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| General Info |
This 4,049-acre refuge includes roughly 1,000 acres of open water along with marsh, hardwood swamp and upland habitat. It provides hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities across the lake and its shoreline. Banks Lake consists of marsh, and swamp. The Robert Simpson III Nature Trail, dedicated in August 2001, is located within the Lakeland city limits on 75 acres of pine and hardwood forests. Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in Lanier County, near Lakeland, GA, as part of a much larger blackwater system. The refuge was established in 1985 for the protection and conservation of this unique environment as well as migratory and resident wildlife. Banks Lake is natural pocosin or sink of ancient geologic origin.Facilities at Banks Lake NWR include restrooms, boat ramp, short walking trail, boardwalk and platform, and accessible fishing dock. Management of the lake focuses on working cooperatively with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote and maintain a healthy fishery and providing opportunities for appropriate recreational uses by maintaining a boat ramp, dock, boardwalk and other facilities. Free admission and parking. |
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| Fishing |
| Banks Lake in Lanier County Size: 4,049 acres, about 1,000 acres of open water - Fish: Bass, bream, crappie, gar and pickerel Lake Facilities: A boat ramp and a handicap accessible dock are located at the lake. Fee: No special fees Open: All year; sunrise to sunset. Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day from March 1 to September 30, and during daylight hours only the rest of the year. Restrictions: No trot lines or other set tackle allowed, special permit required for night fishing |
| Hours & Amenities |
| Open daily sunrise to sunset. However, if you are fishing in the lake your boat will need to be out of the lake by 6pm. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. |
| Contact - Address - GPS & Website Link |
| Phone: 912-496-7836 - Address: 307 Hwy 122 W, Lakeland, GA 31635 - GPS Coordinates: 31.019699, -83.127502 - Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge Website |
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