Fishing at Waubay National Wildlife Refuge

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

The primary fishing opportunities at Waubay National Wildlife Refuge include 2,500 acres of ice-fishing for walleye, perch, and northern pike.

Fishing at Waubay is restricted to winter months to protect breeding waterfowl. Walk-in ice-fishing is allowed from December after refuge deer seasons to ice-out with a valid South Dakota fishing license. Walleye, perch, and northern pike are popular game fish. You can pick up current ice fishing regulation information when you arrive on the Refuge. Please check a current sunrise/sunset table for allowable times or check postings at Refuge kiosks or Headquarters.

State fishing regulations apply to Refuge waters. Consult the South Dakota Fishing Handbook for species limits and fishing regulations.

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