Patuxent Research Refuge Fishing

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - America's National Wildlife Refuge System

Last Update

Patuxent Research Refuge
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, visitors may fish at Cash Lake (pictured above). These areas support predominantly bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, black crappie, pickerel, trout, shad, chub, carp, suckers, striped bass, 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 15 – October 12, 2008
(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 Permit issued by the Refuge. Refuge Fishing Permits are free and available at the National Wildlife Visitor Center grounds (Sat & Sun. between the hours of 10:30AM and 3:30PM except for federal holidays) and 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 fishing license and vehicle information.

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 14th, 2008 was Kids' Fishing Day at the National Wildlife Visitor Center and Cash Lake.
Here's the story from the 2008 Kids Fishing Day.