Ross Barnett Reservoir
Ross Barnett Reservoir is a Pearl River lake just northeast of Jackson. It is known for crappie and largemouth bass, with good catfish and bream fishing too.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Crappie
Fish jigs or minnows on shoreline cover in spring, then troll channel ledges in summer and winter.
Largemouth Bass
Throw frogs and weedless plastics in the vegetation spring through summer.
Bluegill
Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Blue Catfish
Deep channel edges. Fresh cut shad. Big fish in winter.
When they bite
Month-by-month activity for each target species.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | ||||||||||||
| Largemouth Bass | ||||||||||||
| Bluegill | ||||||||||||
| Channel Catfish |
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Pelahatchie Shore ParkPublicReservoir District launch, 1065 Northshore Pkwy, BrandonDirections ↗
- Rankin County Boat RampPublicReservoir District launch on the Rankin County main lake sideDirections ↗
- Madison LandingPublicReservoir District launch on the Madison County main lake sideDirections ↗
- Fannin LandingPublicReservoir District launch on the Rankin County main lake sideDirections ↗
- Goshen Springs LandingPublicReservoir District launch on the upper lakeDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Ross Barnett Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Betsy's Bait ShopNearby1023 Old Brandon Rd, Flowood, MS(601) 933-1851Directions ↗
- Tommy's Trading PostNearby4238 Highway 43 N, Brandon, MS(601) 829-1903Directions ↗
Local tips
- Frogs work well around the lotus pads above Highway 43 in summer.
- Bass must be 14 inches with a limit of 7, and the crappie limit is 30.
- Only rod and reel fishing is allowed in the main lake south of Twin Harbors.
Angler reports
Water temp, what's biting, and anything else other anglers should know about Ross Barnett Reservoir.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.