*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 6/26/24

SpeciesDetail
Largemouth BassBass fishing has been good. Try targeting bass in the back water pockets up river such as January Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and 5 fingers. The north seawall and plumbers slough in the bay are popular spots for bass as well. Top water baits like buzz baits are a good choice early. Texas rigged black/blue worms, and spinnerbaits are also a good choice to search for bass early. Transition to crankbaits and drop shots on points and ledges as temperatures rise.
CrappieCrappie fishing has been fair. Crappie are holding in deeper water along the river channel. Target points, ledges, and bends in the river.
BreamBream fishing has been fair with with bream coming off beds on crickets and worms. Areas with submerged vegetation are also holding bream. 
CatfishCatfishing has been fair. Try tight-lining or running jugs with kool-aid soaked chicken or cut bait.
Ross Barnett Reservoir Special Regulations

Creel and Size Limits

SpeciesLengths to ReleaseDaily Creel Limit
Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth)14 inches and under7 per angler

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.

*Ross Barnett Reservoir Interactive Map

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