Fishing Opportunities and 2011 Regulations

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is located within three counties (Noxubee, Oktibbeha and Winston) of east-central Mississippi, and consists of approximately 48,000 acres. Approximately 42,000 acres of the Refuge is woodlands and is occupied by a variety of upland species. The Refuge was established in 1940 from lands formerly controlled by the Bankhead-Jones FarmTenant Act. The primary objective is to provide resting and feeding habitat for migrating waterfowl. Secondarily, nesting habitat is managed for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Compatible public activities are encouraged, including wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting.

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge has two major lakes, (Bluff Lake: 800 acres, Loakfoma Lake: 400 acres) several small impoundments, creeks, and rivers available for fishing.

Sport fishing is permitted in designated areas in accordance with applicable State, Federal and Refuge regulations. A no-cost Refuge permit is required. No commercial fishing activities allowed.

To reach the Refuge from Starkville, take Oktoc Road till it dead-ends, and then follow the Refuge signs. Another option is to take Highway 25 South just into Winston County and turn left a the Refuge sign.

General Regulations

Refuge Hours - Daylight Use Only

Regulations - A no-cost permit is required to fish Refuge waters. This permit (the Hunting, Fishing, and Public Use Regulations Brochure - signed) may be obtained at Refuge kiosks, the Refuge office, or by mail.

The regulations listed below supplement the general regulations which govern fishing on wildlife Refuge areas as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Fishing will be in accordance with applicable State regulations.

Closed Areas - Certain areas of the Refuge are closed to fishing. Such areas are conspicuously marked with "Closed" signs. The Refuge is open for daylight use only; closed to all public access after dark. Refuge waters are closed to fishing and boating from November 1st through the end of February.

Forfeiture of Fishing Privileges - Any person violating any Refuge regulation may be requested by the Refuge Manager to forfeit the privilege of fishing on the refuge for the remainder of the fishing season and may be ineligible to fish the following year.

Camping - Camping is not permitted on the refuge. However, camping areas are available at locations within and adjacent to the Refuge.

Seasons - The sport fishing, boating and bow fishing seasons extends from March 1, through October 31, except for the Noxubee River and the borrow pits along Highway 25, which are open year-round. Bow fishing is for non-game fish only.

Boats - Fishing and boating are permitted during daylight hours only. Boats may not be left overnight on the Refuge. Boats are permitted only during the open fishing season. There is no size restriction on boats; however, due to safety reasons (shallow depths, numerous underwater obstructions) an idle (no wake) speed is ENFORCED on all Refuge waters. Boats are not permitted in spillways. Vehicles must be parked adjacent to roadways.

Pole and set hooks - Pole and set hooks when used in rivers, creeks, and other water bodies must be tagged with name and address and removed when not in use.

Nighttime Bow Fishing - Nighttime bow fishing for non-game fish only is permitted March 1 - October 31. Permits are required. Contact Refuge office at (662)323-5548.

Trotlining

• Lines must have floats at each end with owner’s name and address on both.
• One line per person. No more than two per boat.
• Must be tended every 24 hours and removed when not in use.

Jug Fishing

• Must have name and address on each jug.
• Must be tended every 24 hours and removed when not in use.

Limb lines, snag lines, and hand grappling are prohibited in Ross Branch, Bluff Lake, and Loakfoma Lake.

Wanton Waste - No person may capture, kill or destroy any game bird, game mammal or game fish and remove the head, hide, antlers or any or all of such parts from the body, with the intent to abandon the body.

Motor Vehicles - Motor vehicles are only allowed on all roads shown on the map, unless the road is closed by sign or gate. Vehicles must be parked adjacent to these roadways without blocking access to gates. Maps are available at the visitor center.

Fires - Fires are prohibited.

Littering - Please help us put litter in its place. Deposit all trash in barrels provided.

Accidents - All accidents and injuries occurring on the Refuge should be reported immediately at the Refuge office. Phone: (662)323-5548.

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Quality Fishing Depends on You!

For State Regulations or Information: http://home.mdwfp.com/

For further information contact:

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
2970 Bluff Lake Road
Brooksville, Mississippi 39739

Telephone: (662)323-5548
Fax: (662)323-6390
Email: noxubee@fws.gov