Fishing

The refuge offers varied fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages. Common gamefish include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, walleye and whitefish. Fishing is allowed on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with state regulations, subject to the following conditions.

Only hook-and-line fishing is permitted. Fishing with bow and arrow, spear, gig, or other devices is prohibited. Fishing is allowed from April 1 to September 30 on waters open to fishing, with the exception of Falcon, Heron, Goldeneye, Corral, Blythe, Chukar and Scalp Lakes; these lakes are open year round in accordance with state regulations.

Catch-and-release fishing using artificial flies with a single barbless hook is allowed on Quail Lake. On designated waters, frogging is allowed during periods when fishing is allowed. Motorized and nonmotorized boats are allowed on all refuge waters open to fishing. Nonmotorized, and boats with electric motors, are allowed on Upper and Lower Hampton, Hutchinson and Shiner Lakes. More information on boating is available on the Recreation page. Detailed maps of designated fishing areas are available from the Maps page. For more information on fishing, please contact the refuge office.