Visit Us
A lazy afternoon on the lake may be accompanied by the splash of a jumping fish, the sight of turtles sliding into the water, gators imitating floating logs, or the wild cry of an osprey bringing a fish to its nestlings. Whether fishing for crappie (speckled perch), bream, or bass, other treats await those who look and listen.
The refuge is open 24 hours a day to freshwater fishing, otherwise use of the grounds is limited from sunrise to sunset. Learn more on our Fishing page.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Okefenokee Complex.
Rules and Policies
General
The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Fishing is authorized 24 hours a day.
- Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms will comply with all provisions of state and local law.
- Collecting or disturbing or killing wildlife, plants, minerals or artifacts are prohibited.
- Camping, overnight sleeping in vehicles, swimming, wading, and open fires are prohibited.
- Intoxicated or disorderly individuals are subject to arrest and removal.
- All-terrain vehicles or utility vehicles (ATVs or UTVs) are prohibited.
- Littering is prohibited. Please put all trash in approved trash receptacles.
- You may not place anything in the refuge for the purpose of attracting or concentrating wildlife species.
- Geocaching is not permitted.
Fishing and Boating
We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
- All federal, state, and refuge regulations for fishing and boating apply.
- Sport fishing is allowed 24 hours a day. All other activity is prohibited after sunset.
- Appropriate anchor and navigational lights must be displayed on boats at all times during night fishing.
- Jet skiing, water skiing, and the use of airboats is prohibited.
- No Wake Zones and Closed Areas must be observed by all visitors.
- Marking fishing spots or boat trails is prohibited.
- Fishing is permitted only with pole and line or rod and reel. Fishing gear must be attended at all times.
- Trotlines, seine nets, throw nets and dipping for minnows are prohibited.
- Turtles, frogs, or other animals may not be collected or removed from the refuge.
- Fishing Tournaments can be permitted with a Special Use Permit. Permits must be requested at least 30 days in advance. No permits for Fishing Tournaments will be issued when refuge events are being held. A permit fee applies.
Visit the Fishing page for more information.