Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are the primary species caught in the refuge's oxbow and overflow lakes, the East and West Pearl Rivers, and the Bogue Chitto River. Sloughs along the Bogue Chitto can provide excellent fishing for catfish and gar. Several free boat launches provide access to the refuge from Louisiana and Mississippi.
Note: A fish consumption advisory for mercury is in effect for the Pearl and Bogue Chitto Rivers – pregnant and nursing women and children should limit intake. See Louisiana and Mississippi Department of Health websites for more details.
There is a family-friendly fishing pond located at the Pearl River Turnaround Access Site at Exit 11 on Interstate 59 north of Pearl River. This site has and disabled-access fishing piers, a picnic pavilion, and a nature trail. This fishing pond is the location of an annual Youth Fishing Rodeo in early June. To provide optimal wildlife viewing and fishing, non-gas powered craft only are allowed in this fishing pond when it is open.
