Barbour River Landing Fishing Access | Townsend GA

Barbour River Landing is a public boat-launch and fishing access point near Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Townsend, Georgia. It offers anglers a way to reach the tidal waters of coastal McIntosh County, where quiet creeks and marsh edges create opportunities for inshore fishing.

Unlike a dedicated fishing pier, Barbour River Landing is primarily a boat ramp and parking area. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service confirms that the landing is open 24 hours, with a maximum stay of 72 hours. Fishing in the estuarine waters adjacent to Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is permitted year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Fishing Access Information

Location: Barbour River Landing, Townsend, Georgia

Address: Barbour Landing Road NE and Wildlife Drive NW, Townsend, GA 31331

Waterway: Barbour River and nearby tidal estuarine waters

Access Type: Public boat ramp and fishing access

Boat Ramp: Listed by McIntosh County

Parking: Available at the landing

Hours: The landing and parking area are listed as open 24 hours; refuge bank fishing is permitted from sunrise to sunset

Stay Limit: Maximum 72-hour stay

Restrooms: Availability at the landing is not confirmed by the official sources reviewed

Fishing License: A Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit are required for saltwater fishing at the refuge, subject to applicable exemptions.

What Can You Catch?

The surrounding estuarine waters offer opportunities for a variety of coastal species. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, species available in the refuge's fishing waters include:

• Red fish

• Spotted seatrout

• Flounder

• Bluefish

• Croaker

• Spot

• Weakfish

• Saltwater catfish

Striped bass and tarpon are also listed among possible catches. These are species reported for the refuge's waters, not a guarantee of catches at the landing itself.

Fishing Tips for Barbour River Landing

Plan around the tide. Moving water can help anglers locate baitfish and feeding fish along nearby creek mouths and marsh edges.

Bring versatile tackle. A medium spinning setup and a selection of hooks, weights, and leader material will cover many common inshore situations.

Try natural bait. Shrimp or cut bait may be useful starting points, depending on your target species and the current conditions.

Respect the refuge. Follow posted signs and current refuge rules. Bank fishing within Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is limited to sunrise through sunset, even though the landing and parking area have longer access hours.

Share the Ramp Safely

Barbour River Landing serves boaters as well as anglers. Keep the ramp and launch area clear, and do not cast across active launching or retrieval lanes.

If you're fishing from a shared dock and a boat approaches, reel in your line and move your rods and tackle so the operator can approach and tie up safely.

Explore More With 912 Coastal

Use our Fishing 101 hub for practical inshore fishing advice and Boat Ramp 101 to discover more public launch locations along the Georgia coast.

You can also explore our guides to Harris Neck Creek Fishing Dock, White Chimney Creek Fishing Dock, and Riceboro Fishing Access to compare other coastal locations.

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