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Idaho Fish and Game

Jacks Creek at CJ Strike Reservoir June 2008
Wildlife Management Area
C.J. Strike WMA
Before you go

The C.J. Strike WMA is an 11,008-acre area of mixed ownership bordering the 7,500 surface acres of C.J. Strike Reservoir. The reservoir extends 26 miles up the Snake River and 12 miles up the Bruneau River from C.J. Strike Dam. The WMA and reservoir provide year-round outdoor opportunities of hunting, fishing, camping, boating, wildlife viewing, picnicking, photography, and more.

The reservoir is one of the most popular fisheries in southwestern Idaho. In addition to shoreline access, several improved and unimproved boat ramps provide boat access to the reservoir.  

The WMA and reservoir are magnets for waterfowl hunting.

There are few internal roads on the WMA. The roads that are available lead to specific parking areas on the WMA. Camping is allowed at improved sites. 

CJ Strike WMA Sign, cc-by Roger Phillips
Related Location
Overview

The WMA was formed in 1953 when Idaho Power Company granted authority to Idaho Fish and Game to manage most of their lands with the C.J. Strike Dam project area. The WMA is managed with priority on hunting, fishing, and trapping, as well as wildlife production and wildlife viewing. Multiple partners – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Land Management and selected neighboring landowners – 
provide oversight in managing the WMA properties.

The WMA is divided up into seven management segments:  Trueblood, Borden Lake, Bruneau, Crane Falls, Hot Springs, Indian Cover and Loveridge. Each segment has unique habitat and management priorities. 

  • The Trueblood segment is managed for waterfowl production and public hunting access. A viewing platform can be found on this segment. The property surrounds a 40-acre private pond with two access easements.
  • The Borden Lake segment is adjacent to the C.J. Strike power plant and developed campsites.
  • The Bruneau segment largely consists of the Bruneau arm of C.J. Strike Reservoir and Bruneau delta. This area sees heavy public use.
  • The Hot Springs segment consists of agricultural, wetland slough, and uplands, and is surrounded by private lands used for livestock and agricultural production.
  • Indian Cove segment provides public access to the Snake River.
  • The Loveridge segment is withdrawn BLM land and is managed for public use and wetland values. A 150-acre location at Loveridge Bridge is used for bird dog field trials and training between August 1 and September 30. Permits are required and can be obtained at the Southwest Regional office in Nampa.

When C.J. Strike Reservoir filled, seepage from the reservoir filled an 80-acre basin on the south side of the Snake River, which is now Crane Falls Lake. This lake was stocked with rainbow trout in 1954 and soon became a trophy trout fishery. The lake has since evolved into an excellent warm-water fishery in combination with the rainbow fishery.

There are few internal roads open to public vehicles due to terrain, habitat needs, and safety. The roads that are available lead to specific parking areas on the WMA. Each driver needs to assess their vehicle's ability, as some roads are rougher than others. Driving beyond the parking areas is not permitted.

Location Facts

Primary Purpose: Provide hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing opportunities and waterfowl production 

Habitat: Lakes, riparian, wetland, low sagebrush, irrigated fields

  • 11,008 acres
  • Elmore and Owyhee counties
  • Established in 1953
Location Things to Know

There are few internal roads open to public vehicles due to terrain, habitat needs, and safety. The roads that are available lead to specific parking areas on the WMA. Vehicles must remain on established open roads.

Certain segments on the WMA are closed to access from February 1 through July 31 of each year to allow upland game and waterfowl the opportunity to nest and rear young.

A 150-acre location at the Loveridge Bridge segment is used for bird dog field trials and training between August 1 and September 30. Permits are required and can be obtained at the Southwest Regional office in Nampa.

Visitors may not cut, dig, or remove, trees, shrubs, grasses, logs, or wood for firewood, or to make room for vehicles or campers.

Access Information

There are few internal roads open to public vehicles due to terrain, habitat needs, and safety. The roads that are available lead to specific parking areas on the WMA. Vehicles must remain on established open roads. Certain segments on the WMA are closed to access from February 1 through July 31 of each year to allow upland game and waterfowl the opportunity to nest and rear young. A 150-acre location at the Loveridge Bridge segment is used for bird dog field trials and training between August 1 and September 30. Permits are required and can be obtained at the Southwest Regional office in Nampa. Visitors may not cut, dig, or remove, trees, shrubs, grasses, logs, or wood for firewood, or to make room for vehicles or campers.

Resources

Information:

Forms:

Hunting

C.J. Strike WMA and reservoir are magnets for waterfowl hunters. Ducks and geese are present on the WMA throughout most of the waterfowl hunting season. A variety of waterfowl hunting experiences can be found. These include: 

  • Jump shooting on the many potholes and small streams, 
  • Hunting over decoys on the larger ponds, rivers and the reservoir, and
  • Field hunting for Canada geese on agricultural lands on or next to the WMA.

Except for a small safety zone around the WMA headquarters, there are no areas closed to hunting on the WMA.

The hunting experience for waterfowl hunters on the WMA is improved somewhat by delaying the start time of upland game hunting until after 10 a.m. during pheasant season.

Upland game hunters also have a spot on the WMA. Ring-necked pheasants, gray partridge, and California quail can be found on the WMA and adjacent croplands.

  • Pen-reared pheasants continue to provide one of the most popular hunting opportunities every fall. 
  • Chukar partridge can be found on the arid canyon areas of the WMA.  
  • Early season hunting for mourning doves can be good over the entire WMA.  
     
Fishing

The reservoir is one of the most popular fisheries in southwestern Idaho. Anglers fish year-round, but especially in May and June. Fish species include:  rainbow trout, bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass and sturgeon. In addition to shoreline access, several improved and unimproved boat ramps are available on the reservoir.

When C.J. Strike Reservoir filled, seepage from the reservoir filled an 80-acre basin on the south side of the Snake River, which is now Crane Falls Lake. This lake was stocked with rainbow trout in 1954 and soon became a trophy trout fishery. The lake has since evolved into an excellent warm-water fishery in combination with the rainbow fishery.

Trapping

Trapping is allowed on the WMA. Trappers much register with the WMA manager.

Wildlife Watching

C.J. Strike WMA and reservoir are a natural waterfowl sanctuary. It lies on the Pacific Flyway and offers year-round habitat for resident and migrating waterfowl. All these birds draw wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and hunters to the WMA, especially in the fall and early spring.

C.J. Strike WMA is a recognized spot on the Idaho Birding Trail.

Camping

Camping is allowed at improved sites at Cottonwood, Jacks Creek, Crane Falls, C.J. Strike dam, BLM Cove Recreation Site, and Black Sands Resort (private.)

Visitors may not cut, dig, or remove trees, shrubs, grasses, logs, or wood for firewood, or to make room for vehicles or campers.

Hiking

Bird dog field trials and training has a designated spot on C.J. Strike WMA. A 150-acre location at the Loveridge Bridge segment is used for field trials and training between August 1 and September 30.

Permits are required and are managed through the Southwest Regional office in Nampa.