Fishing
Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Fishing is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
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.
Accessibility Information
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information, please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity.
Boats
Non-motorized boats may be used on McDowell Lake, Bayley Lake, and Potter’s Pond only. Electric-powered motors are allowed on Potter’s Pond only.
Fishing Access
Fishing is allowed following State seasons.
Activity | Season | Harvest | Hunt Areas |
Fishing(Fly-fishing only) | State regulations apply | Catch & release game fish. No minimum or limit on eastern brook trout. | Bayley Lake (Bayley Lake inlet closed to all fishing.) McDowell Lake |
Fishing(Open to all legal fishing methods) | State regulations apply | State minimum size and limit apply to all game fish. No minimum or limit on eastern brook trout. | Potter’s Pond |
Fishing(Selective gear rules) | State regulations apply | State-wide minimum size and limits apply. | Little Pend Oreille River and its tributaries |
State regulations apply for bag limits. | |||
Bayley Lake
(17-72 acres) is a fly-fishing only lake, catch & 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 & 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.
Little Pend Oreille River and its tributaries
(9.9 miles) is open to fishing under selective gear rules. This means terminal fishing gear is limited to artificial flies with single-point barbless hooks or lures with single-point barbless hooks and bait is prohibited. Up to three hooks may be used. Only knotless nets may be used to land fish. In waters under selective gear rules, fish may be released until the daily limit is retained. All federal and State of Washington fishing regulations, seasons, limits and license requirements apply.
