Freshwater Fishing
Sport fishing is allowed year-round in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations except where posted as closed. Refuge waters include 1,000 acres of flooded cypress swamp. Visit our Rules and Policies page and 50 CFR 32.29(a)(4) for fishing regulations.
- Fishing is permitted only with pole and line or rod and reel.
- No seine nets or throw nets allowed. No trotlines.
- No dipping for minnows
- Fishing gear must be attended at all times.
- No turtles, frogs, or other animals may be collected or removed from the refuge.
Fish Species
Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish.
Fishing License Requirement
Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website to learn about fishing license requirements.
Fish Consumption Advisories
Visit the Georgia Environmental Protection Division website for fish consumption guidelines.
Fishing Tournaments
Well-planned fishing tournaments can promote recreational fishing opportunities and be a source of conservation information and education for the angler. All fishing tournaments will be conducted in such a manner as to minimize disturbance to wildlife, resources, and the visitor experience.
We allow fishing tournaments by Special Use Permit only. The application must be submitted a minimum of 30 days in advance of the scheduled tournament date. To apply for a permit, complete General Activities Special Use Application (FWS Form 3-1383-G) and return to Okefenokee@fws.gov.
- The permit fee for a fishing tournament is based on the number of boats. The permit is free for 10 boats or less, $25 for 11-30 boats, and $50 for 31-50 boats. The permit fee must be paid with credit/debit card prior to permit issuance.
- The fishing tournament will be in accordance with all State and Federal regulations.
- Tournament participants are required to release all largemouth bass except trophy or injured fish. Panfish and other sunfish species in legal individual limits may be kept.
- The tournament participants will be responsible for litter pick-up in conjunction with the tournament.
- The Permittee will be liable for all damages on the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in conjunction with the fishing tournament.
- The Permittee must provide the Refuge Manager with a summary report within 14 days of the tournament date including the number of boats and participants, number of fish caught live by species, number of fish released live by species, number of fish kept by species, and justification of why the fish were not released.
- All participants must observe a 200 yard “No Wake Zone” which extends out into the open water area in front of the fishing pier and mouth of the boat basin.
- Tournament will be held from safe light to 2:00 p.m.
- No “Shotgun Starts” will be allowed.
- If a triploid grass carp is caught or captured it must be released immediately.