Fish Snagging Open at Squaw Creek

 (KLZA)-- Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge has opened the water control gates on Eagle pool. The opening of the gates will provide fish snagging opportunities during the state-wide season, running from March 15 to May 15, 2014. 

Fish snagging opportunities are available because of the refuges water management goals. This release of excess water from Eagle Pool is during the state wide fish snagging season. Water levels on eagle pool are beyond proposed refuge management goals for the 2014 nesting season. The water level in Eagle Pool will be lowered beginning April 1 and end when target water levels are reached likely near the end of April. Excess water is being released south of the water control structure located at Eagle Pool. Other open public access areas along the auto tour route are authorized for fishing in addition to the Eagle Pool water control structure.

 There are no special federal permits required to fish at Squaw Creek Refuge only a valid Missouri State Fishing License. Only non-game fish as stated in the Missouri Fishing Regulations may be snagged on the refuge during the regulation season. Only pole and line fishing method is permitted on the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Longbows, crossbows, archery equipment, and gigs are not permitted on the Refuge.

For more information visit the refuge headquarters open 7 days a week through April 27th 2014. Squaw Creek Refuge headquarters’ visitor contact station weekend hours are from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and weekdays 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The ten-mile auto tour route is open from sunrise to sunset. Please call (660) 442-3187 to obtain further information.