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Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges

Fishing is one of America's most popular outdoor activities and provides a great way to connect people and families to the natural world. Some National Wildlife Refuges in California, Nevada and the Klamath Basin offer seasonal fishing opportunites. In nearly all refuges, you'll need a valid state fishing license and state fishing regulations apply. Refuge-specific information is subject to change. Please check with the refuge for current information about operating hours, access and regulations.

National Wildlife Refuges in California, Nevada and the Klamath Basin offer fishing opportunities for the public. Each refuge offers a unique experience. Get details for specific refuges at these links: Where Can I Fish in California? Where Can I Fish in Nevada? Where Can I Fish in Oregon?

Are you new to fishing? Need information about trip planning, equipment, where to fish and local hotspots? Check out the Take Me Fishing website operated by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with the non-profit RBFF to promote fishing and increasing public awareness and appreciation about conserving and restoring our nation's aquatic resources. This comprehensive website can tell you where to find local fishing spots, no matter where you live in the U.S.

Help Stop Invasive Species...

Boats and other watercraft are prime vectors for aquatic invasive species such as Quagga and zebra mussels. Roughly the size of a fingernail, these harmful exotics freshwater mollusks (bivavles) can infest waters in large numbers, attaching to a variety of surfaces, including fishing line! These mussels are a nuisance for anglers and boaters. They clog water pipes and intake valves and cause drastic changes to the environments they invade. Anglers and boaters can help stop the spread of these invaders.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


About Aquatic Invasive Species in California
'Don't Move a Mussel-ANS' in Nevada
USGS Quagga and Zebra Mussels Information
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California Fishing Regulations

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value, and their benefits to people. The department is responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses. You can find California fishing regulations here.

Nevada Fishing Regulations


Although Nevada is widely known as a dry state, it is home to over 200 lakes and reservoirs and 600 streams and rivers, which provide nearly 400,000 surface acres of sport fishing opportunity. The Nevada Department of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada's waters. You can find Nevada's fishing regulations here..


Oregon Fishing Regulations


The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Oregon's waters.You can find Oregon hunting regulations here