Featuring 11,000 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities, Hagerman NWR is an excellent destination for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, boating, and regulated hunting.   In addition, the Friends of Hagerman offer many activities, events, seminars and volunteer opportunities.  Refuge lands and lakeshores are open and accessible from sunrise to sunset every day of the year—even when the visitor center is closed.  Restrooms are located at the Goode Picnic Area (near Haller's Haven Trail) the Visitor Center, Big Mineral picnic area (near Meadow Pond Trail) and Sandy Day Use Area.  

Map of the Refuge

Fishing

Fishing Regulations

Photo by Don Champlin

Fishing from the shorelines of Lake Texoma is allowed year-round throughout the refuge except from Plover, Tern, and Egret Roads, which are set aside for wildlife observation and photography.

Popular fishing spots include:

• The Harris Creek Bridge
• Big Mineral Creek Bridge
• The point at the Goode Day Use Area 
• Sandy Point
• The low water crossing just north of the visitor center on Refuge Road 
• Any of the oil pad access roads that jut out into the lake.    

Pond fishing is legal at the refuge from March 15 until September 30, when they close to protect wintering waterfowl.  While open, you can try the one on the right side of Refuge Road as you head towards the visitor center. It has been stocked with catfish in the past and has some small perches.  The fishing link below will take you to our fishing/boating info page online.  Anyone over the age of 16 will need either a valid State of Texas or Lake Texoma fishing license, which works anywhere on the refuge.   For further information please explore the following links:

Hagerman NWR Fish Species List

Where to Fish for What: Fish Map by Species

Boating

• Non-motorized boats are allowed on the refuge from March 15 until October 1 annually.
• Year-round non-motorized boats are allowed in Big Mineral Creek from the point it connects with Lake Texoma Upstream as far as possible. Also year-round this area is a NO WAKE ZONE. See Boating Regulations.

Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks! 

Help prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals:

• Remove plants, animals and mud from boots, gear, boat, and trailer.
• Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site.
• Drain bilge, ballast, wells and buckets before you leave the area.
• Dry equipment before launching into another body of water.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in a sealed container
• Use certified or local firewood and hay.
• Stay on designated roads and trail

Photo by Carl Hill   

Hagerman NWR allows hunting at certain times of the year for rabbit, squirrel, and dove as per state regulations. In addition, a limited number of permit hunts are held each year for turkey, deer, and feral hog: please apply online via the TPWD public hunting site.

Hunt Areas and Application Link

Fall 2022 Archery Deer Hunt

November 4-6, Nov 18-20 and December 2-4, 2022

Areas Closed: Sandy, Godwin, Goode

Spring 2023 Feral Hog Hunt

March 3–5, Mar 17-19, 2023

Areas Closed: Big Mineral, Sandy, Godwin, Meyers, and SE Harris Creek

Spring 2023 Turkey

April 22–24, 2023 Areas Closed: Big Mineral, Sandy, Godwin, Meyers, and SE Harris Creek 

Please note:

Small game hunting is allowed with shotgun, air gun, arrow gun, muzzleloader, and archery equipment. Only non-toxic shot may be used. Rimfire and centerfire rifles are prohibited.     

Summary of Texas Hunting, Fishing & Boating Regulations

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, drive on any road unless gated.

Admission to the refuge, parking and most events/activities are funded by donations and powered by volunteers. 

Please add friendsofhagerman@gmail.com to your contacts to ensure delivery of registration confirmations, account information and the Featherless Flyer