Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery

Facility Activities

Orangeburg NFH consists of two units, a main station and a substation. The main station has a walking trail that offers great opportunities for birding and outdoor recreation, an aquarium center, and an outdoor education area. The substation is primarily used for fish production. It includes a 100-acre reservoir which provides great opportunities for boating and sport fishing. Typical species caught at the substation location include largemouth bass, bowfin, bluegill sunfish, and channel catfish.

Fishing

Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery consists of two units, a main station and a substation. The substation is used for fish production. It includes a 100-acre reservoir for boating and fishing, walking trails that offer great opportunities for birding and outdoor recreation, an aquarium center,...

Birding

From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.

Boating - non-motorized

Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.

Dog walking

Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.

Earthcaching

While traditional geocaching (the burial or removal of "treasure") is generally not permitted at national wildlife refuges because it disturbs wildlife habitat, virtual geocaching may be allowed. In this variant, GPS coordinates lead to points of interest, such as cultural sites or exhibits, that participants can check off on a list.

Photography

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.

Hiking

The Refuge System offers hundreds of miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.

Picnicking

A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.