Mississippi officials announce new crappie regulations

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced new daily creel limits for crappie.

The limits are at Lake Washington and the four Flood Control Reservoirs (Grenada, Enid, Sardis, and Arkabutla). The new regulations will go into effect on July 24.

At Lake Washington, MDWFP officials said the daily creel limit for crappie is 20 fish per angler. The minimum length limit for crappie remains at 11 inches.

At Grenada, Enid, Sardis, and Arkabutla Lakes, officials said the daily creel limit for crappie is 10 fish per angler and the daily boat limit is 25 for boats with three or more anglers. The minimum length limit for crappie remains at 12 inches. In addition, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations if available, not on the water or in the boat ramp parking lots.

According to MDWFP, crappie are one of the most sought-after fish species in Mississippi. In response to changes in crappie populations, increased angler harvest rates, and comments received from concerned anglers, MDWFP made the decision to lower the daily limits. They said the goal of lowering the limits is to maintain quality crappie fisheries at these lakes so anglers can continue to enjoy them for years to come.