MDWFP operates 19 prime fishing lakes throughout the state on over 4,000 acres of picturesque waters, as well as 18 State Park Lakes that include 3,133 water acres on 17 Mississippi State Parks. Both the State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes offer outstanding fishing opportunities.
State-Managed Lakes
Sport fishing licenses and permits are required to fish at all State Fishing and State Park Lakes. The exception is the first Saturday and Sunday of National Fishing Week in June, when fishing is free and no sport fishing license or lake permit is required. Only rod and reel or pole fishing is allowed on State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes, however carp, gar, buffalo, and bowfin may be taken by use of bow and arrow at night with a valid lake permit for fishing and/or boating. No other gear is allowed at these lakes.
Each lake offers excellent bank fishing areas, including handicap accessible fishing piers. Fishing is not allowed from courtesy piers adjacent to boat ramps. Night fishing is allowed at all State Fishing Lakes from the bank or boats which are in compliance with state and coast guard regulations, with the exception of Lake Bill Waller. Camping is available at State Fishing Lakes, with the exception of Lake Bill Waller and Lake Walthall. Campsites cannot be reserved and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Annual State Fishing Lake Permits
Note: Disabled/Age Exempt Annual Permits must be purchased in person at any MDWFP office.
Lakes Interactive Map
Fish populations are sampled at each State Park Lake by MDWFP Fisheries Biologists who have written fisheries management plans for each water body. Common fisheries management activities for State Park Lakes include stocking, sampling, liming and fertilization and fish harvest regulations. The current state record largemouth bass weighing 18.15 pounds was caught by Anthony Denny on 12/31/92 at Natchez State Park Lake.
MDWFP State Fishing Lake Record Fish Program
Each State Fishing Lake maintains a list of record fish which can be viewed on each lake’s web page. Anglers who catch a state lake record fish will receive a certificate from MDWFP, and a copy of the certificate will be on display at the lake’s office. Fish that qualify for a state lake record include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, and catfish. Potential record fish must be verified by a member of the Fisheries Bureau staff. We encourage anglers to let us know if they believe their catch might be a new record. View an example certificate.