Fishing Barnett Reservoir

AKA: The Rez, Ross R Barnett Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Barnett Reservoir, MS

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

As a very popular bass tournament lake, Barnett Reservoir is home to local, state and national events. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Barnett Reservoir, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

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Crappie Fishing

Barnett Reservoir is notorious for excellent black and white crappie populations. When fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. With a history of good crappie fishing, Barnett Reservoir continues to deliver good quantities of nice, fat slabs. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

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Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in small schools primarily north off Highway 43 on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Barnett Reservoir, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi.

Barnett Reservoir Fishing Video

Fertile water makes Barnett Reservoir, aka Ross R Barnett Reservoir or The Rez, a natural fish hatchery. Healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, bream, sunfish, white bass, striped bass and hybrid stripers all thrive here.

Barnett Reservoir, located in central Mississippi, is a premier fishing destination known for its diverse fish population and scenic surroundings. The reservoir offers excellent angling opportunities for both recreational and professional anglers. One of the main draws of Barnett Reservoir is its abundance of bass species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. These species provide exciting challenges and are highly sought after by anglers looking for a thrilling bass fishing experience.

In addition to bass, Barnett Reservoir is home to other popular fish species such as black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, striped bass, hybrid stripers, and white bass. These fish can be caught using a variety of fishing techniques, including casting, trolling, and jigging. The reservoir's rich fishery ensures that anglers have plenty of options and opportunities to reel in their desired catch.

Fishing enthusiasts have so many options on this 33,000-acre lake in the central part of the state. While there are plenty of places with access for fishing from the bank, the ideal way to fish these 105 miles of shoreline is from a boat. Popular here for anglers are bass boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks and other fishing boats. Ski boats, sailboats, pleasure boats and speed boats are also popular for enjoying sightseeing and water sports. There are plenty of boat launch ramps for personal watercraft as well as numerous places offering rental boats. Several marinas, campgrounds, restaurants, stores and bait stores are scattered around the lake. Bass are the most popular target of anglers here, followed closely by crappie and stripers. Area fishing guides can help you locate and catch most anything that swims in these waters.

Primary fish species residing in Barnett Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Ross Barnett Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a common activity on Barnett Reservoir, as the expansive water body provides ample space for fishing and water sports. Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise on the reservoir, the calm waters and picturesque scenery create a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Anglers can take advantage of the reservoir's numerous coves, submerged structures, and shoreline vegetation to find their ideal fishing spots.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Main Harbor Store
Rentals: Pontoon boats
601 853-0683

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brown's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Brown's Landing Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Fanning Landing Circle Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Fanning Landing Circle, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Goshen Springs Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the southeast end of the State Route 43 Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Madison Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Madison Landing Circle, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Pelahatchie Shore Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Pelahatchie Shore Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rankin Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Spillway Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Sportsman's Marina
1200 Marine South Drive
Brandon, MS, 39047
601 992-8400

Sunset Marina at 43
4269 Highway 43 N
Brandon, MS 39047
601 829-1513

Fishing Guides On Barnett Reservoir

Brad Chappell Guide Service - crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Mississippi Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their stay, camping facilities are available near Barnett Reservoir. Campgrounds offer various amenities such as RV hookups, picnic areas, and access to the reservoir. Spending the night surrounded by nature and waking up to the sound of birds chirping enhances the overall fishing experience.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Timberlake Campground - 601 992-9100

Goshen Springs Campground - 601 829-2751

Ratliff Ferry Trading Post Campground - 601 859-9586

Coal Bluff Campground - 601 654-7726

Shady Pines RV Park - 601 992-5526

Barnett Reservoir MS Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Barnett Reservoir
Ross Barnett Reservoir
115 Madison Landing Circle
Ridgeland, MS
601 856-6574

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