If you have questions about purchasing a license call 1-800-5GO-HUNT.
Calling Panther Lake is a 404-acre lake located in Copiah County, 5 mi. W of Crystal Springs off New Zion Rd. This lake offers a unique fishing experience with dense stands of submerged timber and deep creek channels.
Address: Crystal Springs, MS 39059
Phone: (601) 892-4776
Fees: Daily and Annual
Fishing Report - Updated 07/01/2025
Boat lanes have been cut to allow for easier access to different parts of the lake, but be aware that IDLE SPEED IS REQUIRED in these areas. Channels are marked with red/green markers for main channels and gold markers for side channels.
| Bass | Bass fishing is currently good. As water temperatures continue to rise, fish are moving into more open water near the dam and along the main creek channel. Anglers have had success targeting schooling fish with small topwater lures and flukes, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. |
| Crappie | Crappie fishing is currently fair. Anglers are finding the best success by fishing slowly with minnows at depths of 12 to 14 feet along the main channel. |
| Bream | Bream fishing has been good. Bluegill are being caught on live crickets and small fly baits, especially on the northeast end of the lake near areas with vegetative cover. Redear Sunfish are being caught in deeper water near the bottom, with anglers having success using worms and crickets. |
| Catfish | Catfishing has also been good. Anglers are having success using cut bait and chicken breast, particularly near deep ledges during the early morning and late evening hours. |
Water Temperature: 86°F Water Visibility: 40 inches
Please dispose of trash in barrels provided.
Calling Panther Lake Special Regulations
Calling Panther Lake Special Regulations
Creel and Size Limits
| Species | Lengths to Release | Daily Creel Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth) | 20 inches and over | 10 per angler, 1 over 20 inches |
| Catfish | No Length Limit | 10 per angler |
Statewide creel and size limits apply to all other fish species
Lake Regulations
- Rod and reel or pole fishing is allowed. No trotlines, FFFD’s, jugs, yoyo’s, limblines, throwlines, or set hooks are allowed.
- Sport fishing licenses and fishing permits are required except on designated days during National Fishing and Boating Week.
- Fishing is not allowed from courtesy piers adjacent to boat ramps.
- Night fishing is allowed from the bank or boats which are in compliance with state and Coast Guard regulations.
- Skiing is allowed on Wednesday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th , and Labor Day from noon to sunset within ski area.
- Lake is designated as No Wake all other times.
Amenities
Amenities
Campgrounds are first come first served, please call the State Lake office for information.
- 21 camping pads and 2 handicapped camping pads with electrical/water/sewer hookups.
- Boat ramp
- Handicap accessible fishing pier
- Handicap accessible restroom with showers
- Nature trail.
Record Fish
Record fish must be weighed and verified by the lake manager, lake supervisor, or fisheries biologist. Anglers who catch a lake record fish will receive a certificate acknowledging their catch.
| Species | Weight | Angler | Date |
| Bass | 15.4 lbs. | James Allen | February 2011 |
| Crappie | 2.75 lbs. | Peggy Blakeney | March 2018 |
| Redear | 1.65 lbs. | George Runnels | July 2016 |
| Bluegill | 0.78 lbs | Steve Cunningham | April 2023 |
| Catfish | 17.20 lbs | Melissa Morris | July 2023 |
Recent Catches
Calling Panther Lake Interactive Map
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