Fishing Rules and Regulations

Please remember that Lake Thoreau Environmental Center is a resource that we all appreciate; so please abide by all rules and regulations listed below:

 

  

1) Anglers must possess a valid Mississippi Fishing License and follow all state regulations. Please visit https://www.ms.gov/mdwfp/hunting_fishing/ for current Mississippi fishing regulations.

2) Lake usage fees are structure after official state permit fees:

Daily Fishing/Boat Launching Permits:

• Youth Fishing Permit (under age 16)                          Free 
• Fishing Permit (ages 16 - 64)                                       $5.00 
• Disabled/Senior Permit (ages 65 and older)              $3.00 
• Boat Launching Permit (boats, canoes, kayaks)         $7.00 
• Senior Boat Launching Permit                                    $6.00

3) No gasoline-powered watercraft allowed in the lake. Electric trolling motors are permitted.

4) All watercraft must be removed 15 minutes before park closing time. 

5) Anglers/passengers may not exceed labeled weight capacities of their watercraft.

6) All watercraft must contain a Coast Guard approved floatation device for each passenger.

7) No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs allowed on the property.

8) No trotline or any other type of set hooks allowed.

9) Species specific restrictions:

          Fish Length Limits and Daily Creel Limits

          Species                       Size                                 Limit

• Largemouth Bass       slot length - 18"-22"        5 per day
• Crappie minimum    length - 10"                      7 per day 
• Bream (all species)     no minimum                  15 per day

10) No more than 5 watercraft or 15 anglers may use the lake at any given time.

11) No swimming or wading allowed.

12) Beware of biting insects, poisonous plants and venomous snakes. Harming or killing of venomous snakes is not allowed.

13) Access to the property only allowed during posted hours; please check our kiosk at the main entrance of Lake Thoreau.

14) The University of Southern Mississippi and its subsidiary units, including employees, departments, centers and colleges are not responsible for any damages, injuries or deaths that occur during normal and approved use of the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center.