*Ross Barnett Reservoir, is operated by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRVWSD). The MDWFP Fisheries Bureau oversees the management and conservation of the reservoir's fisheries resources and provides regular fishing reports.

Ross Barnett Reservoir is a 33,000 acre impoundment of the Pearl River.  It consists of approximately 24,000 acres of open-water lake habitat and 9,000 acres of riverine habitat north of Hwy 43. The reservoir is managed by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRVWSD).

For more information visit the Barnett Reservoir Pearl River Valley Water Supply District website

Fishing Report - Updated 5/29/24

SpeciesDetail
Largemouth BassBass fishing has been good. Anglers are targeting bass along the rankin county side of the lake and various pockets up river. Schools of bass have been reported along the river ledges while others are being caught in water 4-6 feet deep.
CrappieCrappie fishing has been fair with crappie being difficult to locate. Reports from anglers show crappie have been in water from 5 to 25 feet. Brush tops and points up river and bends in the main lake.
BreamBream fishing has been fair with with bream coming off bed on crickets and worms.
CatfishCatfishing has been fair. Try tightlining or running jugs with kool-aid soaked chicken or cut bait.
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.
Special Fishing Regulations and Creel Limits

Special Fishing Regulations

SpeciesTypeLength To Release
Black Bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)Minimum Length Limit14 inches and under

Creel Limits

TypeAmountAdditional Information
Black Bass (combined largemouth, smallmouth and spotted)7Ross Barnett Reservoir only

Statewide creel and size limits apply to all other fish species

*Ross Barnett Reservoir Interactive Map

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