Lake Thoreau Environmental Center
Fishing Rules and Regulations
Page Content
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 |
| Boat Launching/Fishing Permit (boats, canoes, kayaks) | $9.00 |
| Disabled/Senior Fishing Permit (ages 65 and older) | $3.00 |
| Senior Boat Launching/Fishing Permit | $7.00 |
Annual Fishing/Boat Launching Permits:
| Youth Fishing Permit (under age 16) | Free |
| Fishing Permit (ages 16 - 64) | $55.00 |
| Boat Launching/Fishing Permit (boats, canoes, kayaks) | $100.00 |
| Disabled/Senior Fishing Permit (ages 65 and older) | $35.00 |
| Disabled/Senior Boat Launching/Fishing Permit | $70.00 |
| Family Annual Fishing Permit | $75.00 |
| Family Annual Boat Launching/Fishing Permit (boats, canoes, kayaks) | $125.00 |
Click here to pay for annual fishing passes
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.