*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 04/15/2025

SpeciesDetail
Largemouth BassBass fishing has been good. Bass are spread out at varying water depths but anglers have reported having more success shallow. Target points, ledges, and docks in 3 to 6 feet of water. Another good place to target is along the edges of emergent vegetation. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and Texas rigged worms are popular baits. Go to colors include black/blue, junebug, and white/silver. 
CrappieCrappie fishing has been good. Anglers are still reporting crappie are scattered and anywhere and have had success catching them around the grass south of Goshen Landing, along the river north of  Highway 43, Roses's Bluff and the rocks along the spillway. Try targeting crappie in water from 2 foot deep out to 13 feet deep. Some anglers reported catching post spawn fish suspended around timber in 10 to 15 feet of water. Don't be afraid to adjust depths as conditions change and fish transition to spawning areas. 
BreamBream fishing has been slow with few fish being caught. Bream can be targeted around deep structure at depths of 8 - 10 ft. Tightlining along the bottom in these areas with crickets and worms are best bet for bream this time of year.
CatfishCatfishing is fair.  Try for catfish in deep timber on the bottom, along the river and creek channels and on shallow flats. Worms and blood baits can be very productive as well. 
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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