facilities to accommodate visitors. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks offers guided tour and educational programs for guests, including kayak and canoe trips, birdwatching, fishing, and interactive nature tours. A visit to the Grand Gulf can provide visitors with a special insight into the flora and fauna of the region, as well as its historic and geologic features.
As the most important side channel of the Mississippi, the Grand Gulf supports a unique aquatic environment. Besides, the gulf area contains a large and ever-growing number of bird species, with the Mississippi National Audubon Society listing over 500 distinct species. A number of animal species, reptiles and amphibians are also present in the area.
Transportation
The massive expanse of the Mississippi River at Natchez offers more than just a stunning spectacle. It serves as a major transportation hub for people, goods and equipment.The Mississippi has many major ports along its course and Natchez is included in that list. The port of Natchez provides access to the port of New Orleans, providing an alternate route for transportation and cargo. This makes Natchez the only inland port on the Mississippi River, accessible to oceangoing vessels.
Aside from cargo ships, the river provides passengers and tourists with a unique perspective on this magnificent river’s history and culture. The iconic paddle wheel and stern wheelers are still available to explore the region, and there are a number of tour operators that offer a great view of the river and its environment.
The Mississippi River is also a major supply line for the regional power and utilities companies. The Five-Gorges Dam in Natchez and the Grand Gulf power plant in Meadville are both powered by the river. Additionally, a hydroutatic system called the Head of Passes, which ensures the integrity of the navigation channel of the Mississippi, is also put in place.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities in the Mississippi River at Natchez abound. The river is flooded with a wide variety of species, including catfish, striped bass, large and smallmouth bass, white perch, crappie, sunfish, northern pike, and muskie. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife & Fisheries has a variety of fishing regulations and restrictions in place to ensure the sustainability of the species. Anglers need to familiarize themselves with the local regulations before they attempt to fish in the river.
The largest tournaments are held annually in the spring and fall. These tournaments bring together some of the best anglers in the country, competing for the top prize. Each tournament also usually offers seminars and educational programs for both novice and experienced fishermen, providing them with tips and tricks for a successful fishing expedition.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is even home to its own fish. In May 2021, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife & Fisheries announced the catch of a new species of freshwater fish, the elegant shiner, in the river. This species is a member of the Cyprinidae family, a group of fish commonly referred to as minnows. This new species is in the middle family and can grow up to five inches in length.
Protection
The wide expanse of the Mississippi River in Natchez is in danger of diminishing due to human influence and environmental changes. Pollution and siltation are taking a toll on the river. In an effort to protect the Mississippi’s natural resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers has established a number of programs and safety measures, such as the Waterway Management Program, which regulates water intakes and water flow regulations.
The US Fish & Wildlife Service, in partnership with the US Forest Service, has implemented several habitat conservation and restoration programs in the greater Natchez region. These conservation initiatives are designed to protect the river from further degradation and to protect the species that inhabit the river. Furthermore, states, counties and other local agencies, have also undertaken their fair share of conservation efforts.
The US Fish & Wildlife Service have also developed a plan to restore and expand a threatened species of sturgeon, the pallid sturgeon, in the area. This plan will reintroduce the species to the Mississippi River and help to restore the habitats and water quality of the river from Natchez to the Gulf of Mexico. This is crucial in preserving the ecological integrity of the Mississippi River and the preservation of the numerous species that inhabit the area.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River at Natchez is an impressive geographic entity, with a stunning width of almost ten miles and a rich biodiversity that has made it one of the most fascinating points in North America. From this unique point of convergence, the Mississippi River flows south with a wide area of more than 8,500 miles in length and an average width of 2 to 3 miles. The river is home to an incalculable number of species, which have attracted people from around the world, both for leisure and for fishing activities. In order to preserve and maintain the beauty of the Mississippi, various programs have been implemented by the government, allowing us to enjoy its full grandeur for generations to come.
