Date and Time Updated:

Alert

Information about Ross Barnett Reservoir facilities can be found here:

BARNETT RESERVOIR PEARL RIVER VALLEY WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT

Species
SpeciesDetails
Largmouth BassBass fishing has bee nfair. Bass are on the move and in transition to spawning habitats. Try targeting ledges, lay downs, and pad stems wit hTexas rigged creature baits, chatter baits, and spinner baits.
CrappieCrappie fishing has been fair with mixed success. Crappie have been caught if depths ranging from 15 feet to as shallow as 2 or 3 feet on live minnows, hair jigs, and soft plastic with chartreuse tails and bellies.
BreamBream fishing has been slow wit hfew anglers targeting bream. Try targeting bream around cypress trees and begetation with crickets or worms.
CatfishCatfishing has bee nfair wit hgood numbers and a few large fish being reported. Try tight linging or running jugs with kool-aid soaked chicken or cut bait.
Special Fishing Regulations
SpeciesRegulation TypeLewngth To Release
Black Bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)Minimum length limit14 inches and under
Creel Limits (per person, per day)
TypeAmountAdditional Information
Black Bass (combined largemouth, smallmouth and spotted7Ross Barnett Reservoir only

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all other fish species.

Spillway

From the Ross Barnett Reservoir spillway outlet to the end of the riprap.

  • Anglers can only use one pole or rod per person.
  • Artificial lures with no more than 3 treble hooks no larger than #2 may be used anytime.
  • The use of baited or bare treble hooks is illegal.
  • No other gear can be used in these waters except that dip or landing nets, cast nets, boat mounted scoops, wire baskets, minnow seines, and minnow traps may be used to capture bait. Anglers keeping minnows, shad, nongame gross fish and non-native fish caught with these gear types must immediately place their catch on ice or in a dry container.
  • From Dec 1 until the last day of February - Anglers can only fish with 2 single hooks no larger than #2.  Hooks must be secured at least one inch apart.
  • From March 1 to Nov 30 - Anglers can only fish with 2 single hooks of any size.  Hooks must be secured at least one inch apart. 

From the Ross Barnett Reservoir spillway outlet to the City of Jackson water intake in the Pearl River.

  • The daily bag limit for Striped and/or Hybrid Striped Bass is 6 per person per day.
  • All fish 15 inches and under must be released and only 1 fish longer than 24 inches maybe harvested.


 

Additional Information

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Fisheries Biologists use various sampling methods to assess the fish populations in the State’s waters. Sampling results for selected water bodies are summarized in Reel Facts Sheets.