Fishing in Mississippi. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Mississippi

Below are 47 types of fish that can be caught in Mississippi. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Mississippi and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Mississippi to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Alligator gar

American gizzard shad

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Mississippi

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Mississippi. Each Mississippi body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Sardis Lake (MS)

Ross R Barnett Reservoir (MS)

Grenada Lake (MS)

Arkabutla Lake (MS)

Enid Lake (MS)

Bay of Saint Louis (bay, MS)

Bay Springs Lake (MS)

Aliceville Lake (AL, MS)

Licenses for fishing in Mississippi

In Mississippi, fishing licenses are required for various activities, with specific fees for residents and non-residents. Special licenses are available for different age groups and circumstances.

For the most accurate and detailed information, it's best to visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website where you can also purchase a fishing license online.

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Sportsman's License	$45.00	-
All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing	$25.00	-
Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing	$10.00	-
3-Day Freshwater Fishing	$3.00	$30.00
Freshwater Guide License	$500.00	$2,000.00
Saltwater Fishing	$10.00	$30.00
Senior Lifetime Saltwater License (Age 65 and over)	$5.00	-
Freshwater Fishing (Non-Resident)	-	$68.00
1-Day Freshwater Fishing (Non-Resident)	-	$10.00
LA Saltwater Fishing (Non-Resident)	-	$60.00
3-Day Saltwater Fishing (Non-Resident)	-	$15.00

Notes:

These fees do not include agent and process fees.
The table covers key types of licenses for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Special license types and exemptions are available for seniors, minors, and individuals with disabilities.

Fishing Regulations in Mississippi

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electricity to catch fish is prohibited.
Trapping or netting fish in conservation areas without specific permits is forbidden.
Use of game fish as bait, live or dead, is not permitted.
Gill nets and trammel nets are not allowed in freshwater bodies.
Using artificial lights to attract fish is prohibited in certain areas.

Catch Limits

Largemouth and smallmouth bass: Daily limit of 10, with a minimum length of 12 inches.
Crappie (white and black): Daily limit of 30 combined, with a minimum length of 9 inches.
Catfish: No daily limit, but only one fish over 34 inches per day is allowed.
Trout: Daily limit of 7, no size limit.
Walleye: Daily limit of 6, with a minimum length of 15 inches.
Bluegill and other sunfish: Daily limit of 20 combined, no size limit.
Striped bass: Daily limit of 6, with a minimum length of 15 inches.
Shad: Daily limit of 200, no size limit.
Gar: No limit on the number or size.
Paddlefish: Seasonal and area-specific limits apply.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to certain conservation areas is restricted during specific seasons.
Private property fishing requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Certain waters are designated for youth or disability fishing only.
No fishing zones established around commercial shipping areas.
Access restrictions in place for environmental rehabilitation areas.

Zones of Special Regulation

Specific areas designated as catch-and-release only.
Trophy fish zones with enhanced size and limit regulations.
Areas where only artificial lures are permitted.
Fishing restricted during spawning seasons in certain zones.
Special regulations in effect near hatcheries and refuges.

Protection of Rare Species

Endangered species like the Gulf Sturgeon are fully protected.
No fishing for rare shellfish and crustaceans.
Restrictions on fishing in habitats of rare aquatic plants.
Special permits required for research-related fishing of rare species.
Monitoring and reporting catches of rare or uncommon fish species.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for certain species during spawning or migration.
Winter restrictions in place for ice fishing on specific water bodies.
Summer no-fishing periods in overheated or low-oxygen waters.
Special seasonal regulations for migratory fish like salmon and shad.
Temporary closures during environmental events or for population recovery.

Most popular cities for fishing in Mississippi

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Mississippi. Cities in Mississippi include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.