Calling Panther Lake

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 05/12/2026

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 has been good. Due to recent rain the water has muddied up slightly. Try chatterbaits, spinner baits in the back of the coves where runoff comes in.

Crappie 

Crappie fishing has been good. Crappie are in deeper water on treetops in the main creek. They like to be 10 to 12 ft deep holding on tops in 30' of water. Try jigs and minnows.

Bream

Bream fishing has been good. Many anglers are reporting hand sized fish in 10-12' of water on the bottom.

Catfish 

Catfishing has been good. Try in the mouth of the coves with cutbaits and worms.

Water Temperature:   72°F      Water Visibility: 36 inches

Please dispose of trash in barrels provided.  

Calling Panther Lake Special Regulations

Creel and Size Limits

SpeciesLengths to ReleaseDaily Creel Limits
Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth)20 inches and over10 per angler, 1 over 20 inches
CatfishNo Length Limit10 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

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.

SpeciesWeightAnglerDate
Bass15.4 lbs.James AllenFebruary 2011
Crappie2.75 lbs.Peggy BlakeneyMarch 2018
Redear1.65 lbs.George RunnelsJuly 2016
Bluegill0.78 lbs.Steve CunninghamApril 2023
Catfish17.44 lbs.Noah ForestJune 2025

Recent Catches

Calling Panther Lake Bass
Calling Panther Lake Bass

Calling Panther Lake Interactive Map

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