National Wildlife Refuge System
Mountain-Prairie Region

Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

The vast grasslands that stretched from Kansas north and west and the great Rocky Mountains were the two defining challenges to westward travelers in the 19th century. Today, they still beckon anglers, who avidly seek out the trophy walleye waters of the Missouri River system. Fly fishers from around the world head to the northern Rockies each year in quest of trout, including the species that Lewis and Clark described as “new” in 1804—the native cutthroat— emblematic trout of the interior West.


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Popular Fish of the Mountain-Prairie Region

Popular Fish of the Mountain-Prairie Region

Colorado

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

953 Jackson County Rd. #32, Walden, CO 80480; (970) 723-8202; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=65520. Office hours, 7:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. The refuge is open half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 125. Nearest community is Walden. Refuge offers fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. The Illinois River is the only area on the refuge open to fishing. The refuge is closed to fishing June 1-July 31 to reduce impact on nesting birds. The river ices over by November and does not typically open again until May. Fall (August-October) is the best time to fish on the refuge.

Amenities: Food nearby* / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

*Walden.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge

1318 Hwy. 318, Maybell, CO 81640; (970) 365-3613; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=65550. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is State Hwy. 318. Nearest community is Maybell. Refuge waters include Green River (approximately 900 acres) and Beaver Creek (approximately 75 acres). The Green River is shallow and is suitable for non-motorized, small, flat-bottom boats, rafts and canoes. Fishing is permitted year-round. Available species include brook, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout and channel catfish.

Amenities: Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities / No motors for boating

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Bldg. 111, Commerce City, CO 80022; (303) 289-0930; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61170. Office hours are 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Refuge is open 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays. The refuge is located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver. Nearest main access routes are I-70, I-76, Pena Blvd., and I-225. Nearest communities are Commerce City and Montbello. Fishing season is mid-April-mid-October. On-site fishing orientation required. No boats are permitted. The refuge waters are Lake Ladora (47 acres) and Lake Mary (8 acres). The available species are largemouth bass, northern pike, crappies, bluegill, channel catfish and yellow perch.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

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Kansas

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 128, Hartford, KS 66854; (620) 392-5553; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64580. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. The refuge is open 24 hours. Nearest main highways are Hwy. 130 and Interstate 35. Nearest community is Hartford. Fair to good access roads. Refuge waters include 9 ponds, and 1,220 acres of John Redmond Reservoir on the refuge. The Neosho River flows approximately 20 miles (240 acres) through the refuge, and Eagle Creek is about 30 acres. Fishing is permitted year-round. Available species include white bass, crappie and catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge

702 E. Xavier Rd., Kirwin, KS 67644; (785) 543-6673; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64610. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. Nearest community is Kirwin. Nearest highway is State Hwy. 9. Refuge waters include a 1,000-acre lake. Available species include "wipers" (hybrid white/striped bass), white bass, walleye, largemouth bass, crappie and flathead and channel catfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

24141 KS Hwy. 52, Pleasanton, KS 66075; (913) 352-8956; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64630. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 52. Nearest community is Pleasanton. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. The primary fishing opportunities include the farm ponds and old mine pits containing bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass, and the Marais des Cygnes River for channel catfish, flathead catfish and walleye. Access to the pits and ponds is by foot only. Outboard motor use is restricted to the westernmost 5.5-mile section of the Marais des Cygnes River. Non-motorized boats and electric trolling motors may be used on all open portions of the refuge, including the eastern 4-mile stretch of the river. Where sections of the river border private property, only the half of the river adjacent to public property is open to public use.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

RR 3, Box 48A, Stafford, KS, 67530; (620) 486-2393; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64620. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. The refuge is open sunrise to sunset. There are good and fair access roads. Nearest main highways are Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 281. Nearest communities are Stafford and Hutchinson. Refuge waters include 32 water units within the refuge, all of which are open to fishing year-round, and Rattlesnake Creek. Available species include catfish and carp. No boats are allowed on refuge waters.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

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Montana

Benton Lake Wetland Management District

Managed as part of Benton Lake NWR Complex, 922 Bootlegger Trail, Great Falls, MT 59404; (406) 727-7400; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61511. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. District is open sunrise to sunset. Nearest highway is Hwy. 225. Nearest community is Great Falls. Limited fishing opportunities exist on a few waterfowl production areas in the district. Anglers concentrate their efforts on either northern pike or trout fishing. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Access is limited to foot travel unless otherwise posted for a specific waterfowl production area.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails

Bowdoin Wetland Management District

Managed as part of the Bowdoin NWR, HC 65 Box 5705, Malta, MT 59538; (406) 654-2863. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open sunrise to sunset. Limited access roads. Nearest community is Malta. Nearest highway is Hwy. 2. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include northern pike, catfish and walleye. The fishing opportunities in the district are marginal.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Includes Charles M. Russell NWR and WMD, as well as UL Bend NWR, 110 Airport Road, Lewistown, MT 59457; (406) 538-8706; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61520. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open 24 hours. Nearest communities are Fort Peck and Lewistown. Nearest highways are Hwy. 87 and Hwy. 200. Charles M. Russell NWR 125 miles up the Missouri River, from the Fort Peck Dam in northeastern MT to the James Kipp Recreation area in the north-central part of the state. Refuge waters include Fort Peck Reservoir (250,000 acres) and the Missouri River. In addition to the Lewistown headquarters, three staffed field stations are located on the refuge-Sand Creek Wildlife Station in Roy (406) 462-5181; Jordan Wildlife Station in Jordan, (406) 557-6145; and Fort Peck Wildlife Station in Fort Peck, (406) 526-3464. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, northern pike, paddlefish, catfish and lake trout.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

4567 Wildfowl Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870; (406) 777-5552; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61560. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Stevensville. Nearest highway is Hwy. 93. The primary fishing opportunities are the Bitterroot River and Francis Slough. The Bitterroot River (5 miles) on the western boundary of the refuge can be accessed from state and city landings or the wildlife viewing area. Francois Slough (7 acres) can be accessed on foot from the wildlife viewing area parking lot. Fishing is limited to catch and release, and only artificial lures may be used. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Game species include brown, bull, cutthroat and rainbow trout, as well as largemouth bass, northern pike, sunfish and whitefish. The refuge's 13 impoundments are off limits to all fishing except during the Kids' Fishing Clinic in mid-June.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby* / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching** / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

*Commercial, off refuge. **Off refuge.

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge

223 North Shore Rd., Medicine Lake, MT 59247; (406) 789-2305; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61530. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Medicine Lake. Nearest highway is Hwy. 16. The primary fishing opportunities include boat, shore and ice fishing for northern pike in Medicine Lake (8,700 acres), Gaffney Lake (750 acres), Lake 10 (114 acres) and Lake 12 (426 acres). Fishing seasons for these lakes are: Medicine Lake, November 15-September 15; Gaffney Lake and Lake 10, August 15-March 31; and Lake 12, November 15-March 31. There is also spear fishing for northern pike through the ice during winter months. Because Medicine Lake is a federally designated wilderness area, no mechanical or motorized equipment is allowed on the lake. Lake 12 does not have vehicle access, but all other lakes do.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating

National Bison Range

132 Bison Range Rd., Moiese, MT 59824; (406) 644-2211; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61540. Office hours mid-October to mid-May, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Office hours mid-May to mid-October, 8:00 am-7:00 pm. The refuge is open daily 7:00 am-dark, weather permitting. Nearest highways are Hwy. 212 and U.S. 93. Nearest community is Moiese. Available species include rainbow and cutthroat trout (catch and release on Jocko River) and mountain whitefish. Access along Mission Creek is near the office, where 1.5 miles of the creek are open to fishing via walk-in access. There is an accessible fishing bridge along the paved nature trail. The Jocko River fishing access is located 3 miles west of Ravalli on State Hwy. 200. Stream fishing is open year-round on the Jocko River and late May-late November on Mission Creek. Boating is not allowed on the refuge.

Amenities: Food nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the National Bison Range Complex, 132 Bison Range Rd., Moiese, MT 59824; (406) 644-2211; http://bisonrange.fws.gov/ninepipe/. Office hours mid-October to mid-May, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Office hours mid-May to mid-October, 8:00 am-7:00 pm. The refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highway is U.S. 93. Nearest community is Ronan. Available species include yellow perch and largemouth bass. There are ice fishing opportunities from January until melt out. Ninepipe NWR is located on Tribal Trust Lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Refuge waters include a 1,672-acre reservoir that is part of the Flathead Irrigation Project. Fishing access is limited (and posted) during breeding and nesting for waterfowl, March 1-July 15. The entire refuge is closed to the public during waterfowl hunting season. No boats are allowed on the refuge.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available

Northwest Montana Wetland Management District

Consists of 14 waterfowl production areas scattered throughout the Flathead Valley, managed as part of the National Bison Range Complex. Information, restrictions, and travel directions for the units in Flathead County can be obtained from Lost Trail NWR, 6295 Pleasant Valley Road, Marion, MT 59925; (406) 858-2216; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61544. Information on the units in Lake County can be obtained through the National Bison Range, 132 Bison Range Road, Moiese, MT 59824; (406) 644-2211. The primary fishing opportunities are on Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Flathead Valley. People can access shoreline fishing on Flathead Lake from the Flathead Waterfowl Production Area. Fishing is in accordance with applicable state and tribal (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) regulations. Waterfowl Production Areas in Flathead County are closed to all public access, March 1-July 15 to reduce disturbance to nesting birds.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available

Pablo National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the National Bison Range Complex, 132 Bison Range Rd., Moiese, MT 59824; (406) 644-2211; http://bisonrange.fws.gov/pablo/. Office hours mid-October to mid-May, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Office hours mid-May to mid-October, 8:00 am-7:00 pm. The refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highway is U.S. 93. Nearest community is Polson. Available species include yellow perch and largemouth bass. There are ice fishing opportunities from January until melt out. Pablo NWR is located on Tribal Trust Lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Refuge waters include a 1,850-acre reservoir that is part of the Flathead Irrigation Project. Parts of the refuge are closed to public access year-round (posted), and the entire refuge is closed during waterfowl hunting season. No boats are allowed on the refuge.

Amenities: Maps available

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

27820 Southside Centennial Rd., Lima, MT 59739; (406) 276-3536; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61570. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open 24 hours. Roads in the Centennial Valley and at the refuge are gravel. Nearest highway is I-15. Nearest communities are Lima and West Yellowstone. Available species include arctic grayling and rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout. Refuge waters open to fishing include MacDonald Pond (3 acres), Culver Pond (5 acres), Widgeon Pond (10 acres), Red Rock Creek (30 acres), Odell Creek (25 acres) and Elk Springs Creek (15 acres). Other refuge waters are closed to fishing. The fishing season for the ponds and Elk Springs Creek east of Elk Springs Road is July 15-October 1. For Red Rock Creek, Odell Creek, and Elk Springs Creek west of Elk Springs Road, the season is the third Saturday in May through the end of November. No motors are allowed. Only the use of artificial lures is permitted; catch and release is required for arctic grayling. Tubes and other floatation devices are prohibited on refuge waters unless specifically posted at parking areas as open to these activities.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

Administered by the National Bison Range Complex, c/o Lost Trail NWR, 6295 Pleasant Valley Rd., Marion, MT 59925; (406) 858-2216. Office hours mid-October to mid-May, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Office hours mid-May to mid-October, 8:00 am-7:00 pm. The refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest highway is Hwy. 83. Nearest community is Swan Lake. Available species include yellow perch, northern pike, kokanee salmon, cutthroat trout, brook trout, bull trout and mountain whitefish. Bull trout are a federally listed species and must be released if caught. Fishing is allowed on Swan Lake and along those portions of Swan River that flow through the western portion of the refuge. Boating is allowed through the refuge on Swan River. To protect nesting waterfowl and marsh birds, fishing is not allowed on Spring Creek March 1-July 15.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

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Nebraska

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge

3720 Rivers Way, Ft. Calhoun, NE 68023; (402) 468-4313; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64640. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. The refuge is open from half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Nearest highway is Hwy. 75. Nearest community is to Fort Calhoun. Fishing season is year-round. The primary species taken from both the Missouri River and Boyer Chute include blue catfish, flathead catfish, shovelnose sturgeon and carp, but other game species are also available.

Amenities: Food nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the Crescent Lake/North Platte NWR Complex, 10630 Rd. 181, Ellsworth, NE 69340; (308) 762-4893; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64510. Office hours, 7:00 am-4:30 pm. Anglers are permitted on the refuge from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. Nearest highways are Hwy. 26 and Hwy. 2. Nearest community is Oshkosh. Island Lake (711 acres) is open to fishing year-round; available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye and yellow perch. Facilities include boat ramps and fishing piers. Internal combustion engines are prohibited. Smith Lake (210 acres) is open to fishing, November 1-February 15; available species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and yellow perch. Crane Lake (128 acres) is open to fishing, November 1-February 15; available species include yellow perch. Possession or use of live or dead minnows is prohibited in refuge lakes, as is the possession of any fish not taken from refuge lakes. Dead smelt may be used as bait. Boating and float tubes are limited to Island Lake.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities / No motors for boating

North Platte National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the Crescent Lake/North Platte NWR Complex, 115 Railway St., Suite C109, Scottsbluff, NE 69361; (308) 635-7851; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64511. Office hours, 7:00 am-5:00 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. A map is available showing the locations of the four refuge units located throughout Scotts Bluff County. Nearest highway is Hwy. 26. Nearest community is Scottsbluff. The primary fishing opportunities include Lake Minatare (2,000 acres) and Winters Creek Lake (237 acres). Available species include northern pike, "wiper" (hybrid white/striped bass), white bass, yellow perch, catfish, walleye, crappie and carp. The refuge's facilities include a boat ramp on Winters Creek Lake. Winters Creek Lake and Lake Minatare are open from January 15-October 14 during daylight hours only, and internal combustion motors are prohibited on Winters Creek Lake.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / No motors for boating

Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District

2610 Ave. Q, Kearney, NE 68847; (308) 236-5015; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64530. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open 24 hours. Nearest community is Kearney. Nearest highway is Hwy. 30. The wetlands throughout the district are frequently dry and during those times provide no fishing opportunities. During wet periods, when the wetlands retain water year-round, primary fish species available during those times are bullhead and carp. Vehicle access is prohibited.

Amenities: Maps available / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the Fort Niobrara/Valentine NWR Complex, HC 14 Box 67, Valentine, NE 69201; (402) 376-3789; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64521. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest highway is U.S. Hwy. 83. Nearest community is Valentine. Available species include largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill and northern pike. Refuge offers ice fishing for trophy bluegill and spring fishing for bass and pike. Nine shallow lakes are open to fishing year-round during daylight hours. Access is from primitive boat ramps and 2 accessible docks. Small boats or float tubes are recommended because fishing from the bank is difficult. Special refuge regulations include a 28-inch maximum size limit for pike, and catch and release for muskies and bass on Watts Lake. Only electric motors are permitted. Minnows are not permitted as bait.

Amenities: Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities* / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Disabled angler facilities

*Closed in winter.

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North Dakota

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge

Managed as part of the Arrowwood NWR Complex, 7745 11th St. SE, Pingree, ND 58476; (701) 285-3341; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62510. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest highway is Hwy. 281. Nearest communities are Pingree, Carrington and Jamestown. Water levels on the refuge are not managed for fish, but a fishery develops during high water years. Available species include northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, crappies, bluegill, largemouth and smallmouth bass and catfish. Refuge waters include Arrowwood Lake (1,541 acres) and Jim Lake (819 acres). Refuge fishing seasons are concurrent with the state season. Up to 25 hp is permitted.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

Arrowwood Wetland Management District

Managed as part of Arrowwood NWR Complex, 5924 19th St., SE, Woodworth, ND 58496; (701) 752-4218; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62530. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest highway is Hwy. 281. Nearest communities are Pingree, Carrington and Jamestown. Available species include walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. The fishing opportunities are marginal but are offered in accordance with state seasons. A decade of high water levels has created ice fishing opportunities on a few of the waterfowl production areas. There are no district facilities for anglers, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Canoeing and kayaking* / Information center

*Walk-in access only.

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

3275 11th St. NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531; (701) 442-5474; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62540. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Coleharbor. Nearest highway is Hwy. 83. The refuge is open to ice fishing only, with walleye, yellow perch and northern pike being the popular game fish. Six gravel ice access ramps are available on the refuge. Ice fishing is permitted when safe ice covers the water. Fish houses must be removed from the refuge by March 15. Portable fish houses can continue to be used if they are removed daily. The refuge closes to ice fishing March 31.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / No motors for boating

Audubon Wetland Management District

Managed as part of Audubon NWR Complex, 3275 N. 11th St. NW, Coleharbor, ND, 58531; (701) 442-5474; http://audubon.fws.gov/wmd.htm. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Coleharbor. Nearest highway is Hwy. 83. Available species include perch and northern pike. Fishing is marginal and occurs during periods of high water conditions. There are no Audubon WMD-provided facilities, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Information center

Camp/Strawberry Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Managed by Audubon NWR Complex, 3275 11th St. NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531; (701) 442-5474. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Turtle Lake. Nearest highway is Hwy. 200. Camp and Strawberry Lakes are open for year-round fishing. There are no boat motor restrictions. Available species include northern pike and yellow perch.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking

Chase Lake Wetland Management District

Managed as part of Arrowwood NWR Complex, 5924 19th St., SE, Woodworth, ND 58496; (701) 752-4218; http://arrowwood.fws.gov/ChaseLake_WMD/. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest communities are Woodworth, Carrington and Jamestown. Nearest highway is Hwy. 281. Fishing seasons are in accordance with state regulations. Available species include walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. A decade of high water levels has created ice fishing opportunities on some waterfowl production areas. There are no district facilities for anglers, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Devils Lake Wetland Management District

221 2nd Street NW, Devils Lake, ND; (701) 662-8611; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62580. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open 24 hours per day. Nearest community is Devils Lake. Nearest highway is Hwy. 2. The fishing opportunities in the Devils Lake WMD are marginal but are offered in accordance with state Although not part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Devils Lake itself offers superb fishing opportunities for walleye, northern, white bass and perch.

Amenities: Information center

Hiddenwood National Wildlife Refuge

Managed by Audubon NWR Complex, 3275 11th St. NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531; (701) 442-5474. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Makoti. Nearest highway is Hwy. 23. The refuge is open year-round for fishing. There are no boat motor restrictions. Available species include northern pike and yellow perch.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

681 Salyer Rd., Upham, ND 58789; (701) 768-2548; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62620. Office hours, 7:00 am-5:00 pm. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Upham. Nearest highway is Hwy. 14. From non-motorized boats or from shore with conventional tackle, the primary fishing opportunities include walleye and northern pike. The refuge's facilities for anglers include 13 fishing areas along the Souris River with fair to good access roads. The refuge is open for shore or ice fishing, April 1-April 30, as safety allows. All fishing is allowed May 1-September 30. No boats are allowed October 1-March 31. All refuge waters are open to ice fishing between December 15 and the end of the state fishing season.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating

J. Clark Salyer Wetland Management District

Managed as part of J. Clark Salyer NWR Complex, 681 Salyer Rd., Upham, ND 58789; (701) 768-2548; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62629. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open 24 hours. Nearest community is Upham. Nearest highway is Hwy. 14. Fishing is permitted in waterfowl production areas in accordance with state seasons. Several of the easement national wildlife refuge lakes are popular at times with anglers, including Cottonwood Lake in southern McHenry County and Buffalo Lake in southeastern Pierce County. During a series of wet years, fishing can be excellent for northern pike and walleye. There are no district facilities for anglers, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking

Kulm Wetland Management District

1 First St., SW, Kulm, ND 58456; (701) 647-2866; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62630. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open 24 hours. Nearest community is Kulm. Nearest highway is Hwy. 56. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include walleye, perch and northern pike, with tremendous ice fishing available on some waterfowl production areas. There are no district facilities for anglers, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Boat launching / Information center

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge

Managed by Audubon NWR Complex, 3275 11th St. NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531; (701) 442-5474; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62571. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest community is Dunn Center. Nearest highway is Hwy. 200. The refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Portions of Lake Ilo are open for fishing. Boat fishing is open May 1-September 30. Motors are restricted to idle speed only. Shoreline fishing is open year-round. Popular game fish are northern pike, yellow perch and bluegill.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge

12000 353 St. SE, Moffit, ND 58560; (701) 387-4397; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62531. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. A visitor information area and restrooms are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the office entry. Nearest community is Moffit. Nearest highway is Hwy. 83. Fishing is allowed during state seasons. Available species include northern pike, bullhead, carp and, occasionally, walleye and perch. Fishing is poor during dry cycles and excellent during wet cycles. Refuge waters are too shallow to accommodate boats with outboard motors. The refuge's facilities include a fishing pier and creek bank fishing access areas. Fishing is permitted on Unit 1 and Long Lake Creek. Fishing from bridges is prohibited. Boats and canoes are allowed on Long Lake Creek only, May 1-September 30 annually. There are no boat ramps available.

Amenities: Food nearby / Public rest facilities / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Long Lake Wetland Management District

Managed as part of Long Lake NWR Complex, 12002 353 St SE Moffit, ND 58560; (701) 387-4397; http://longlake.fws.gov/Wmd.htm. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open 24 hours. Nearest communities are Moffit and Bismarck. Nearest highway is Hwy. 83. The fishing opportunities in most wetland management districts are marginal but are offered in accordance with state seasons. Species found include northern pike, walleye and perch. There are no district facilities for anglers, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Maps available

Lostwood Wetland Management District

Managed as part of the Des Lacs NWR Complex, Lostwood NWR, 8315 Hwy. 8 Kenmare, ND 58746; (701) 848-2466; http://lostwoodwetlands.fws.gov/lostwoodwmd.htm. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open 24 hours. Nearest communities are Lostwood and Stanley. Nearest highway is Hwy. 8. The fishing opportunities in this district are very marginal most years, but fishing is offered in accordance with state seasons. No amenities are available on lands managed by the Lostwood WMD.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Primitive camping* / Bait & tackle nearby / Public rest facilities*

*Nearby.

Sheyenne/Coal Mine Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Managed by Audubon NWR Complex, 3275 11th St. NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531; (701) 442-5474. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Denhoff. Nearest highways are Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 52. Coal Mine Lake is open to fishing April 1-September 24 and December 1-March 31. Boat motors are restricted to idle speed only. Popular game fish include northern pike and yellow perch.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Boat launching / Canoeing and kayaking / Disabled angler facilities

Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge

9754 143 1/2 Ave. SE; Cayuga, ND 58013; (701) 724-3598; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62660. Visitor center hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Refuge hours, 5:00 am-10:00 pm. Nearest community is Cayuga. Nearest highway is Hwy. 32. Only fishing for walleye and northern pike on Sprague Lake and Lake Tewaukon is allowed. Bank fishing on these lakes is open year-round. Boat fishing is permitted May 1-September 30. Ice fishing is also permitted on these two lakes. A portion of Lake Tewaukon is closed to ice fishing east of the point. The refuge's facilities include a boat ramp, fishing piers and restrooms. There are size limits for pike and walleye on these lakes.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Tewaukon Wetland Management District

Managed by the Tewaukon NWR Complex is located at 9754 143 Ave SE, Cayuga, ND 58013; (701) 724-3598; http://www.fws.gov/tewaukon/. Visitor center hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. District is open sunrise to sunset. Tewaukon WMD encompasses over 13,000 acres of waterfowl production areas in three counties, Ransom, Sargent, and Richland. The fishing opportunities on most wetland management districts are marginal but are offered in accordance with state seasons. Species found include fathead minnows, perch and northern pike.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

17705 212th Ave. NW, Foxholm, ND 58718; (701) 468-5467; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62680. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, except for federal holidays. Refuge is open 5:00 am-10:00 pm daily. Nearest communities are Burlington and Minot. Nearest highways are Hwy. 52 and Hwy. 83. Upper Souris NWR has one of the best year-round fisheries in north-central ND. Anglers may fish for walleyes, northern pike, yellow perch and smallmouth bass in Lake Darling and the Souris River. Thirteen bank fishing areas and 2 boat fishing areas are available. Motorboats are permitted on Lake Darling for fishing only.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Valley City Wetland Management District

Managed as part of Arrowwood NWR Complex, 11515 River Road, Valley City, ND 58072; (701) 845-3466; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=62532. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open dawn to dusk. Nearest highway is I-94. Nearest community is Valley City. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Fishing opportunities in the district are marginal but may include walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. There are no facilities for anglers, and vehicle access is limited to designated trails.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby

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South Dakota

Huron Wetland Management District

200 4th St., SW, Room 309, Federal Building, Huron, SD 57350; (605) 352-5894; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64110. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. District is open 24 hours. The fishing opportunities in the Huron WMD are marginal but are offered in accordance with state seasons. Species found include northern pike, walleye, crappie and perch.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Hiking and nature trails

Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

HC 5, Box 114, Martin, SD 57551; (605) 685-6508; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64540. Office hours, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Refuge is open sunrise to sunset. There are fair access roads. Nearest main highways are Hwys. 18 and 73. Nearest community is Martin. Refuge waters include 1 lake (167 acres), 2 ponds (5 acres) and 3 wetlands (3,000 acres total). The fishing season is open year-round, with ice fishing in winter. Available species include rainbow trout, largemouth and, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike and sauger. "No wake restriction" for boats and slot limit on northern pike apply. Game fish populations vary considerably from year to year and season to season.

Amenities: Lodging nearby / Primitive camping / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District

38672 291st St., Lake Andes, SD 57356; (605) 487-7603; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64550 (for NWR only), http://lakeandes.fws.gov/ (for both). Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Refuge is open dawn to dusk. Nearest community is Lake Andes. Nearest highway is Hwy. 50. Available species include yellow perch and northern pike. The fishery is cyclical-when water quality is poor, fishing opportunities may be limited to carp and bullhead, but when water quality is excellent, the fishery can support largemouth bass. Water levels vary considerably. Small boats may be launched when the lake is near capacity. A handful of lakes on the wetland management district support a sport fishery. These fisheries are also cyclical.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Madison Wetland Management District

Box 48, Madison, SD 57042; (605) 256-2974; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64560. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. The refuge is open 24 hours. Access is by primitive roads. Nearest main highways are Hwys. 19 and 34. Nearest community is Madison. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and, smallmouth bass and panfish.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

39650 Sand Lake Dr., Columbia, SD 57433; (605) 885-6320; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64570. Office and visitor center hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. The refuge is open daylight hours only. Nearest communities are Aberdeen and Bath Corner. Nearest highway is State Hwy. 12. Sand Lake offers year-round fishing at five specified locations around the refuge. These include the Bridge Crossing Area; Hecla Day Use Area; Bridge Crossing Area on State Hwy. 10; Bridge Crossing Area; and the Bridge Crossing Area on Brown County Hwy. 16. Available species include northern pike, walleye and perch. Boats are not permitted. During times of open water, anglers must fish from shore, and ice shacks must be removed daily. Winterkill can occur during low water years. In some years, special James River regulations may be in effect.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Sand Lake Wetland Management District

Encompasses 8 counties in northeast SD: Brown, Spink, Faulk, Edmunds, McPherson, Campbell, Walworth and Potter. The office is located at Sand Lake NWR, 39650 Sand Lake Dr., Columbia, SD 57433; (605) 885-6320; http://sandlake.fws.gov/. Office hours, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. District is open during daylight hours. Nearest communities are Aberdeen and Bath Corner. Nearest highway is State Hwy. 12. The WMD staff manages 162 waterfowl production areas totaling 45,000 acres. A number of waterfowl production areas around the district hold quality fishing opportunities for walleye, pike, perch, bluegill, bass and other species of fish. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Vehicles are prohibited.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking

Waubay National Wildlife Refuge

44401 134A St., Waubay, SD 57273; (605) 947-4521; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64590. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest community is Waubay. Nearest highway is Hwy. 12. The primary fishing opportunities include 2,500 acres of ice-fishing for walleye, perch and northern pike. Fishing is limited to winter daylight hours for walk-in travel. There are special lake regulations for limits on yellow perch and walleye size and limit restrictions.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Hiking and nature trails / Information center

Waubay Wetland Management District

Includes 200 individual waterfowl production areas scattered over 6 counties in northeastern SD. The headquarters, 7 miles north of Waubay, can be reached at (605) 345-3474; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=64591. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. District is open during daylight hours. Fishing opportunities vary widely by unit and season. Most units have no fisheries, but during high water periods, good fishing for walleye, perch and northern pike may occur on a handful of tracts.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Information center

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Utah

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

58 South 950 West, Brigham City, UT 84032; (435) 723-5887; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=65530. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Refuge is open during daylight hours. Nearest community is Brigham City. Nearest highway is I-84. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include catfish and carp on specified areas of the Bear River channel.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

19001 East Wildlife Refuge Rd., Randlett, UT 84063; (435) 545-2522; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=65570. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Nearest communities are Ouray and Vernal. Nearest highways are Hwy. 40 and Hwy. 88. Refuge is open daily from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. Fishing is permitted along numerous access points on the Green River. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. The primary fishing is in the Green River for catfish, smallmouth bass and, occasionally, northern pike. The refuge's facilities for anglers include a boat ramp located 1 mile upstream from the refuge headquarters and numerous parking areas along the refuge tour route.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center

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Wyoming

National Elk Refuge

P.O. Box 510, Jackson, WY 83001; (307) 733-9212; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=61550. Office hours, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. The visitor center, at 532 North Cache St., is open daily, 8:00 am-7:00 pm in the summer and 9:00 am-5:00 pm in the winter. The refuge is open sunrise to sunset. There are good access roads. Nearest main highways are U.S. 26, 89, and 191. Nearest community is Jackson Hole. Refuge waters include North Park Pond (1 acre), Gros Ventre River (approximately 8 miles), Upper and Lower Flat Creek (approximately 5 miles) and Nowlin Creek (1/2 mile). Fishing is available at North Park Pond all year; Upper Flat Creek and Gros Ventre River, April 1-October 31; and Lower Flat Creek and Nowlin Creek, August 1-October 31. Lower Flat Creek is a popular meandering meadow stream. Lower Flat Creek and Nowlin Creek are fly-fishing-only streams with special regulations. Available species include brook trout and native Snake River cutthroat. Use of boats or other floating devices is prohibited.

Amenities: Food nearby / Lodging nearby / Bait & tackle nearby / Maps available / Public rest facilities / Information center / Disabled angler facilities

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

P.O. Box 700, Green River, WY 82935; (307) 875-2187; http://refuges.fws.gov/profiles/index.cfm?id=65580. Office hours, 7:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday- Friday. Refuge is open from half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset year-round. Nearest community is Green River. Nearest highways are I-80 and Hwy. 372. Fishing season is in accordance with state regulations. Available species include rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, plus mountain whitefish. The Green River is open to fishing throughout the refuge. Half of the refuge has restricted fishing regulations that permit the use of artificial flies and lures only and limit the size and number of trout an angler may possess. The refuge's facilities include 4 boat ramps. Vehicle travel is restricted to designated refuge roads. The Green River is a shallow, swift river with many rocks hidden beneath the surface. It is best suited for canoes, drift boats and rafts; motors are not recommended. Personal watercraft, airboats and jet boats are prohibited.

Amenities: Maps available / Public rest facilities / Boat launching / Hiking and nature trails / Canoeing and kayaking / Information center / No motors for boating*

*It is recommended that you do not use boats with motors, but it is not prohibited.

Last updated: October 7, 2008
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