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Fly fishing Fishing Fishing season will open on April 26, 2008 on the Refuge. The gate into Potter's Pond and Bayley Lake will open on April 24, 2008. Anglers
of any age can spend many enjoyable hours on the waters of the Refuge.
Three Refuge lakes are open for fishing, as well as the Little Pend
Oreille River, its tributaries, and scattered beaver ponds. The Refuge has two lakes managed for quality fishing, Bayley Lake and McDowell Lake. Bayley Lake is a fly-fishing only lake with a harvest limit of one fish over 14" from opening day until July 4, after which it is catch and release only. No motors are allowed. This lake receives heavy fishing pressure on opening weekend and is stocked with eastern brook and rainbow trout. McDowell Lake is another fly-fishing only lake but is catch and release for the entire season. No motors are allowed. This lake contains mostly rainbow trout and a few brown trout. Volunteer angler survey stations exist at both lakes and are maintained in cooperation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Potter's Pond, with stocked rainbow trout, nearby campsites, and a wheelchair accessible fishing dock is great for the whole family. This pond receives heavy fishing pressure in the early season. Fishing pressure remains relatively constant through June, then tapers off as the weather and water warm. Although it is only 15 acres, Potter's Pond overwinters fish and can yield large robust fish throughout the season. Electric motors are allowed. The inlet and outlet to the pond are closed to fishing. The Little Pend Oreille River, Bear Creek, and beaver ponds receive relatively light fishing pressure. The Little Pend Oreille River from the Refuge boundary, about one mile downstream from the Refuge office, and upstream to Crystal Falls is catch and release with selective gear rules. Exception-up to 5 eastern brook trout, of any size, may be kept. All Federal and State of Washington fishing regulations, seasons, limits, and license requirements apply. See the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fishing in Washington and our Fishing brochure for more information. Fishing is permitted in Potter's Pond, Bayley Lake, and McDowell Lake from the last Saturday in April until October 31; in beaver ponds, the Little Pend Oreille River and its tributaries from June 1 until October 31. |
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