JACKSON - Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Fisheries Bureau stocked approximately 18,000 Magnolia crappie in five State Fishing Lakes this week. The Magnolia crappie were reared at the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery and are a hybrid species best known for having fast growth rates. "Stocking hybrid crappie, which do not reproduce, will maintain a balanced fish population in smaller lakes and provide anglers a quality fishing experience," according to MDWFP fisheries biologist Jerry Brown.  

MDWFP State Fishing Lakes that received Magnolia crappie were Lake Mike Conner, Lake Claude Bennett, Prentiss Walker Lake, Simpson County Lake, and Lake Jeff Davis. Lake Jeff Davis is located is located in Jefferson County near Prentiss and is currently closed for renovation. The lake is expected to reopen during 2013.