Refuge islands are dispersed along 362 miles of the Ohio River. Boat-launching facilities are located within several miles of each island. Available species include smallmouth and largemouth bass, sauger, walleye, channel and flathead catfish, among others. The refuge permits fishing from shore on all islands during open hours. Anglers also may fish at night from boats around refuge islands.
Some of the best fishing in the Ohio River occurs around refuge islands. All refuge property is open to fishing during regular refuge hours unless otherwise posted. Bank fishing access is available at the refuge visitor facility in Williamstown, WV as well as on Middle Island in St. Marys, WV. State regulations are in effect with additional refuge regulations prohibiting the use of trotlines.
- West Virginia Fishing Regulations
- Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations
- Kentucky Fishing Regulations
- Reciprocal Agreement between Ohio and West Virginia (pdf)