Fishing continues to be one of the most popular activities for visitors at McNary. Refuge waters open to fishing include select sloughs and ponds, and parts of the Columbia, Snake and Walla Walla Rivers. Available species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, walleye and salmon.
Two Rivers and Peninsula Unit
All ponds and shorelines on these Units are open to fishing. Quarry Pond is the only location on the refuge where the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks fish. This area is especially popular in the springtime with youths, families and seniors. A boat launch is available at Casey Pond on the Peninsula Unit.
Wallula Unit
The Walla Walla River supports a popular catfish fishery, which is open 24 hours a day for night fishing at the Madame Dorian area, all other parts of the Walla Walla shorelines are open during regular refuge hours (sunrise to sunset.) Sanctuary Pond is closed for fishing. A boat launch is located at the Madame Dorian area.
Headquarters Unit
On the Headquarters Unit, fishing is only allowed from Lake Road. The remaining ponds on the Headquarters Unit are closed to fishing.
The Strawberry Island Unit is closed to all activities, including hiking, hunting and fishing.
Visiting hours are from sunrise to sunset. The use of boats and other flotation devices is not allowed. Fishing is by hook and line only. In addition to these refuge-specific regulations, all fishermen must obey state and federal regulations.