Fishing and Boating Regulations

Fishing with hook and line is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

1. Bank and wade fishing with pole and line or rod and reel are permitted year-round in areas open for public fishing access.
2. Limblines, throwlines, juglines, and yo-yo's are not permitted in lakes, ponds, or creeks. During boating season, trotlines are only permitted in the open area of Cumberland Pool, Rock Creek and the natural banks of the Washita River. Lines used must be attached to anchored floats. Fishing tackle must be removed at the end of each season.
3. Use of any containers (jugs, bottles) as floats is not permitted.
4. During the boating season, no wake boat fishing with hand-held tackle is permitted in open areas south and west of the Cumberland Pool shallow water buoy line, lakes south of the Washita River, and the Wildlife Management Unit. Fishing or entry into the Sanctuary Area is not permitted.
5. Night fishing is permitted from boat (during boating season) on the Cumberland Pool, except not in the Sancuary Area and the no-wake area south and west of the shallow water buoy line.
6. Night fishing from the bank is permitted at the Headquarters Area, Sandy Creek Bridge, Murray 23, Wildlife Management Unit and other authorized fishing areas.
7. Taking of bait for personal use while fishing on the refuge is permitted in accordance with Oklahoma State law.
8. Bow fishing is permitted only in the Wildlife Management Unit.
9. The taking of fish by the use of hands (noodling) is prohibited in all Refuge and Management Unit Waters.

1. The boating season runs March 1 through September 30 on Refuge lakes, the Wildlife Management Unit, and Washita River.
2. All State and Federal regulations apply to boats using the refuge.
3. Hazards: Cumberland Pool contains floating debris and submerged concrete structures.
4. Personal watercraft (jet ski's) are not permitted.
5. Tube fishing (fishing with the aid of an inner tube type device as part of a pair of waders for floatation) is permitted during boating season March 1 through September 30.
6. Boating, fishing, and entry into the Sanctuary Area is prohibited.

Special Daily & Size Limits
White or Black Crappie	10" minimum and 37 daily limit
Channel catfish Blue catfish	Channel and Blue size limit: 12" minimum Daily limit 15 combined. Only one Blue Catfish over 30 inches.
Flathead catfish	Flathead 20" minimum and daily limit 5
Striped bass and Striped bass hybrid	Daily limit 10 combined, only 2 may be 20" or longer
White bass	Daily limit 25. No size limit
Largemouth Smallmouth Spotted bass	Size limit: 14" minimum for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Daily limit of 5 combined.