Little is known about the spatial and temporal dynamics of abundance and habitat use of the goldstripe darter (Etheostoma parvipinne). We assessed population dynamics, species associates and habitat use of this rarely studied darter in 14 first-order streams within pine plantations in north-central Mississippi. The pattern of goldstripe darter abundance among sampling periods differed among streams. Three streams with the greatest abundance of goldstripe darters exhibited significant differences in abundance among sampling periods, while the remaining 10 streams did not differ in abundance among sampling periods. Goldstripe darters exhibited the greatest associations with creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), brown madtom (Noturus phaeus) and least brook lamprey (Lampetra aepyptera). Goldstripe darter abundance was positively correlated with canopy cover, water temperature and sand. Our results suggest that management plans designed to maintain and develop forested riparian zones adjacent to first-order streams would assist with the conservation of goldstripe darters.