Friday, April 29, 2016

Regulation Change Proposed for Ross Barnett Reservoir Black Bass

JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Fisheries Bureau announced a proposal to increase the black bass minimum length limit on Ross Barnett Reservoir from 12 to 14 inches. Anglers will be required to throw back all bass 14 inches and under. The daily creel limit will remain seven fish per angler.

"We are proposing the regulation change due to a slow decline in sampling catch rates of fish between 15 and 20 inches over the last four years," said MDWFP Fisheries Biologist Ryan Jones. "A decline in overall angler catch has also been observed over the same time period. Our goal is to protect the fishery, but still provide anglers the opportunity to harvest a few bass."

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed change may do so in writing to the Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, 1505 Eastover Dr., Jackson, MS 39211, no later than May 21, 2016.

For more information regarding fishing in Mississippi, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com or call us at (601) 432-2212. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline.