Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge conserves 4,416 acres of freshwater marsh and pond habitat, intersected with levees and man-made canals, and bisected by the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The marshes provide excellent spawning and nursing habitat for many species of freshwater fish. The largest open water area is Lake Hatch. This shallow lake is a popular place to fish for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Lines must be attended, and recreational crabbing is allowed.
Recreational fishing and recreational crabbing are allowed on the refuge during daylight hours and are subject to Louisiana state regulations and limits. Commercial fishing or the use of nets, traps or unattended lines (trot, jog, bush, etc) are not allowed. Airboats and marsh buggies are not permitted on the refuge.
