Facility Activities

Even though Refuges are established to protect and conserve habitats for plants, fish, and wildlife, people can enjoy these beautiful places as well!  Things like hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, environmental education and interpretation are enjoyed by many people at Lake Isom and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuges!  

Hunting

The oldest national wildlife refuge in Tennessee, Lake Isom NWR is protected as a sanctuary for waterfowl. The proximity of Lake Isom to the Mississippi River has always made the area a major stopover and wintering ground for migratory waterfowl, which can number in the thousands during fall and...

Fishing

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...

Boating - motorized

One boat ramp is located on Lake Isom NWR at the south end of the refuge.  Only boats with 10 h.p. or less are permitted at Lake Isom NWR.  Fishing is seasonally permitted from legal sunrise to legal sunset on the waters of Reelfoot and Lake Isom NWR's (view the Public Use Regulations...

Boating - non-motorized

Lake Isom can be a good place to canoe directly after the refuge open in March. The refuge does not rent canoes/kayaks.

Birding

This area is considered a hotspot for birders. Bald Eagles can be viewed daily in January and February, and we offer free Eagle Tours to the public at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge.  Waterfowl, such as mallards, gadwalls, widgeons, pintail, northern shovelers,...

Auto tour

Enjoy driving down the gravel roads on Lake Isom NWR, which takes you from the north end of Lake Isom to the south end and winds between row crops and moist soil impoundments.  Nearby, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, only a short drive from Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge, has a ...

Ranger-led programs

Please contact the Reelfoot NWR office for environmental education programs.  Archery programs, canoe trips, eagle tours, Jr. Ranger programs, and a number of workshops are offered to the public throughout the year.  Call the refuge office for updates on programs....

Photography

Lake Isom is a great place for wildlife photography.  In the fall before the refuge closes, and in the spring directly after the refuge opens are great times to photograph deer, waterfowl and other wildlife. 

Archery

Just down the road at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, various camps, workshop, and field days are held for students and adults to enjoy learning the basics of archery.