National Wildlife Refuge System
Southeast Region

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Few regions can boast greater diversity in angling than the Southeast. Here, anglers will find some of the best of that uniquely American brand of angling—bass fishing—on such national wildlife refuges as Reelfoot, Big Lake and Santee. What else can an angler find in the refuges of the Southeast? A host of saltwater species, from red drum to snapper, snook to tarpon and beyond. It’s time to go fishing!


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Popular Fish of the Southeast Region

Popular Fish of the Southeast Region

Alabama

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

12295 State Hwy. 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542; (251) 540-7720; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43630. Office hours, 7:30 am-5:30 pm. Refuge is open 7 days per week during daylight hours only. Access roads are in fair condition. Nearest community is Gulf Shores. Nearest highways are I-10, State Hwy. 59 and State Hwy. 180. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish in Gator Lake (40 acres). Spotted seatrout, flounder, redfish, pompano, Spanish mackerel and bluefish are available nearby in the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay. Little Lagoon (approximately 2,000 acres of saltwater) is surrounded by the refuge. In approximately 4 miles of Gulf of Mexico, fishing is open year-round. Canoes or small jon boats are allowed in Gator Lake, but this requires a portage of 8/10 of a mile. Only electric motors are allowed.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

291 Jimmy Parks Blvd., Anniston, AL 36205, (256) 848-7085; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43665. Managed as a part of Central Alabama NWR Complex. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Access roads are primitive. Nearest highway is Hwy. 5. Nearest community is West Blocton. River access is provided on the west side of the Cahaba River near Piper Bridge. Available species include largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. The unique system of pools and shoals within the refuge provide many opportunities to wade and fish or bank fish. A ramp is available for canoe or jon boat launching (no launching from boat trailer).

Amenities: Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 808, Jackson, AL 36545; (251) 246-3583; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43535. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours only. Fair access roads. Nearest highway is Hwy. 84. Nearest community is Gilbertown. Refuge waters include Duck Lake (20 acres). Fishing is allowed all year except for 1,500 acres closed as waterfowl sanctuary, December 1-March 1. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

367 Hwy. 165, Eufaula, AL 36027; (334) 687-4065; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43535. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Public-use areas are open 7 days a week during daylight hours only. Nearest community is Eufaula. Nearest highways are U.S. 82, 431 and Hwy. 165. Good access roads. Impoundments on the refuge can be fished March 1-October 31. 4,500 acres of Lake Eufaula/Lake Walter F. George lie within refuge boundaries. Year-round fishing is allowed on Lake Eufaula and Lake Walter F. George. Refuge impoundments are open to fishing March 1-October 31. Available species include largemouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd., Decatur AL 35603; (256) 353-7243. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Open all year to fishing, with the exception of Garth Slough, which is closed November 15-January 15 to all public entry. Crabtree Slough, Dinsmore Slough and the White Springs Dewatering Unit are closed to all watercraft November 15-February 15. The visitor center is open daily 9:00 am-5:00 pm, October-February, and Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am-4:00 pm, March-September. Nearest highways are Alabama 67, U.S. 31 and I-65. Nearest communities are Decatur, Priceville and Huntsville. Waters within the refuge include Wheeler Reservoir, Tennessee River, Flint Creek, Limestone Creek, Beaverdam Creek, Piney Creek and Cotaco Creek. Available species include crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, several species of catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass and striped bass. There are 6 improved boat ramps within the refuge boundary and a number of unimproved areas for launching of non-motorized vessels. Airboats and personal watercraft are not permitted. There are good access roads throughout the refuge. Additional information about the refuge may be found at http://wheeler.fws.gov/.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

*Nearby.

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Arkansas

Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the Central Arkansas NWR Complex, is located at 1439 Coal Chute Rd., Bald Knob, AR 72010; (501) 724-2458; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43522. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Bald Knob. Nearest highway is Hwy. 367. Primary fishing sites include Pole Brake, Overflow Creek and the numerous irrigation ditches and canals. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. The refuge has a graveled boat ramp on Pole Brake and another to the old creek bed of Overflow Creek. An improved concrete boat ramp off Liberty Valley Road provides access to the Little Red River. No commercial fishing is allowed.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Boat launching

Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the Central Arkansas NWR Complex, P.O. Box 67, 2274 Hwy. 18, Manila, AR 72542; (870) 564-2429; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43515. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Manila. Nearest highway is Hwy. 18. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Refuge waters include 3,500 acres, of which 2,600 acres are open water where depth averages 2 1/2-3 feet. Portions may be closed during bald eagle nesting activities. The refuge's facilities for anglers include 3 maintained boat launching areas.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the Central Arkansas NWR Complex, 26320 Hwy. 33 South, Augusta, AR 72006; (501) 724-2458; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43514. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Augusta. Nearest main highway is Hwy. 33. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Refuge waters include over 200 acres in scattered small lakes and 220 acres in the Cache and Bayou DeView Rivers. Facilities for anglers include 3 concrete launching areas and approximately 10 gravel/dirt ramps scattered throughout the refuge.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 1157, Crossett, AR 71635; (870) 364-3167; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43579. Office and Visitor Center hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Good access roads and some primitive roads. Nearest main highway is U.S. 82. Nearest community is Crossett. Refuge waters include one 3-acre pond, one 1-acre pond used for special fishing events, a 15,000-acre impoundment that can be enlarged to 36,000 acres seasonally, several oxbow lakes, the Ouachita River, (approximately 30 river miles), the Saline River (10 river miles) and Lapile Creek (about 3 miles). There are numerous smaller creeks and sloughs. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include white bass, crappies, sunfish, catfish, rock bass, largemouth bass and chain pickerel.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

10448 Holla Bend Rd., Dardanelle, AR, 72834-9704; (479) 229-4300; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43590. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Public use areas are open 7 days a week during daylight hours only. Nearest community is Dardanelle. Nearest main highways are State Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 155. Available species include largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie and catfish. Available refuge waters include Lodge Lake (30 acres), Long Lake (20 acres) the Old River Channel (200 acres) and 3 miles of the Arkansas River for bank fishing. Fishing season is March 1-October 31.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping* / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

*Nearby.

Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge

1958 Central Rd., Locksburg, AR, 71846; (870) 289-2126; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43575. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Falls Chapel. Nearest highway is U.S. Hwy. 71. Refuge is open year-round to fishing in multiple natural oxbow lakes and in the Little and Cossatot Rivers, which border the refuge to the south and east. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are popular activities, and good catches occur throughout the year. The 30,000-acre U.S. Corps of Engineer's Millwood Reservoir, located just downstream on the Little River, is a destination for many anglers. The refuge's facilities include gravel roads but no boat ramps. Many of the oxbow lakes are accessible only by using ATVs on designated trails to reach the water.

Amenities: Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

178 Hammond Ave., Turrell, AR 72384; (870) 343-2595; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43650. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Good access roads. Nearest highways are Hwys. 42 and 77. Nearest community is Turrell. Refuge waters include Wapanocca Lake (600 acres), with an average depth of 4 feet. Fishing season is March 15-October 31, during daylight hours only. Available species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

White River National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 205, St. Charles, AR 72140; (870) 282-8200. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday; 8:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday. Refuge is open 24 hours a day. Gravel access roads within the refuge. Nearest highway is Hwy. 1. Nearest community is St. Charles. Available species include crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. White River NWR contains approximately 300 recognizable bodies of water that total in excess of 10,000 surface acres. Included in this total are over 200 oxbow lakes and permanent beaver ponds. The remaining bodies of water include numerous bayous, creeks, intermittent streams and the White River. Information can also be obtained by visiting http://whiteriver.fws.gov/.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Nearby.

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Florida

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

10216 Lee Rd., Boynton Beach, FL 33437; (561) 732-3684; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41560. Visitor Center hours 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday; 9:00 am-4:30 pm, Saturday-Sunday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Good access roads. Nearest main highways are U.S. 441 and Hwy. 7. Nearest communities are West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. Refuge waters include the interior canal around the refuge, which is about 57 miles long. Numerous shallow, open marsh areas of approximately 40,000-50,000 acres are open to fishing. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish.

Amenities: Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Lower Suwanee NWR, 16450 NW 31 Place, Chiefland, FL 32626; (352) 493-0238; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41511. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 24. Nearest community is Cedar Key. The refuge is comprised of 12 offshore islands that are accessible only by boat. The islands are surrounded by shallow water, mud flats and oyster bars. Saltwater species available include spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel and tarpon. Fishing season is year-round, except on Seahorse Key. A 300-foot buffer zone around Seahorse Key has been established, and the island is closed to public entry March 1-June 30.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping* / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Nearby.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

1502 S.E. Kings Bay Dr., Crystal River, FL 34429; (352) 563-2088; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41510. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Good access roads. Nearest highway is Hwy. 19. Nearest community is Homosassa Springs. Refuge waters include Chassahowitzka River, approximately 5 miles, and Homosassa River, approximately 7 miles. Refuge is composed of approximately 30,500 acres of coastal wetlands, salt marsh and open Gulf of Mexico. Fishing season is year-round, with closed harvest seasons for certain species. Freshwater species include largemouth bass and sunfish. Saltwater species include red drum, cobia, tarpon, spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and snapper. Slow boat-speed restrictions apply during manatee seasons and vary according to river depth and season. Airboats are prohibited in Citrus County. Refuge is accessible only by boat.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

13640 U.S. Hwy. 1, Hobe Sound, FL 33455-6318; (772) 546-6141; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41561. Office hours, 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Good access roads. Nearest highways are U.S. 1 and A1A. Nearest communities are Hobe Sound, Jupiter and Tequesta. Refuge waters include Intracoastal Waterway and surf fishing at North Beach. Saltwater fishing is permitted on the beach and along the Intracoastal Waterway. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, spot, Spanish mackerel and snook.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel, FL 33957; (239) 472-1100; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41540. Visitor Center is open daily. Wildlife Drive is open 7:30 am-sunset, closed Fridays. Tarpon Bay Recreation Area is open daily 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Bailey Tract is open sunrise to sunset. Seasonal times may vary in all areas. Nearest main highways are I-75 and U.S. 41. Nearest communities are Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers. Refuge waters include Tarpon Bay and mangrove estuary on the north side of Sanibel and the Sanibel River at the Bailey Tract. The estuary provides excellent boat fishing year-round. Wildlife Drive provides good shore fishing and crabbing opportunities year-round. The Bailey Tract provides freshwater fishing opportunities year-round. Small boats, kayaks and canoes can be launched from Tarpon Bay Recreation Area. Cartop-size boats, kayaks and canoes can be launched from the right-hand side of Wildlife Drive into the estuary, but vessels must pole, paddle or float in the area of Wildlife Drive. There is Gulf of Mexico access via the Pine Island Sound. Available freshwater species include largemouth bass, bluegill and gar. Saltwater species are bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, spot, pompano, Spanish mackerel, snook, tarpon, bonefish, mangrove snapper and mullet.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities / No motors for boating

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

2045 Mud Lake Rd., DeLeon Springs, FL 32130; (386) 985-4673; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41550. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 17. Nearest community is DeLeon Springs. Refuge waters include Pool 1 (50 acres), Pool 2 (150 acres), Pool 3 (245 acres), Lake Woodruff (2,200 acres) and Lake Dexter (1,400 acres). Rivers include Spring Garden Creek (approximately 100 acres), Norris Dead River (100 acres) and various boat-accessible tributaries. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and chain pickerel. Road access to the public use area at the end of Mud Lake Road is fair. The majority of the refuge is only accessible by boat. Local boat launching facilities are north of Deleon Springs State Park, Tedder's Fish Camp, south at Highland Park Fish Camp and Ed Stone State Park.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping* / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching* / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Nearby.

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

16450 NW 31 Place, Chiefland, FL 32626; (352) 493-0238; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41515. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Fair access roads. Nearest highway is U.S. 19. Nearest community is Chiefland. Refuge waters include approximately a dozen ponds ranging in size from less than 1 acre to several acres. Bank fishing and boat ramps are available to access the Suwannee River and its tributaries or the Gulf of Mexico and its tidal creeks. Available freshwater species include largemouth bass, Suwanee bass, white bass, crappie, sunfish, perch and catfish. Saltwater species include spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel and tarpon.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center

*In adjacent state-managed waters.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 6504, Titusville, FL 32782; (321) 861-0667; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41570. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday; 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Titusville. Nearest highways are I-95, U.S. 1, SR 406 and SR3. Good access roads. Freshwater fishing is limited to about 100 acres of borrow pits. Banks fishing for saltwater species is available from many dike roads, Patillo Creek, Eddy Creek and Haulover Canal. Approximately 40,000 acres of brackish lagoon waters, including Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River and Banana River, are open to fishing. Portions of Banana River are a manatee sanctuary where waters are open to non-motorized boats only. Other waters posted "Slow Speed" for manatee protection. Some waters contained within the Kennedy Space Center Security Area are closed. Fishing season is year-round (except around Space Shuttle launches). Available freshwater species include largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Saltwater species include spotted seatrout, flounder and red drum.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

1339 20th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960; (772) 562-3909; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41572. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Sebastian. Nearest highway is A1A. Fishing is permitted in the open water areas of the refuge, with good fishing opportunities for redfish, snook, sea trout, flounder, mangrove snapper, Jack Crevalle and other popular sportfish. Bank and wade fishing is permitted on the lagoon side of Bird's and Pete's Impoundment Trails. Refuge waters are open year-round, except the posted buffer around Pelican Island (proper), which is closed year-round. Manatee slow speed zones are posted along Spratt Creek and in other areas near shorelines and islands. Recreational clamming is open north of Spratt Point, except in the posted aquaculture use zone. Boat launching facilities are available in the city of Sebastia, Wabasso Causeway and Sebastian Inlet State Park. Fishing is prohibited in the interior of impoundments, lakes and ponds.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

1255 Lighthouse Rd., St. Marks, FL 32355; (850) 925-6121; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41640. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday; 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday. The refuge is open every day during daylight hours. Nearest highways are U.S. 98, Hwys. 363, 267 and County Road 59. Good access roads. Nearest communities are St. Marks, Shell Point, Spring Creek, Panacea and Sopchoppy. Refuge waters include 2,000 acres of man-made pools open to bank fishing year-round and to boats (outboard motors not larger than 10 hp), March 15-October 15, in the St. Marks Unit. Otter Lake (120 acres), Alligator Lake (100 acres), Lake Renfro (20 acres) and other small lakes and ponds less than 5 acres are open year-round to boats (outboard motors not larger than 10 hp) and bank fishing. Aucilla, St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers lead into Apalachee Bay (approximately 5 miles of each river within or near refuge boundaries) Approximately 32,000 acres of bay/estuary are within refuge executive closing boundary; saltwater boat launch provides access to the bay. Saltwater fishing is allowed year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. Saltwater species are bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel, mullet, shark and black sea bass.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 447, Apalachicola, FL 32329; (850) 653-8808; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41650. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 98. Refuge is accessible only by boat. Primitive road conditions on island; no vehicles are allowed. Nearest community is Apalachicola. Surf fishing is permitted year-round. Refuge waters include Oyster Pond (100 acres) and lakes 1-5 (total 156 acres). Fishing season is May 15-September 30. Available species include largemouth bass, redear sunfish and catfish. Boating restrictions include no outboard motors, and electric motors only on refuge lakes and ponds. Saltwater fishing in surrounding bay and gulf waters is for spotted seatrout, red drum, sheepshead, black drum, flounder, mullet, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, whiting, pompano and sharks.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

3860 Tollgate Blvd., Suite 300, Naples, FL; (239) 353-8442; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41555. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays. Nearest highway is U.S. 41. Nearest community is Goodland. The fresh and brackish marshes are open during daylight hours. Available species include redfish, snook, gray snapper, spotted seatrout and sheepshead. Freshwater fishing is accessible from U.S. 41, 2.5 miles east of intersection of Hwy. 92 and U.S. 41. Access in this area is available along canoe trails and along a 1-mile hiking trail. Frequently caught freshwater species include bream, gar and largemouth bass. There are no refuge facilities for anglers. The Ten Thousand Islands area is a pristine environment with very few structures. Trotlines, gigs, spears, bush hooks, snatch hooks, crossbows or bows and arrows of any type may not be used in non-marine areas. Marine areas are open 24 hours a day.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

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Georgia

Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Okefenokee NWR, Rt. 2, Box 3330, Folkston, GA 31537; (912) 496-7836; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41591. Office hours, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Refuge is open daylight to dark. Good access roads. Nearest highway is Hwy. 122. Nearest community is Lakeland. Refuge waters include 1,000 acres of flooded cypress swamp. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge

1000 Business Center Dr., Suite 10, Savannah, GA 31405; (912) 832-4608; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41626. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest community is Darien. Blackbeard Island is composed of 2,000 acres of brackish creeks, tidal waters and salt marsh, and waters are open to fishing year-round. Blackbeard Island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Saltwater fishing is permitted throughout the year. Freshwater species include largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish. Saltwater species include bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, striped bass, bonefish, croaker and shark. Access to refuge is by boat only. Only non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are allowed on freshwater ponds.

Amenities: Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center** / No motors for boating†

*Sea kayak. **Information shelter. †Electric motors only in the impoundment.

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Piedmont NWR, 718 Juliette Rd., Round Oak, GA 31308; (478) 986-5441; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41685. Office hours, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest community is Macon. Nearest highway is Hwy. 23 and 87. Available species include largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish. Currently there are no facilities on site. Fishing is available in limited portions of Stone Creek and the Ocmulgee River, March 15-October 15. Vehicle access is limited. Only bank fishing is allowed.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Savannah Coastal Refuges, 1000 Business Center Dr., Suite 10, Savannah, GA 31405; (912) 652-4415; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41627. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Access to fishing piers on Harris Neck Creek is permitted from sunrise to sunset daily. The Barbour River boat landing is open daily 4:00 am-midnight. Nearest highways are U.S. 17 and I-95. Nearest community is Darien. Good access roads. Saltwater fishing only is allowed at South Newport River, Barbour River and bordering creeks. Tidal waters within 1,291 acres of salt marsh are open to fishing. Boaters departing from the refuge's Barbour River Landing have access to Sapelo Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 18 miles from the refuge landing. Saltwater fishing is permitted throughout the year. Available species include bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, spot, striped bass, weakfish, tarpon, croaker and saltwater catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center**

*Sea kayaking. **Information shelter.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Rt. 2, Box 338, Folkston, GA 31537; (912) 496-7366; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41590. Office hours, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Refuge hours vary by season and entrance. Good access roads. Nearest highways are Hwy. 121 and 23, Spur 177 and U.S. 1. Nearest communities are Okefenokee and Fargo. Refuge lake is 39,600 acres. Fishing season is year-round. The use of live minnows or trotlines is prohibited. Available species include bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, flier, catfish and chain pickerel. Horsepower limitation for watercraft is 10 hp.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center** / Disabled angler facilities† / No motors for boating††

*Sea kayaking. **Information shelter. †At Visitor Center. ††10 HP or less.

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

718 Juliette Rd., Round Oak, GA 31308; (478) 986-5441; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41680. Office hours, 7:30 am-5:00 pm, Monday- Friday; 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Good access roads. Nearest community is Hillsboro. Nearest highways are Hwys. 11, 87, and I-75. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset. Freshwater species are largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. No live bait fish are allowed.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Savannah Coastal Refuges, 1000 Business Center Drive, Suite 10, Savannah, GA 31405; (912) 832-4608; http://www.fws.gov/pinckneyisland/. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is located in SC and is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is U.S. 78. Good access roads. Nearest community is Hilton Head Island, SC. Public boat ramp is located on south end of island. Saltwater fishing and shell-fishing are allowed from boats only. No freshwater fishing is allowed. Mackay Creek, Skull Creek (Intracoastal Waterway) and 2,729 acres of tidal waters and salt marsh adjacent to the refuge are open to saltwater fishing throughout the year. Port Royal and Calibogue sounds border the refuge. Available species include bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, striped bass, tarpon, saltwater catfish, croaker and shark.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center**

*Sea kayaking. **Information shelter.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

1000 Business Center Drive, Suite 10, Savannah, GA 31405; (912) 652-4415; http://www.fws.gov/savannah/. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset and is located in SC and GA. Nearest highway is U.S. 17. Nearest community is Savannah. Good access roads. Recreational fishing is permitted, March 1-November 30 in 2,702 acres of impounded waters and associated man-made canals. Bank fishing from Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive and fishing from boats in tidal creeks is offered year-round, non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors only. Water depths and fishing conditions vary according to the refuge's management of impoundments for waterfowl and wading birds. The Savannah River, its channels and associated tidal freshwater creeks are open to fishing. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Public ramps are located on the Savannah River adjacent to refuge boundaries.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Savannah Coastal Refuges, 1000 Business Center Dr., Suite 10, Savannah, GA 31405; (912) 652-4415; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41628. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset and is accessible by boat only. Nearest community is Savannah. Saltwater fishing only is allowed at Odingsell River, Wassaw Creek, Romerly Marsh Creek, Rhodes Creek and Habersham Creek. Tidal water within 7,691 acres of salt marsh is open to fishing. Wassaw Island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean where fishing is permitted year-round. Available species are bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, striped bass, tarpon, croaker, saltwater catfish and shark.

Amenities: Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center**

*Sea kayaking only. **Information kiosk.

Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Savannah Coastal Refuges, 1000 Business Center Dr., Suite 10, Savannah, GA 31405; (912) 652-4415; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41623. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Access is by boat only. Nearest community is Darien. Navigable saltwater within refuge boundaries is open daily. Entry on foot to Wolf, Egg and Little Egg Islands is prohibited. Saltwater rivers and creeks border refuge marshland. Tidal waters within 4,219 acres of salt marsh are open to fishing. Wolf Island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean where saltwater fishing is permitted year-round. Available saltwater species are bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum, striped bass, tarpon, croaker, saltwater catfish and shark.

Amenities: Maps available / Canoeing and kayaking*

*Sea kayaking only.

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Kentucky

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge

91 U.S. Hwy. 641 North, Benton, KY 42025; (270) 527-5770; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42622. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest community is Benton. Nearest highway is Hwy. 641. The refuge lies along the east fork of the Clarks River. Anglers can expect to find crappie, sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish in the Clarks River; however, bank fishing is somewhat limited due to access. Fishing on refuge is a day-use-only activity.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Disabled angler facilities / No motors for boating

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Louisiana

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Managed by the Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex, 61389 Hwy. 434, Lacombe, LA 70445; (985) 882-2000; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43614. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Nearest community is Ramah. Nearest highway is Hwy. 975. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and catfish. Atchafalaya NWR is part of the nation's largest complex of forested wetlands of bottomland hardwoods and swamps.

Amenities: Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 1772, 3391 Poole Rd., Ferriday, LA 71334; (318) 336-7119; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43530. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. Fishing and use of the boat launch is open during daylight hours seven days a week. Nearest community is Ferriday. Nearest highway is Hwy. 15. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and crappie. Fishing access is limited to a put-in at Cocodrie Bayou near the refuge headquarters and near the south end of the refuge via a private launch.

Amenities: Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex, 61389 Hwy. 434, Lacombe, LA 70445; (985) 882-2000; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43595. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest community is New Orleans. Nearest highway is I-10. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill, and saltwater species are blue crab, spotted seatrout, flounder and red drum. Anglers can fish 5,000 acres of freshwater marsh and about 3,000 acres of bay/estuary. The refuge's facilities for anglers include numerous parking areas, boat launches and miles of roads accessible to bank fishing. Portions of the refuge are closed during state waterfowl season. Boat motors are limited to 25 hp in freshwater impoundments. Airboats, air-cooled engines and motorized pirogues are prohibited.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex, 61389 Hwy. 434, Lacombe, LA 70445; (985) 882-2000; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43558. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highway is I-12. Nearest community is Lacombe. Fishing season is year-round. Available saltwater species include spotted seatrout, red drum, flounder and blue crab. Freshwater species include largemouth bass and crappie. Shorelines of Lake Pontchartrain and adjoining bayous/canals contain a diverse ecosystem. The refuge's facilities for anglers include boat launches. Airboats, mudboats and motorized pirogues are prohibited.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of North Louisiana NWR Complex, Richland Rd., Monroe, LA; (318) 387-1114; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42652. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week. Nearest community is Monroe. Nearest highway is U.S. Hwy. 165. Fishing season is year-round. Fishing opportunities include bait casting for largemouth bass, jig or shiners for crappie and cane pole fishing for bream in the pristine 1,800 acre cypress-studded lake. The refuge has boat launch sites (motor restricted to 50 hp or less).

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex, 61389 Hwy. 434, Lacombe, LA 70445; (985) 882-2000; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43616. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open 24 hours per day. Fishing season is July through March. Nearest highway is I-59. Nearest community is Talisheek. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. There is fishing available in several oxbow and overflow lakes, East and West Pearl Rivers and Bogue Chitto River. There are several streams and sloughs on Bogue Chitto that provide excellent fishing for catfish and gar. Refuge facilities are limited, and access is generally by boat or foot. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has several boat launches available to the public for access to the refuge.

Amenities: Food nearby / Primitive camping / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Breton National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex, P.O. Box 924, Venice, LA 70091; (504) 534-2235; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43556. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open 24 hours per day. Access to refuge is by boat from Venice or Gulfport, MS, and airplane from New Orleans. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include spotted seatrout, flounder, red drum and Spanish mackerel. Breton NWR is considered one of the best nearshore fishing sites in the Gulf of Mexico, with 20 miles of pristine barrier island fishing offshore of LA and MS coast. No facilities are available on the refuge.

Amenities: Primitive camping

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of Southwest Louisiana NWR Complex, 1428 Hwy. 27, Bell City, LA 70630; (337) 598-2216; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43612. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is LA Hwy. 27. Nearest community is Sweetlake. Fishing season is March 15 through October 15. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, redear sunfish, catfish, gar and bowfin. The most popular method of fishing is with live bait. The refuge's facilities are approximately 2 miles of canal accessible for bank-fishing and 1 mile of canal accessible by motorboat. Bank-fishing areas are restricted to paddle and/or electric trolling motor access only. There are no improved launch areas available, so boats must be hand-launched. There are no restrictions for boat access in the canal accessible by motorboat; canal may be accessed by Gibbstown public boat launch on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Amenities: Food nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

Part of Central Louisiana NWR Complex, P.O. Box 1936, St. Francisville, LA; (225) 635-4753; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43697. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest highway is U.S. Hwy. 61. Nearest community is St. Francisville. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and crawfish. The refuge's facilities for anglers include Blackfork Bayou, Lateral Canal and 3 small shallow ponds. Recreational fishing is permitted year-round, sunrise to sunset. Recreational crawfishing is permitted April 1-July 31, limited to 100 pounds per vehicle or boat per day.

Amenities: Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge

210 Catahoula NWR Rd., Jonesville, LA 71343; (318) 992-5261. The mailing address is P.O. Drawer Z, Rhinehart, LA 71363-0201. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open 1 hour before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Nearest highways are LA Hwy. 28 and U.S. Hwy. 84. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and freshwater drum, by either boat or bank fishing. A 9-mile wildlife drive allows anglers easy access to various locations of the 700-acre Duck Lake and 154-acre Cowpen Bayou. Access to the 46-acre Muddy Bayou is restricted to ATV use only. The fishing season for Duck Lake and Muddy Bayou is March 1-October 31. Cowpen Bayou and Hwy. 28 borrow pits are open year-round. Facilities for anglers include 2 low-water boat ramps and one high-water boat ramp. Fishing on the Bushley Bayou Unit is open year-round, except during deer-gun and muzzleloader hunts. There are 2 off-refuge public boat ramps to access the 8-mile Bushley Creek and no motor restriction. ATV use only is allowed to access the 60-acre Dempsey Lake and the 15-acre Round Lake. Motors larger than 10 hp prohibited. For more information, visit http://catahoula.fws.gov/

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping* / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

*Nearby.

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of North Louisiana NWR Complex, 11372 Hwy. 143, Farmerville, LA 71241; (318) 726-4222; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43545. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open 24 hours, 7 days/week. Nearest highway is Hwy. 143. Nearest community is Monroe. Fishing season is year-round except for the Mollicy Unit where fishing is permitted March 1 through August 31. Available fishing opportunities include bait casting for largemouth bass, jig or shiners for crappie and cane pole fishing for bream. Angling is allowed in 13 miles of Bayou D'Arbonne and numerous back water lakes. The refuge has three boat launches.

Amenities: Food nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of Southeast Louisiana NWR Complex, P.O. Box 924, Venice, LA 70091; (504) 534-2235; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43555. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Access to refuge is by boat from Venice. Anglers must cross and travel down the Mississippi River to get to the refuge. Fishing season is year-round. The primary freshwater species include largemouth bass, striped bass, sunfish, catfish and crappie; saltwater species are striped bass, red drum, spotted seatrout and flounder. 15,000 acres of open water and marsh ponds are accessible by shallow-draft boats. Waters flowing through Delta NWR provide access to the Gulf of Mexico. No refuge facilities are available.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Information center

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge

Part of Central Louisiana NWR Complex, 401 Island Rd., Marksville, LA; (318) 253-4238; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43696. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. The refuge is open 4:00 am-1 hour after sunset. Fair access roads. Nearest highway is LA Hwy. 1. Nearest community is Marksville. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include catfish, bowfin, alligator gar, freshwater drum and crawfish. Recreational crawfishing is permitted in designated areas, April 1-May 31, with harvest limited to 100 pounds per permit per day.

Amenities: Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the Southwest Louisiana NWR Complex, 209 Nature Road, Lake Arthur, LA 70549; (337) 774-5923; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43610. Office hours, 7:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 14. Nearest community is Hayes. Popular species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, bowfin and gar. The refuge consists of impounded freshwater marshes, with the 16,000-acre Lacassine Pool as the predominant feature. The Lacassine Bayou (approximately 2,000 acres) and about 8 miles of canals are also available for fishing. Fishing is permitted at Lacassine Pool and in refuge marshes, March 15-October 15. A 25 hp maximum motor size is in effect for boaters on the Lacassine Pool.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

Part of Central Louisiana NWR Complex, 401 Island Rd., Marksville, LA; (318) 253-4238; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43695. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Nearest highway is Hwy. 452. Nearest community is Marksville. Available species include largemouth bass (minimum of 14"), black and white crappie (minimum of 10") and white bass. Recreational fishing is permitted in Lake Ophelia, Duck Lake, Westcut Lake, Possum Bayou, Lake Long and in the immediate vicinity of the Lake St. Agnes drainage culverts on the Red River, March 1-October 15, 4:00 am-1 hour after sunset. Boats are allowed, 25 hp maximum. There are 4 boat launches, with 3 accessible by ATV and 1 by vehicle.

Amenities: Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Red River National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of North Louisiana NWR Complex, 11372 Hwy. 143, Farmerville, LA 71241; (318) 726-4222; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42653. Office hours, 6:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highway is Hwy. 71. Nearest community is Bossier City. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. The refuge's facilities for anglers include bank fishing and small boat access.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the Southwest Louisiana NWR Complex, 3000 Holly Beach Hwy., Hackberry, LA 70645; (337) 762-3816; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43640. Office hours, 7:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday; noon-4:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday. Refuge hours are from sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is LA State Hwy. 27. Nearest community is Hackberry. Refuge waters consist of a freshwater impoundment totaling approximately 26,000 acres, plus marshes and canals totaling approximately 99,000 acres. Fishing season, via boats, is March 15-October 15. Fishing is open year-round along Hwy. 27 for bank fishing. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish and gar. Saltwater species include spotted seatrout, flounder, black drum and red drum. There are fishing facilities constructed at 3 recreation areas (Northline, Hog Island Gully and West Cove) along Hwy. 27. Boats are limited to 40 hp or less in the freshwater impoundment. Aside from the impoundment, boats that are not traveling in designated canals or natural bayous must push-pole or use only trolling motors in the marsh.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

Rt. 2, Box 295, Tallulah, LA 71282; (318) 574-2664 or (318) 574-3739; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43690. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Fair access roads. Nearest highways are Hwy. 80, Hwy. 65 and I-20. Nearest community is Tullulah. Fishing season is year-round on Africa Lake (27 acres), Judd Lake (40 acres) Buck Lake (60 acres), Rainey Lake (16 acres) and Tensas River (30 river miles). Fishing season is March 1-October 31 on all other lakes. Available species include largemouth bass, white and black crappie, catfish, gar, bowfin and buffalo. No gas motors are allowed, except on Judd Lake, Buck Lake and Tensas River.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of North Louisiana NWR Complex, Hooker Hole Rd., Haile, LA; (318) 726-4222; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43546. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. The refuge is located along either side of the Ouachita River, beginning at the AR line on the west bank going south for approximately 18 miles. Refuge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nearest highways are Hwy. 143 and U.S. Hwy. 2. Nearest community is Haile. Fishing opportunities include bait casting for bass, jig or shiners for crappie and cane pole fishing for bream. Fishing is allowed on the Ouachita River, Fish Lake, Harrell Lake and many other backwater lakes. The refuge has 3 boat launches and a universal access pier at Harrell Lake.

Amenities: Maps available / Boat launching / Disabled angler facilities

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Mississippi

Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the North Mississippi NWR Complex, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, MS 38901; (662) 226-8286; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43676. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours. Fishing season is March 1 through September 30. Nearest community is Charleston. Nearest highway is Hwy. 35. Fishing is permitted in the borrow pits only, with opportunities to catch crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Nearby.

Hillside National Wildlife Refuge

One of 7 refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex, is located in Holmes and Yazoo Counties. Hillside NWR is managed by refuge staff at Morgan Brake NWR, (662) 839-2617. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest highway is Hwy. 49E. Nearest community is Tchula. Approximately 20 borrow ponds and Tipton Bayou are offered for fishing year-round, 7 days a week during daylight hours only. Species include largemouth bass, crappie, redear sunfish, catfish, gar, bowfin, carp and buffalo. The refuge is closed to fishing during the deer-gun season. For more information, go to http://hillside.fws.gov/.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails

*Nearby.

Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge

One of 7 refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex, is located in Leflore and Holmes Counties. Mathews Brake NWR is managed by refuge staff at Morgan Brake NWR, (662) 839-2617. Office hours, 7:30 am- 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Good access roads. Nearest community is Sidon. Nearest highways are Hwy. 49 and Hwy. 7. Fishing season is March 1 through November 15. Fishing is permitted year-round in the borrow ponds. The lake is a 1,720-acre natural oxbow lake with cypress and tupelo gum trees around the edges, and fishing is available for catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, buffalo, crappie, carp, gar and bowfin. For more information, go to http://hillside.fws.gov/.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Boat launching

*Nearby.

Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge

One of 7 refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex, 1562 Providence Rd., Cruger, MS 38924; (662) 839-2617. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Tchula. Nearest highway is Hwy. 49E. The refuge offers good access roads to 5 lakes and 1 stream. Fishing is offered year-round, except during gun-deer season. Available species include largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill and catfish. For more information, visit http://morganbrake.fws.gov/.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Boat launching

*Nearby.

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

2970 Bluff Lake Rd., Brooksville, MS 39739; (662) 323-5548; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43620. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday; 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday. Refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Access roads are in good condition. Nearest highways are Hwys. 45 and 25. Nearest communities are Brooksville, Starkville and Louisville. Refuge waters include Bluff Lake (800 acres), Loakfoma Lake (450 acres), Ross Branch Reservoir (40 acres) and Noxubee River. Fishing season is March 1-October 31 in all refuge lakes; Noxubee River is open year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, redear, sunfish, crappie and catfish.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

One of 7 refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex, 13695 River Rd., Yazoo City, MS 39194; (662) 839-2617. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Yazoo City. Nearest highway is Hwy. 149. Available species include catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, buffalo, carp, gar and bowfin. Waters between the East and West levees, the Landside Ditch and the portion of Panther Creek adjacent to the West Levee are open year-round except during limited deer hunts. All other refuge waters are open March 1-November 15. Trotlines, limb lines, jugs, seines and traps are prohibited. Some of the preferred fishing areas are Wade Bayou, Panther Creek, Deep Bayou, Lake George and the waters lying between the East and West levees. The refuge's facilities include 2 all-weather access concrete boat ramps at Deep Bayou and Lake George. For more information, visit http://pantherswamp.fws.gov/.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Located at P.O. Box 117, Sibley, MS 39165; (601) 442-6696; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42640. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Nearest highway is Hwy. 61. Nearest community is Natchez. Fishing is permitted from March 1 through the day before muzzleloader deer season begins in late November. Available species include catfish, largemouth bass and crappie. Both boat fishing and bank fishing are available. The refuge's facilities include boat ramps at 4 lakes with access to all lakes via gravel roads.

Amenities: Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the North Mississippi NWR Complex. The complex office is located at 2776 Sunset Dr., Grenada, MS 38901; (662) 226-8286; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=43645. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Grenada. Nearest highway is Hwy. 8. Fishing season is March 1 through September 30. Available species include crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish in Tippo Bayou and associated oxbows. The refuge's facilities are boat ramps for Tippo Bayou and Long Branch oxbow.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Nearby.

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North Carolina

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954; (252) 473-1131; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41630. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Primitive access roads. Nearest main highway is U.S. 64/264. Nearest community is Manteo. License required for saltwater fishing beginning in 2006. Waters available for fishing include East Lake, South Lake, Whipping Creek Lake, Sawyer Lake and Swan Lake. Streams include Milltail Creek, Whipping Creek and Swan Creek, approximately 20 miles total, plus approximately 150-200 miles of man-made canals along roads. Refuge boat-launching facilities for small boats exist at South Lake, Buffalo City and Milltail Creek. Additional boat launching facilities are provided on adjacent areas by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Fishing access is available year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, redear sunfish, catfish and chain pickerel in freshwater. Brackish bays/estuaries include Pamlico Sound and Alligator River. Predominant brackish/saltwater species are bluefish, striped bass, spotted sea trout, flounder, red drum, striped bass, spot and croaker.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

*Nearby.

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by Mattamuskeet NWR, 879 Lola Rd., Cedar Island, NC 28520; (919) 225-2511; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42531. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours, year-round. Good access roads. Nearest main highways are Hwy. 12 and U.S. 70. Nearest communities are Cedar Island and Atlantic. Most visitors fish from John Day Bridge on Hwy. 12 and in parts of Thorofare and West Bays (state-owned). Fishing season is year-round. Species include spotted seatrout and flounder.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 39, 316 Marsh Causeway, Knotts Island, NC 27950; (252) 429-3100; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=41660. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highway is Rt. 615. Nearest community is Knotts Island. Available species include sunfish, crappie, catfish, largemouth bass and seasonal striped bass and flounder. The refuge's facilities are small-boat access, a fishing pier and 3 large impoundments (open March 15-October 15).

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

38 Mattamuskeet Rd., Swanquarter, NC 27885; (252) 926-4021; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42530. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Good access roads. Nearest highways are 264 and 94. Nearest communities are Swanquarter and Fairfield. Refuge waters include Lake Mattamuskeet (40,000 acres) with an average depth of 2 feet. Shallow-draft boats with small motors, canoes or waders are recommended. Five culverts can be fished from Hwy. 94. Four outlet canals connect Lake Mattamuskeet with Pamlico Sound. There is good fishing and crabbing from canal bridges and water-control structures and freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish and striped bass. Best fishing seasons are spring and fall. Refuge is open year-round for bank fishing and March 1-November 1 for boats. Saltwater species include spot, striped bass and blue crab.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

c/o Alligator River NWR, P.O. Box 1969 Manteo, NC 27954; (252) 987-1118; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42540. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Nearest main highway is NC Hwy. 12. Nearest community is Fairfield. Refuge is open dawn to dusk and has excellent fishing year-round. Access for nighttime surf fishing is allowed with a permit September 15-May 31 annually. Access for surf fishing is allowed along approximately 12 miles of beach on NC's Outer Banks, from Oregon Inlet southward to the village of Rodanthe. Access for inlet fishing from Bonner Bridge catwalks and surrounding area is also allowed. Launching area for small boats and canoes/kayaks is at New Inlet. Saltwater species include sharks, bluefish, spotted sea trout, flounder, red drum, spot, striped bass, weakfish, sea mullet, pompano, Spanish mackerel and croaker. Available freshwater species in brackish feeder streams and ponds include largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish and chain pickerel.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Nearby. **Beach.

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge

Rt. 1, Box 92, Wadesboro, NC 28170; (704) 694-4424; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42550. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Good access roads. Nearest highways are Hwys. 52 and 74. Nearest community is Ansonville. Refuge ponds are Sullivan (3 acres), Ross (5 acres), Andrews (10 acres), Beaver (15 acres) and Little (1 acre). Arrowhead Lake is 25 acres. About 200 acres of the Pee Dee River are open to fishing. Brown Creek is about 15 acres. Fishing season is April 15-October 15. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Only boats with electric motors are allowed on Arrowhead Lake, Beaver Pond and Andrews Pond.

Amenities: Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

205 S. Ludington Dr., PO Box 329, Columbia, NC 27925; (252) 796-3004; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42535. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Fair access roads. Nearest highways are U.S. 64, 94 and 45. Nearest communities are Plymouth, Roper, Creswell and Columbia. Refuge lands include 4.5 miles of shoreline along Lake Phelps, a 16,500-acre lake that is part of Pettigrew State Park, and half of the shoreline at Frying Pan Lake, a 2,000-acre bay on the Alligator River. Fishing season is year-round in most waters. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

114 W. Water St., P.O. Box 430 (mailing) Windsor, NC 27983; (252) 794-3808; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42630. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Williamston. Nearest highway is U.S. 17/13. The refuge borders the Roanoke River for approximately 30 miles. Fishing is allowed on the Roanoke River and its tributaries year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. The Roanoke River is accessible by public boat ramps located in Hamilton, Williamston, Jamesville and Plymouth.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge

38 Mattamuskeet Rd., Swanquarter, NC 27885; (919) 225-2511; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42532. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Access roads are in good condition. Refuge waters include Pamlico Sound tributaries (Rose Bay Creek, Juniper Creek, Oyster Creek). Approximately 27,000 acres of Pamlico Sound estuarine waters adjacent to refuge are open to fishing. Fishing season is year-round, although May-November are the most popular months. Available species include spotted seatrout, red drum, croaker, spot, gray trout, flounder, bluefish and blue crab. Access to Juniper Bay and J.B. Cree is via Hydeland Canal Boat Ramp; access to Swanquarter Bay is via Fisherman's Wharf Marina in Swanquarter; access to Rose Bay is via Rose Bay Marina.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Boat launching* / Canoeing and kayaking

*No ramps on refuge-private and public ramps available.

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South Carolina

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

5801 Hwy. 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429; (843) 928-3264; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42510. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest community is Mt. Pleasant. Nearest highway is Hwy. 17. Fishing opportunities include surf fishing and fishing within saltwater estuaries with excellent fall surf fishing for red drum and black drum. The refuge's facilities for anglers are limited. There is boat access only, except at Garris Landing, where some fishing is available from the dock. All total, the refuge has more than 30,000 acres of bay/estuary waters and 12-14 miles of beachfront. Surf fishing is allowed year-round. Salt water species available are bluefish, spotted seatrout, flounder, spot and the above-mentioned drum species.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities* / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

*Limited.

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

23734 Hwy. 1 McBee, SC 29101; (843) 335-8401; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42520. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Refuge is open 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset. Nearest main highway is U.S. Hwy. 1. Nearest communities are McBee and Hartsville. Sport fishing is permitted year-round unless otherwise posted on 310 acres of various impoundments. Boat ramps are provided on larger lakes. Available species include largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. Electric trolling motors only are allowed.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities / No motors for boating*

*Electric trolling motors only.

Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 848, Hollywood, SC 29449; (843) 889-3084; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42511. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open during daylight to dark. Nearest highway is Hwy. 17. Nearest community is Hollywood. Fishing is allowed in the Beaufort County portion of the refuge only. Impounded waters contained within dikes and levees are opened seasonally, from April 1-August 31 from sunrise to sunset. All unimpounded tidal creeks, tidal canals and freshwater streams on and immediately adjacent to the refuge are open year-round. Predominant species include largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and mullet. All areas require foot travel.

Amenities: Maps available / Hiking and nature trails

Santee National Wildlife Refuge

2125 Fort Watson Rd., Summerton, SC 29148; (803) 478-2217; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42570. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:00 pm, Tuesday-Saturday for the refuge visitor center/office. Refuge is open 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Poor to fair access roads. Nearest highway is U.S. 15/301. Nearest community is Summerton. Available species include largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. There are 9,000 acres of open water area within the refuge, which are superimposed on the 110,000-acre Lake Marion. Lake Marion is world famous for excellent striped bass fishing and trophy-sized catfish. Other open fishing waters include ponds, shallow impoundments and canals that total 30 acres. Fishing is allowed year-round in some areas, in other areas only March 1-November 1.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

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Tennessee

Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the West Tennessee NWR Complex, 1505 Sand Bluff Rd., Ripley, TN 38063; (731) 287-0650; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42526. Office hours, 7:30 am-8:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest community is Ripley. Nearest highway is Hwy. 19. Available species include bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, carp, buffalo and gar. The portion of the refuge that borders the Mississippi River consists of a series of sandbars and islands that provide habitat for big river fish such as flathead catfish, blue catfish and pallid sturgeon, which is currently on the endangered species list. Sport fishing is permitted year-round on most areas of the refuge. Spring is the best time for fishing, with the receding backwater floods. The refuge has 2 boat ramps.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

643 Wildlife Rd., Dover, TN 37058; (931) 232-7477; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42515. Office and visitor center hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open during daylight hours only. The River Bottoms Road is open March 16-November 14. Good access roads. Refuge is located along 11 miles of the Cumberland River at the tailwaters to Lake Barkley. Nearest communities are Dover, Clarksville and Nashville. Nearest main highways are Hwy. 49 and 79. Fishing is permitted in refuge impoundments and reservoirs, March 16-November 14. Fishing is permitted year-round in waters of Lake Barkley. Predominant species are sunfish, crappie, catfish and largemouth bass. Best fishing occurs during the spring after winter flooding has occurred.

Amenities: Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the West Tennessee NWR Complex, 6772 Hwy. 76 South, Brownsville, TN; (731) 772-0501; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42525. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest highways are I-40 and Hwy. 76. Nearest communities are Brownsville and Hillville. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Fishing is allowed in 10 oxbow lakes, 4 borrow pit lakes, 3 managed lakes, numerous sloughs and creeks, and the fishable waters along the Hatchie Scenic River. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours only. There is a minimum 14-inch size limit for bass in Goose and Quail Hollow Lakes. Only electric trolling motors are allowed on refuge waters. Some areas are closed November 15-March 15.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge

Unit of the West Tennessee NWR Complex, is managed from the Reelfoot NWR office/visitor center at 4343 Hwy. 157, Union City, TN 38261; (731) 287-0650; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42576. Office hours, 7:45 am-4:15 pm. Nearest highway is Hwy. 22. Nearest community is Tiptonville. Available species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. The refuge has a boat ramp at the south end of the refuge that provides access to Lake Isom. The refuge is open for fishing March 16-November 14 during daylight hours only. There is a 10 hp limit. The lake consists of 750 acres of open water interspersed with buttonbush and cypress.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Boat launching

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Part of the West Tennessee NWR Complex, 234 Fort Prudhomme Dr., Henning, TN 38041; (731) 287-0650; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42527. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highways are Hwy. 51 and Hwy. 87. Nearest community is Fort Pillow. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Fishing is allowed on Champion Lake (5 acres), Teal Pond (2 acres), Shoaf Pond (1-1/2 acres), the Hatchie River and the Mississippi River. Fishing is open year-round, except for Teal Pond and Shoaf Pond, which are open March 16-November 14. No motors are allowed on Teal Pond or Shoaf Pond.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities / No motors for boating

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the West Tennessee NWR Complex, 4343 Highway 157, Union City, TN 38261; (731) 287-0650; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42575. Office hours, 7:45 am-4:15 pm, Monday- Friday. Reelfoot NWR is located on a portion of Reelfoot Lake. Nearest highways are TN Hwy. 22 and Hwy. 157. A boat ramp is located at the end of the auto tour route. Available species include crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Fishing season on the Grassy Island unit (southern unit) is February 1-November 14. Fishing season on the Long Point unit (northern unit) is March 16- November 14. Fishing is allowed during daylight hours only.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

3006 Dinkins Lane, Paris, TN 38242; (731) 642-2091; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=42620. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Tennessee NWR is made up of 3 separate units. The Duck River Unit, the largest of the 3, is located in Humphreys and Benton counties at the junction of the Duck and Tennessee Rivers. The sub-headquarters of this unit is located 1 1/2 miles southeast of Hustburg. The Big Sandy Unit is located 12 miles north of the town of Big Sandy, at the junction of the Big Sandy and Tennessee Rivers. The Busseltown Unit is located in Decatur County, along the western bank of the Tennessee River; the entrance to the unit is 5 miles northeast of Parsons. Nearest highways are Hwy. 79, Hwy. 70, I-40 and Hwy. 412. In early spring, Kentucky Lake is known for some of the best crappie fishing in the nation. Later in the season, largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, sunfish, sauger and catfish provide sport for many. The refuge is noted for having greater fish species diversity in these waters than any other inland refuge in the nation. The refuge's facilities include 19 launch ramps open to the public. Most are day-use facilities only. Several areas of the refuge are closed seasonally, November 15-March 15. Grassy Lake heron rookery is closed November 15-August 31. Fishing is permitted during daylight hours only. No taking of turtles or bullfrogs is allowed on refuge. Boating restrictions on interior impoundment limit motors to "no wake" speed.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Last updated: October 7, 2008
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