The BLM manages over 130,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams and provides countless public recreational fishing access opportunities throughout the United States. From desert reservoirs to mountain streams, BLM's fisheries and aquatic resources support public recreation and subsistence fisheries and are critical for sustaining the Nation’s aquatic resources and fisheries. BLM-managed lands are open for fishing unless specifically closed for specific resource protection purposes.

All anglers on public lands must have the required state license(s). That’s because states are responsible for managing wildlife within their borders for the trust and benefit of their residents, even if the hunting occurs on federal lands. You can search for state fishing licenses on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.