A man waist deep in water holding a silver fish and his fishing rod

Sportfishing is permitted on any refuges waters, except during temporary seasonal closures for waterfowl sanctuary. Popular species include bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Please see the Rules & Policy page for more details.

Please remember to pack your own trash out with you. Discarded fishing line, hooks and other fishing equipment cause great harm to wildlife.

NOTE- The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve and Thompson Lake on the East side of HWY 97/78 is privately owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy. Please contact The Nature Conservancy for their specific regulations. You must obtain a lake access permit and liability waiver.

Laws, rules, and regulations