The refuge's Lake 13 is a popular fishing site for rainbow trout and channel catfish.  Anglers have also caught black bullhead, channel catfish, green sunfish, bluegill, walleye, and largemouth bass.  The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks the Lake with hatchery-reared rainbow trout and between March 1 and October 31 you are invited to try your luck.  Boats may be used at trolling speed only on Lake 13.  A boat launch area is available on Lake 13 depending on lake levels.  Be sure to stop at the entrance kiosk for current regulations that apply by New Mexico State and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Birders and wildlife watchers can challenge themselves by attempting to check off all 289 species of birds found on the refuge.  The link below shows the refuge's most recent bird list (2015).  American kestrels, wild turkeys, and Wilson's phalaropes are a few of the common species you will enjoy seeing on Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge.

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Fishermen and wildlife watchers are invited to use the primitive camping area located adjacent to Lake 13 between March 1 and October 31.  Vault toilets can be found at the entrance road to the lake.  Be sure to come fully prepared as no facilities are provided.  Please limit your stay to no more than three consecutive nights.  Parking or staging unattended vehicles is prohibited.

Mid-October on the refuge is generally the peak fall migration of sandhill cranes, geese and ducks.  However, any time of year you are likely to see a diversity of wildlife.  Wildlife watching is generally best during the morning and at dusk when wildlife are most active.

The refuge offers educational tours to school groups. Teachers are encouraged to reserve a tour date at least three weeks in advance.  There are no fees for the tours, which can be scheduled with the visitor services manager at number (505) 425-3581, ext. 205.  Check back to this site as we hope to offer curriculum-based environmental education programs in the future.

Learn about the refuge and its amazing wildlife at various locations, including the Visitor Center, Lake 13, and on the refuge tour loop with additional observation sights that highlight resource management and wildlife activities.

This is where you can get helpful information from refuge staff, as well as where the business operations of the refuge is conducted.  Enjoy the information and displays in the Visitor Center and be sure to bring your National Wildlife Refuge System Blue Goose Passport Book and have it stamped!  The Visitor Center hours are predominantly 7:30 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Due to a smaller staff, our refuge office and Visitor Center may be closed during some of these hours, when employees are in the field. You may call (575) 375-2331, Ext. 200, before coming to the refuge to see if the Visitor Center will be open.