Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Sport fishing is allowed year-round in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations except where posted as closed. You must possess and carry a valid fishing license while fishing on the refuge. Digital licenses are accepted, but cell service may vary across the refuge. You should download your license(s) to your phone or print a paper copy of your license so you have a copy of your license with you at all times.
Visit our Rules and Policies page and 50 CFR 32.29(f)(4) for fishing regulations.
Boat Motor Restrictions
Electric motors and boats with outboard motors are limited to 10 hp. You may launch watercraft with larger gasoline motors, but you must either remove the gas tank or propeller and trim the motor out of the water.
Where to Fish
Excellent bank fishing opportunities exist in the boat basins on both the east and west entrances, as well as along the Sill at the west entrance. The refuge has three access points that provide boat ramps:
- Suwanee Canal Recreation Area (main entrance) is about 12 miles south of Folkston, GA on the east side of the refuge. Fishing opportunities include both bank fishing around the boat basin and a boat ramp to access miles of canals. Latitude/Longitude: 30.73822, -82.14109
- Kingfisher Landing is about 13 miles northwest of Folkston, GA on the east side of the refuge and provides access to the trail system and has miles of canals to fish. Latitude/Longitude: 30.95471, -82.13751
- Stephen C. Foster State Park is about 19 miles from Fargo, GA on the west side of the refuge. Fishing opportunities include bank fishing around the boat basin and boat ramp access to miles of canals. The nearby Sill provides boating access to both Okefenokee Swamp and the upper Suwannee River from its two boat ramps. Latitude/Longitude:30.82663, -82.36176
Fish Species
The refuge provides a unique fishing experience. The fish assemblage is skewed toward species that adapt well to high-acid, low-oxygen conditions prevalent throughout the dark, tannic waters. Species like largemouth bass and bluegill are rare, but acid-tolerant species such as pickerel (jackfish), flier, warmouth, bowfin, and yellow bullhead catfish abound.
Suggested Bait: The possession of live bait fish or trotlines are prohibited. The predatory fishes are toothy, so a wire leader is a good idea. In-line spinners, minnow plugs, and plastic worms work well for the larger fish, while small jigs, yellow sallies (a small, yellow fly popular in the Okefenokee region), crickets, crayfish, and worms fool panfish. It is hard to beat a small piece of shrimp on the bottom for catfish. Fly fishing is effective for all species except catfish, and it’s hard to beat a sally for panfish or streamer for pickerel and bowfin.
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.
Alligators and Other Wildlife
Do not feed wildlife. When fed, alligators lose their natural fear of humans and become attracted to people. It is unlawful to feed alligators or any other wildlife on the refuge. This includes allowing alligators to eat unwanted or released fish.
Fishing Guides
Fishing guides are allowed by permit only. To apply for a permit, follow the instructions on the Facility Services page for the Commercial Activities Special Use Application (FWS Form 3-1383-C)
List of Fishing Guides (current as of October 2024)
- Bert Deener, owner of Bert’s Jigs and Things. Contact: bertdeener@yahoo.com