The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has commenced its annual supplemental fish stocking initiative for 2025, beginning with the introduction of Florida largemouth bass into public waters statewide.
The stocking process was initiated last month at the Turcotte Hatchery, where biologists have been nurturing fingerling bass in grow-out ponds for a period of 30 to 45 days. These juvenile bass are now being harvested and distributed to various lakes and reservoirs throughout Mississippi.
This year’s stocking effort involves a request for over 500,000 Florida largemouth bass by MDWFP’s fisheries biologists. The targeted water bodies include popular fishing destinations such as Wolf Lake, Ross Barnett Reservoir, Eagle Lake, and Lake Bogue Homa.
The decision to enhance these areas with additional bass was based on sampling data collected in the previous fall, which highlighted regions that would benefit from increased stocking activities.
Florida largemouth bass are renowned for their rapid growth and are highly sought after by anglers due to their size potential and vigorous nature.
For further details on MDWFP’s fish hatcheries and the statewide stocking program, interested parties are encouraged to visit the MDWFP Fish Hatcheries & Stocking webpage.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, this annual stocking initiative is designed to sustain healthy fish populations, boost recreational fishing, and maintain the vibrancy and sustainability of Mississippi’s waters for future generations.
