Patuxent Research Refuge Fishing

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Patuxent Research Refuge

Last Update

Fishing

Cash Lake fishing pier

Refuge visitors may fish within the North Tract at Lake Allen, New Marsh, Cattail Pond, Rieve's Pond, Bailey Bridge Marsh, and the Little Patuxent River. In addition, at South Tract, visitors may fish at Cash Lake (pictured above). These areas support predominantly bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, black and white crappie, pickerel, shad, chub, carp and yellow perch.

Fishing season and hours vary by location as follows:

North Tract Season:

All Year (during operating hours;
some exceptions apply)

Cash Lake Season:

June 9 – October 13, 2013
(June - Aug.: 6:00AM - 8:00PM;
Sept. - Oct.: 7:00 A.M - 6:30PM)

Anglers must have a current Maryland non-tidal fishing license and a seasonal Refuge Fishing/Parking Pass issued by the Refuge. Refuge Fishing Passes are free and available at the National Wildlife Visitor Center beginning in June (between the hours of 9:00AM and 4:00PM daily except for federal holidays) and currently available at the North Tract Visitor Contact Station (between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3:30PM daily except for federal holidays). Anglers are asked to bring their Maryland non-tidal fishing license.

Fresh water fishing and boating laws of the State of Maryland apply except as further restricted in Refuge Fishing Regulations. See Refuge Fishing Regulations and Fishing Harvest Limits. En español - Reglas de Pesca y Especies y Limites de la Cesta.

June 8th, 2013 is
Kids' Fishing Day at the
National Wildlife Visitor Center.
Get the details
See photos from past year