Boating
Enid Lake offers 28,000 acres of fresh water for a variety of water sports. Water skiing is permitted, and launch ramps are accessible at various locations. Boaters should adhere to safety and operational regulations enforced by the U.S. Army Corps Rangers, being especially mindful of submerged obstructions during low water conditions. A life preserver for each occupant must be available on board the boat at all times.
Camping
Various campgrounds are available around Enid Lake from remote locations to full-service sites. George P. Cossar State Park is one of the most amenity-rich locales with a visitor's center, swimming pool, lakeside restaurant, horse trail, and picnic areas and pavilions. Nearby Persimmon Hill Campground was named among America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds by Reserve America (NRRS) in 2004. For more information on area campgrounds, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Enid Lake Office at 563-6330.
Fishing
Approximately 175 species of freshwater fish are found in Mississippi waters. Virtually year-round, Enid Lake and related waterways provide excellent fishing for bass, bream, and crappie. The world's largest white crappie was caught at Enid Lake on July 31, 1957, weighing in at five pounds, three ounces. Area ponds are also packed with catfish, a regional favorite. Fishing on public waters does require a license and adherence to seasonal regulations.
Golf
Home to some 140 courses, Mississippi was recognized by The Golf Insider as the "best up-and-coming golf destination" for 2003. About 30 of the state's premier courses are located right here in the Hills Region. At home in Water Valley, the Yalobusha Country Club consists of a well-maintained golf course (18-hole, par 72, 6,125 yards), as well as a putting green, driving range, lighted tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The clubhouse includes a banquet room, pro shop, and snack and beverage bar.
Horse Riding & Rodeo
The Yalobusha County Multi-Purpose Building regularly hosts a series of horse shows and rodeos for youth and adult competitors from throughout the state. Additionally, the North Mississippi region boasts a network of public and private horse trails for riders with novice, intermediate, and advanced equestrian skill.
Hunting
In the state of Mississippi, migratory waterfowl populations are some of the highest on record, and the whitetail deer population reaches an astounding 2 million. Whitetail deer is the most popular big-game species in Mississippi- the state with the nation's highest deer density per acre. Throughout the Water Valley area, an extensive network of public and private lands provides hunting options year-round. Lengthy seasons and generous bag limits vary each year for deer, dove, duck, fox, goose, quail, rabbit, and other game.
Spectator Sports.
Blue Devils
Community spirit reaches a fevered pitch on Fall Friday nights as virtually the entire town turns out to cheer for the class 3A, division 3 Water Valley Blue Devils. Football is a serious game here, as regional teams are fierce rivals. Other high school sports include baseball, basketball, track, and volleyball.
Magnolia Youth League
Water Valley boasts a competitive summer sports league for youth aged 3 through 14. Tournaments are held frequently at the ballpark. The summer baseball/softball season at Crawford Sports Complex hosts some 450 youth, 30 teams, and a host of volunteer coaches and staff. Teams are sponsored by area businesses.
Wildlife Viewing Sites
Enid Lake Wildlife Reserves
More than 2 million acres of public lands cover the state of Mississippi, including 12 national wildlife refuges, 6 national forests, 41 wildlife management areas, 28 state parks, and 21 state lakes. Here in Yalobusha County, an astounding 85,000 acres are designated as public lands.
George Payne Cossar State Park
Located about 10 miles from Water Valley off Highway 32 West, this 836-acre park offers camping and cabins, boating, water skiing, hiking, picnicking, sport facilities, and more. Most of the land around Enid Lake and in nearby Holly Springs National Forest is open for public hunting. Quail Run Nature Trail runs 2.5 miles through an area placed on the Register of Natural Areas by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The majestic Bald Eagle has been observed in nesting areas here.
North Mississippi Fish Hatchery
The hatchery is a one-of-a-kind facility in Mississippi, integrating Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks spawning work with visitors' access and is located just off I-55 at the Enid exit below the dam. In the Welcome Center, a 10,000 gallon aquarium features native Mississippi fish in a natural habitat setting, a variety of displays, and a gift shop featuring the Idianola Pecan House. There is also a pond for visitors to the center to catch and release fish raised at the hatchery. Visitors can view the area where the spawning occurs through special observation windows. Tour guides take visitors through the Welcome Center and into the observation area to view the spawning center.
Springdale Wildlife Management Area
Located 5 miles north of Water Valley off Highway 7, this 1,537-acre refuge sits along the south side of Yocona River, intersected by Goodwin Creek at the upper end of Enid Lake. The area is composed of 455 acres of open bottomland for agriculture, 393 acres of forestland, and 689 acres of wetlands. The varied habitat fosters an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl. These wetlands are integral to the state's environmental conservancy and an invaluable respite to those residents who enjoy solitude and natural beauty.
Other Water Valley area Wildlife Viewing Sites designated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks include Wildcat Break and the Water Valley Recreation Area. For more information, call 563-4571.
