Fishing is extremely popular within the ACE Basin area and, the refuge offers a wide variety of quality fishing opportunities for anglers to catch largemouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Fishing is allowed in the Combahee Unit of the refuge only. Impounded waters contained within dikes and levees are opened seasonally, from April 1-August 31 from sunrise to sunset. Only bank fishing is permitted and all areas are walk-in. Only hook and line fishing is permitted
All unimpounded tidal creeks, tidal canals and freshwater streams on and immediately adjacent to the refuge are open year-round. Predominant species include largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and mullet.
Boat access to the Edisto and Combahee Rivers is limited to the use of state boat ramps outside of refuge boundaries. Fishing in the refuge is in accordance with applicable State regulations and special refuge regulations as stated in the hunting and fishing regulations brochure.