*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 08/18/2025

SpeciesDetail
Largemouth BassBass fishing has been good. Look to ledges, points, and creek channels when targeting bass. Brush piles are an added bonus when dialing in on spots and try targeting these bass with crankbaits, dropshots, and neko rigs. Bass can also be caught year round near vegetation with chatterbaits, Texas rigged lizards, and spinnerbaits. Anglers have reported good numbers of bass in the 2 to 3 pound range being caught. 
CrappieCrappie fishing has been slow. Crappie are still holding in their summer pattern and haven't been wanting to bite. Target isolated brush piles and ledges along the river channel. Look for crappie to suspend over these areas. Go to jig colors include electric chicken and cajun cricket. 
BreamBream fishing has been fair. Look for bream to be around cutgrass and cypress trees. Redworms and crickets are always great baits. For a challenge try fly fishing.
CatfishCatfishing is good. 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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