# 50 C.F.R. § 32.4 (2026): Opening of wildlife refuge areas to fishing

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_4

## Section

- **Citation:** 50 C.F.R. § 32.4 (2026)
- **Heading:** Opening of wildlife refuge areas to fishing
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 50 CFR: Wildlife and Fisheries / Chapter I: UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / Part 32: HUNTING AND FISHING / Subpart A: General Provisions / § 32.4: § 32.4   Opening of wildlife refuge areas to fishing.

## Text

Wildlife refuge areas may be opened to sport fishing only after a determination is made that this activity is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established. In addition, the sport fishing program must be consistent with principles of sound fishery management and otherwise be in the public interest. The opening or closing of wildlife refuge areas to fishing is subject to the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551
et seq.
). Lands acquired as “waterfowl production areas” are open to sport fishing subject to the provisions of State laws and regulations and the pertinent provisions of parts 25 through 31 of this subchapter:
Provided,
that fishing or entry on all or any part of individual areas may be temporarily suspended by posting upon occasions of unusual or critical conditions of, or affecting, land, water, vegetation or fish and wildlife populations.

## Nearby sections

- [50 C.F.R. § 32.1 (2026) § 32.1   Opening of wildlife refuge areas to hunting.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_1.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.2 (2026) § 32.2   What are the requirements for hunting on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_2.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.3 (2026) § 32.3   What are the procedures for publication of refuge-specific hunting regulations?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_3.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.4 (2026) § 32.4   Opening of wildlife refuge areas to fishing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_4.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.5 (2026) § 32.5   What are the requirements for sportfishing on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_5.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.6 (2026) § 32.6   What are the procedures for publication of refuge-specific sport fishing regulations?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_6.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.7 (2026) § 32.7   What refuge units are open to hunting and/or sport fishing?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_7.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.8 (2026) § 32.8   Areas closed to hunting.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_8.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 32.9 (2026) § 32.9   Information collection requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P32_S32_4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.