What special fishing regulations apply at Arkabutla Lake?

Arkabutla Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Mississippi's statewide 2026 rules, covering Crappie (white + black). One of them reads: "33,000-acre Corps flood-control reservoir on the Coldwater River; 4th of the 'Big 4' north-MS crappie reservoirs; 12 in min crappie + 10 / angler (25-fish boat limit, 3+ anglers); 10 / day combined black bass (no statewide minimum length); trophy channel + flathead catfish." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Arkabutla Lake?

Yes. Arkabutla Lake is in Mississippi, so a valid Mississippi fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Arkabutla Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Mississippi rules.

Do Arkabutla Lake's special rules replace Mississippi's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Mississippi's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Arkabutla Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Arkabutla Lake?

Crappie (white + black) has a water-body-specific rule on Arkabutla Lake, each linking to its full Mississippi regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Mississippi limits.

2026 regulation year

Arkabutla Lake 2026 — Mississippi Fishing Regulations

Mississippi statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 9, 2026

Arkabutla Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Mississippi's 2026 fishing rules — covering Crappie (white + black). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

33,000-acre Corps flood-control reservoir on the Coldwater River; 4th of the 'Big 4' north-MS crappie reservoirs; 12 in min crappie + 10 / angler (25-fish boat limit, 3+ anglers); 10 / day combined black bass (no statewide minimum length); trophy channel + flathead catfish
Source: Mississippi special-water list

Per-species rules on Arkabutla Lake

Crappie (white + black) regulations →
12 in min, 10 / angler (25-fish boat limit, 3+ anglers); 4th of the Big 4 north-MS crappie reservoirs

Official source

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks publishes the authoritative 2026 Mississippi fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Mississippi fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks's emergency-order feed — check it before any Mississippi trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Mississippi

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Arkabutla Lake?: Arkabutla Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Mississippi's statewide 2026 rules, covering Crappie (white + black). One of them reads: "33,000-acre Corps flood-control reservoir on the Coldwater River; 4th of the 'Big 4' north-MS crappie reservoirs; 12 in min crappie + 10 / angler (25-fish boat limit, 3+ anglers); 10 / day combined black bass (no statewide minimum length); trophy channel + flathead catfish." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Arkabutla Lake?: Yes. Arkabutla Lake is in Mississippi, so a valid Mississippi fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Arkabutla Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Mississippi rules.
Do Arkabutla Lake's special rules replace Mississippi's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Mississippi's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Arkabutla Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Arkabutla Lake?: Crappie (white + black) has a water-body-specific rule on Arkabutla Lake, each linking to its full Mississippi regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Mississippi limits.

← Back to Mississippi regulations overview