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 10/28/2025

 

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 good. Shad are moving towards the back of the lake. Try shad-colored baits in and around the sides of the creek channel. The recent winner of the Southwest MS bass tournament brought in a Large Mouth Bass weighing in at 10.1 pounds.

Crappie 

Crappie fishing is currently fair. Crappie are still spooky. Try long cast to suspend fish off of creel channels.

Bream

Bream fishing has been good. Bottom fishing is usually best for Redear Sunfish and Bluegill.

Catfish 

 Catfishing has been good. With all the recent rain try fishing in areas in the lake where the runoff muddies the water.

Water Temperature:  70°F            Water Visibility: 24 inches

Please dispose of trash in barrels provided.  

Recent rain has the lake almost back to normal water level.

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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