Fishing areas are limited to Ringneck Marsh and Oak Orchard Creek, from sunrise to sunset. Oak Orchard Creek can by accessed from the shore at the bridges on Route 63, Sour Springs Road and Knowlesville Road as well as by non-motorized boats. Ringneck Marsh also has an accessible fishing dock. All other areas of the refuge are closed to fishing to provide sanctuary area for migrating and nesting waterfowl. Refer to the Sport Fishing Fact Sheet below under References.
Available species include northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white perch, brown bullhead and carp. Ice fishing is permitted. The Refuge offers two fishing events - a youth fishing derby and a veterans fishing day - during the summer months. Both state and federal regulations apply. Check out the sport fishing fact sheet for all the rules and regulations of the refuge.
Veterans Fishing Day
This event is hosted by partner organizations and held on the Refuge during summer time. This event is free to veterans and their families. Registration is required and dates may vary annually. For more information about this event, please visit the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY.
Youth Fishing Derby (Cancelled for 2022)
Instead we will have YOUTH FISHING DAYS. Click the link for more information
The Youth Fishing Derby was initiated in 1991 to coincide with National Fishing and Boating Week. The derby is free and held the first Saturday in June on the dike on the west side of Ringneck Marsh. Youths 17 and younger are able to participate. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and fishing begins at 8:00 am. Participants may join the derby at any time, however, all lines must be out of the water by 11:00 am, and all state fishing laws must be followed.
Rods and reels will be available for children to borrow, if needed. A parent, guardian, or responsible adult must be present during the event, but may not fish for the child. Other activities will be available, such as casting games, fishing fun facts, conservation games, and demonstrations.
Iroquois Refuge is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, NY, and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. To get to Ringneck Marsh, take Hwy 63 and turn east onto Oak Orchard Ridge Road. In less than 0.5 miles, you may park in the Ringneck Marsh Overlook Parking Lot. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at (585) 948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Iroquois Refuge, Inc. who will be providing door prizes for all anglers and trophies for the anglers with the winning fish. Fun is sure to be had by all! This event is also one of the many ways the Refuge offers to connect people with nature. Connecting People with Nature (CPWN): Ensuring the Future of Conservation” is a national priority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the mission of “working to ensure that all Americans have enjoyable and meaningful experiences in the out-of-doors and develop strong life-long connections with the natural world.”
