Fishing
Available species include largemouth bass, channel catfish, bullhead, bluegill, crappie and white bass.
| Activity | Season | Division | Regulation |
| Sport Fishing | Allowed all year (sunrise to sunset) in accordance with state seasons and regulations except where otherwise posted. |
Big Timber Division and Iowa River Corridor Louisa Division closed Sept.15 to Jan.1 (exception of the boat ramp and fishing pier access at the inlet structure.) Horseshoe Bend Division Dec. 1 until Sept.14 Motor boats are allowed for fishing only during the periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee. Keithsburg Division Jan. 1 until Sept.14. Spring Slough parking area is open to fishing all year. A sign is present to designate the closed area boundary beyond the gate. | Boats and all other fishing devices must be removed at the end of each day’s fishing. |
Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources.
Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Iowa and Illinois regulations subject to the conditions stated below. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.
- We prohibit the taking of any mussels or clams, crayfishes, leeches, frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, turtles and other non-fish species by any method on the refuge
- We prohibit all types of motorized vehicles on frozen water bodies
- Boats and all other fishing devices must be removed at the end of each day’s fishing
Big Timber Division and the Iowa River Corridor
- Sport fishing is allowed all year in accordance with state seasons and regulations except where otherwise posted
Horseshoe Bend Division
- Fishing is allowed December 1 to September 14, in accordance with state seasons and regulations
- Motor boats are allowed for fishing only during the periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee
Louisa Division
- Fishing is allowed January 2 to September 14, with the exception of the boat ramp and fishing pier access at the inlet structure, and is in accordance with state seasons and regulations
Keithsburg Division
- Fishing is allowed January 1 to September 14, with exception of the Spring Slough parking area which is open to fishing all year. A sign is present to designate the closed area boundary beyond the gate.
Boats
Canoeing and kayaking are allowed and there is a designated water trail on the Louisa Division. On Horseshoe Bend, motor boats are allowed for fishing only during the periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee.
Prohibited Activities
By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Possession of alcoholic beverages
- Camping and Fires
- ATVs and UTVs
- Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, bison skulls, plants, historic, and archaeological features. They are protected by Federal law.
- Taking of turtles or frogs
- Firearms capable of firing cartridge ammunition
