Mississippi Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
Whether you’re working the grass flats along the Gulf Coast for that big redfish or casting from a shaded bank on Ross Barnett Reservoir before dawn, there’s something enchanting about wetting a line in Mississippi waters. The Magnolia State has year-round fishing possibilities that will entice serious fishermen as well as weekend warriors to return for more.
Massive populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bream, and saltwater species like speckled trout and red drum may be found in Mississippi’s varied waterways, which range from expansive lakes and meandering rivers to prolific coastal estuaries. Because of its warm temperature, fishing is possible almost all year round in Mississippi, unlike some northern states where ice fishing takes centre stage during the winter months. Understanding the state’s creel limitations, size restrictions, and licencing regulations can help you make the most of your time on the water, whether you’re a visitor planning your first trip or a local who knows every honey spot.
Everything you need to know about Mississippi’s fishing calendar for 2025–2026 is included in this in-depth guide, including bag restrictions, must-see locations, and preparations. Now let’s get started!
📅 Quick Reference Table: Mississippi Fishing Seasons by Species
Here’s a snapshot of the most popular species, their open seasons, and daily bag limits. Remember—Mississippi offers year-round fishing for most freshwater species!
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Size Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Year-round | 10 (combined black bass) | None statewide* |
| Crappie (Black & White) | Year-round | 30 (combined) | None statewide |
| Bluegill/Bream | Year-round | 100 (all sunfish combined) | None |
| Channel/Blue Catfish | Year-round | No statewide limit** | None statewide |
| Striped Bass/Hybrid | Year-round | 6 | 15-inch minimum |
| Walleye | Year-round | 3 | Closed on some waters*** |
| Spotted Seatrout | Year-round | 15 | 15-inch minimum (TL) |
| Red Drum (Redfish) | Year-round | 3 | 18-30 inch slot |
| Flounder | Year-round | 10 | 12-inch minimum (TL) |
*Specific lakes may have special regulations
**State fishing lakes limit: 10 catfish per day
***Prohibited in Lake Lamar Bruce, Lake Monroe, Old Tombigbee River, and Choctaw Lake
🐟 Popular Sport Fish: When and Where to Catch Them
Largemouth Bass 🎣
Mississippi is bass heaven. You can chase bucketmouths 365 days a year, and the state’s 10-fish daily limit (combined for largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass) gives you plenty of opportunities to load the cooler—or practice catch-and-release.
Best Months: Spring (March-May) during the spawn, and fall (September-November) when bass feed aggressively before winter.
Top Waters: Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson is legendary for big bass. Grenada Lake and Sardis Lake in north Mississippi consistently produce quality largemouths, while Eagle Lake near Vicksburg offers excellent year-round action.
Pro Tip: Work shallow cover with spinnerbaits and soft plastics in spring. Switch to deeper structure and crankbaits during summer’s heat.
Crappie (White & Black) 🐠
If you’re serious about filling a cooler with delicious fillets, crappie fishing in Mississippi is where it’s at. The 30-fish daily limit (combined black and white crappie) means you can bring home a serious haul for the fish fry.
Best Months: February through April (pre-spawn and spawn), and October-November (fall feeding).
Top Waters: Grenada Lake is nationally renowned for producing monster slabs—some topping 3 pounds! Sardis Lake, Enid Lake, and the backwaters of Pickwick Lake also deliver consistent crappie action. Don’t sleep on Eagle Lake either.
Techniques: Spider-rigging with multiple rods and small jigs works magic on big water. For bank anglers, focus on brush piles and creek channels with minnows under slip bobbers.
Catfish (Channel, Blue & Flathead) 🐱
Catfish are the hardest-working fish in Mississippi—they bite year-round, fight hard, and taste great on the dinner table. While there’s no statewide creel limit for cats, state fishing lakes limit you to 10 per day.
Best Months: May through September when water temps rise and cats feed aggressively. Night fishing during summer can be especially productive.
Top Waters: The Mississippi River and Tombigbee River systems hold giant blue cats. Ross Barnett Reservoir, Grenada Lake, and most public fishing lakes offer excellent catfishing opportunities.
Bait: Cut shad, chicken liver, and prepared stink baits work great. For trophy blues, try live bream or shad.
Striped Bass & Hybrids 💪
Want to feel your drag scream? Target stripers and hybrid striped bass. These powerful fish have a 15-inch minimum length limit and a 6-fish daily bag limit.
Best Months: Spring (March-May) when they run up rivers and creeks, and fall (October-November).
Top Waters: Grenada Lake, Ross Barnett Reservoir, and Sardis Lake all have excellent striper programs. Look for birds working over surface-feeding fish during summer.
🦞 Saltwater Specialty Species: Coastal Gems
Mississippi’s Gulf Coast adds a whole different dimension to the state’s fishing scene. The waters around Biloxi, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs offer world-class inshore and nearshore opportunities.
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout) 🌊
Specks are the bread-and-butter of Mississippi saltwater fishing. The daily bag limit is 15 fish with a 15-inch minimum length—regulations that protect the fishery while still allowing excellent harvest opportunities.
Best Months: Fall (September-December) is prime time. Spring (March-May) also produces solid action.
Where to Fish: Work the grass flats around Cat Island, Ship Island, and the barrier islands. The bridges along US 90, particularly at Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, hold fish year-round.
Techniques: Soft plastic paddle tails on jig heads under popping corks are deadly. Live shrimp under corks also produce well.
Red Drum (Redfish) 🔴
Mississippi’s redfish regulations protect both juveniles and trophy breeders with an 18-30 inch slot limit and a 3-fish daily bag (only one over 30 inches allowed).
Best Months: September through November is peak season, though you can catch reds year-round.
Where to Fish: Shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. The backwaters near Biloxi and the Mississippi Sound consistently produce.
Flounder 🐟
These flat fighters offer great table fare. Bag limit: 10 per day with a 12-inch minimum total length.
Best Months: April-June (spring run) and September-November (fall migration).
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
Don’t overlook Mississippi’s incredible panfishing! Bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcrackers), and other bream species provide non-stop action and are perfect for introducing kids to fishing.
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Best Months | Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill/Bream | 100 (all sunfish combined) | May-August | Crickets, red worms, small jigs |
| Redear Sunfish | Included in 100-fish limit | April-June (spawn) | Nightcrawlers near shell beds |
| White Bass | No specific limit | March-May (runs) | Small spoons, jigs in rivers |
🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters
Mississippi’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) actively manages numerous public fishing lakes and conducts stocking programs to maintain quality angling.
Rainbow Trout (Seasonal) 🌈
While trout aren’t native to Mississippi, the state offers a unique winter trout fishery. Lake Lamar Bruce near Saltillo receives seasonal stockings of rainbow trout—typically around 700 fish—creating a cool-weather fishing opportunity that’s rare for the Deep South.
Season: December through February when water temperatures allow survival.
Regulations: Check MDWFP announcements for specific dates and limits during stocking periods.
State Fishing Lakes 🏞️
Mississippi maintains several state fishing lakes perfect for family outings:
- Lake Bill Waller (Covington County)
- Neshoba County Lake
- Lake Pushmataha (Choctaw County)
- Roosevelt State Park Lake
Special Note: These managed lakes have a 10-catfish daily limit (different from other public waters with no statewide catfish limit).
For current stocking schedules and lake-specific regulations, visit the official MDWFP Lakes Page.
🌍 Public vs. Private Waters: Know Before You Go
Public Waters
Most of Mississippi’s reservoirs, rivers, and coastal waters are open to public fishing with a valid license. This includes:
- Corps of Engineers Reservoirs: Grenada, Sardis, Enid, Arkabutla
- TVA Reservoirs: Pickwick Lake, Bay Springs Lake
- Rivers: Mississippi River, Pearl River, Tombigbee River, Pascagoula River
- Coastal Waters: Mississippi Sound and barrier island areas
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
WMAs often contain excellent fishing, but you’ll need a WMA User Permit ($15 for residents) in addition to your fishing license.
Private Waters
Many landowners have private ponds and lakes throughout Mississippi. Always get permission before fishing private property. Some pay lakes and fishing lodges offer guided trips and exclusive access.
Pro Tip: Check water access points before heading out. Many lakes have public boat ramps, but parking and launch fees may apply.
🎟️ Mississippi Fishing License Guide: What You’ll Need
Before you make that first cast, make sure you’re properly licensed. Mississippi offers various options depending on your residency status and how long you plan to fish.
Resident Licenses 🏡
Sportsman’s License – $45
Includes all game hunting and freshwater fishing (does NOT include saltwater or WMA permit). Most popular option for year-round anglers.
All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing – $25
Budget-friendly option if you just want freshwater fishing privileges.
Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing – $10
Great entry-level license for anglers who occasionally fish.
Saltwater Fishing License – $10
Add-on required for coastal fishing (in addition to freshwater license).
MS Super Sportsman Package – $80
The ultimate package: Sportsman License + Saltwater + WMA + Waterfowl Stamp. Best value for serious outdoorspeople.
Avid Angler Package – $20
Perfect for anglers who fish both fresh and saltwater: includes Small Game/Freshwater + Saltwater licenses.
Non-Resident Licenses 🚗
All non-residents aged 16 and older need a valid Mississippi fishing license. Prices vary, but expect to pay more than resident rates. Check the MDWFP Licensing Portal for current non-resident pricing.
Exemptions & Special Licenses
Seniors (65+): Mississippi residents 65 and older can get a Resident Senior Exempt License for just $2.30 (plus fees). This covers freshwater fishing, hunting, archery, and WMA access—but NOT saltwater fishing.
Youth Under 16: Kids under 16 can fish for free without a license! However, they can purchase a voluntary Exempt Under 16 license ($2.30) for convenience.
Active Military & Disabled Veterans: Special provisions exist for 100% disabled veterans. Check with MDWFP for details.
Free Fishing Days: Mark your calendar! Mississippi offers Free Fishing Weekend (typically June 7-8) and Free Fishing Day on July 4th. No license required on these days!
Where to Buy
Purchase licenses online at licensing.outdoors.ms, at any MDWFP office, or through licensed vendors (sporting goods stores, tackle shops, Walmart, etc.). Small agent and processing fees apply.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids need a license to fish in Mississippi?
No! Anyone under 16 years old can fish without a license in both freshwater and saltwater. It’s a great way to get youngsters hooked on the sport without the extra cost.
Can I use live game fish as bait?
Yes, but with restrictions. You can use legally caught game fish (like small bass or bream) as bait, as long as you don’t exceed the daily creel limit for that species. It’s illegal to use mussels as bait.
What about night fishing or bowfishing?
Night fishing is legal in Mississippi! In fact, some of the best catfish and crappie action happens after dark. Bowfishing is also permitted for non-game species like gar and carp—check specific regulations for gear requirements.
Are there any catch-and-release-only waters?
Some specific lakes and areas have special regulations, including catch-and-release requirements for certain species or size classes. Always check lake-specific regulations on the MDWFP Public Water Body Regulations page before fishing a new water.
How do I report a state-record catch?
If you think you’ve caught a Mississippi state record, keep the fish properly preserved (on ice or frozen), take photos with measurements, and contact MDWFP immediately. They’ll guide you through the verification process. Don’t forget to have it weighed on a certified scale with witnesses!
What’s the penalty for fishing without a license?
Getting caught without a valid license can cost you—fines start at $100 for a first offense and can exceed $500, especially during closed seasons (where applicable). Save yourself the headache and always carry your license and ID while fishing.
Can I transport my catch across state lines?
Yes, but you can only transport up to seven daily creel limits of any species per person. Each person in your vehicle must be a “qualified angler” (license holder or exempt). If you’re heading to a neighboring state like Louisiana or Arkansas, familiarize yourself with their regulations too—consider checking out guides like our Louisiana Fishing Season overview.
🔗 Related Fishing Resources
Looking to explore fishing opportunities beyond Mississippi? Check out these helpful guides:
- Florida Fishing Season Guide – Discover saltwater and freshwater fishing in the Sunshine State
- Wisconsin Fishing Season Guide – Explore walleye, muskie, and ice fishing up north
For species-specific tips and techniques, visit authoritative resources like Take Me Fishing for beginner-friendly advice, or NOAA Fisheries for federal saltwater regulations in the Gulf.
🗺️ Top Mississippi Fishing Hotspots for 2025–2026
Ready to hit the water? Here are five must-visit destinations that consistently produce quality fish:
1. Grenada Lake (North Mississippi)
Often called the “Crappie Capital,” Grenada holds the state record for white crappie and produces trophy slabs year after year. The lake’s 35,000+ acres also harbor excellent bass, catfish, and striped bass populations.
2. Ross Barnett Reservoir (Central Mississippi)
Just northeast of Jackson, “The Rez” is the state’s most accessible big water. It’s a local favorite for bass tournaments and offers fantastic crappie fishing around the spillway and numerous creeks.
3. Sardis Lake (North Mississippi)
Another north Mississippi gem with outstanding crappie, bass, and catfish opportunities. The lake’s clear water and abundant structure make it ideal for sight-fishing and electronics-based approaches.
4. Pickwick Lake (Northeast Mississippi)
Straddling the Mississippi-Tennessee-Alabama border, Pickwick is famous for smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The tailrace below Pickwick Dam is a legendary spot for stripers.
5. Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Gulfport)
For saltwater enthusiasts, the barrier islands and grass flats offer world-class speckled trout and redfish action. Charter boats out of Biloxi can also target offshore species like red snapper during open seasons.
Interactive Maps: For detailed lake maps, boat ramps, and GPS coordinates, check out the MDWFP Interactive Fishing Map and explore each water body’s individual page for depth contours and structure locations.
✅ Wrap-Up: Time to Get Hooked!
Mississippi offers year-round fishing options that are on par with those found anyplace else in the nation, whether you’re organizing a spring bass competition, a summer catfishing trip, a fall crappie trip, or a saltwater excursion along the Gulf Coast. There has never been a better moment to see what the Magnolia State has to offer, thanks to its varied waterways, reasonable license prices, and substantial bag limits.
Before you head out, double-check current regulations on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website—rules can change based on fishery assessments and conservation needs. Grab your license, pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and don’t forget to bring a friend or family member along to share the experience.
Always put safety on the water first, respect the resource, and use effective catch-and-release techniques when necessary. Wear a life jacket, check the weather, and let someone know that you want to go fishing.