Fishing is allowed in Refuge lakes from the last Saturday in April through October 31. Fishing is also allowed in the Little Pend Oreille River, the Rookery Road beaver ponds, and all other streams from the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. Bayley Lake (17 acres to 50 acres) and McDowell Lake (47 acres) are fly fishing only and catch-and-release. Only non-motorized boats are allowed. Potter’s Pond (15 acres) has a five-fish limit, and electric motors are allowed. The Little Pend Oreille River (9.9 miles) is selective gear only with state minimum size and daily limits.
Bayley Lake
(17-72 acres) is a fly-fishing only lake, catch and release for the entire season. The inlet to Bayley Lake is closed to fishing. It has public access with high and low water boat launches.
McDowell Lake
(47 acres) is a fly-fishing only lake, catch and release for the entire season. It has public walk-in access for boat launches. This lake has been treated to eliminate Tench (a undesirable non-native fish). Please report any Tench caught on the angler report forms available at the launch sites. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife monitors the fishing effort and harvest at Bayley and McDowell Lakes. Please complete a survey form to help us measure fishing success.
Potter's Pond
(15 acres) has an accessible fishing dock, parking and restroom.
All federal and State of Washington fishing regulations, seasons, limits and license requirements apply. See the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fishing in Washington brochure for more information.
Boats
Non-motorized boats may be used on all Refuge lakes and ponds; electric powered motors are only allowed on Potter's Pond.