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Idaho Fish and Game

Mud Lake WMA
Wildlife Management Area
Mud Lake WMA
Before you go

Mud Lake WMA consists of 11,468 acres and surrounds Mud Lake, a 4,500 acre lake found in Jefferson County. Two deep marsh units and numerous shallow flooded wetlands contain vital stopover habitat and nesting habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. An important waterfowl nesting area of the WMA is closed to all watercraft from April 1 – July 15. A wildlife security area is limited to non-motorized travel, does not allow hunting and all dogs must be on a leash in this area.

The average depth of Mud Lake is only 5 feet, yet it provides a variety of fishing and boating opportunities. There are two boat launch access sites found on the WMA. These access sites are the only two locations for overnight camping, which offer restrooms, fire rings and small pavilions.

Mud Lake WMA
Related Location
Location Facts

Primary Purpose:  Habitat for waterfowl and waterbird production and migration. Opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, recreation, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Habitat: Seasonal flooded wet meadows, shallow wetlands, permanent wetlands, and sagebrush steppe

  • Size: 11,468 acres
  • County:  Jefferson 
  • Established:  1940
Location Things to Know

An important waterfowl nesting area on the western portion of the lake is closed to all watercraft from April 1 – July 15.

Two wildlife security and viewing areas are closed to hunting. (See WMA map.)

Motorized travel is restricted to open, established roads on the WMA. Fish and Game controls and maintains 28 miles of road as useable, but at a low maintenance state.

Camping is limited to 10 days and only allowed at the two camping areas found at both boat ramps.

Dogs must be on a leash year around, unless actively hunting.

Access Information

An important waterfowl nesting area on the western portion of the lake is closed to all watercraft from April 1 - July 15. Two wildlife security and viewing areas are closed to hunting. (See WMA map.) Motorized travel is restricted to open, established roads on the WMA. Fish and Game controls and maintains 28 miles of road as useable, but at a low maintenance state. Camping is limited to 10 days and only allowed at the two camping areas found at both boat ramps. Dogs must be on a leash year around, unless actively hunting.

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Overview

Mud Lake WMA was first established to preserve and protect breeding and nesting habitat for waterfowl. While Mud Lake continues to function in its original capacity, it now provides benefits for a large suite of wildlife species. Recreation opportunities can be found for sportsmen and women throughout the WMA.

Mud Lake historically was a seasonally flooded sink area where Camas Creek spread out and disappeared into the aquifer.  These seasonally wet areas extended several miles farther south, east and west from Mud Lake’s present area. Over the years, dikes were built and water was kept in a small, but deeper lake. Agricultural fields now occupy areas that were historically covered by seasonal wetlands.

Today, the 11,468 acres of the WMA and 4,500 acre Mud Lake is a critical stopover during spring and fall for waterfowl and water birds. The shallow lake and surrounding marshlands provide important breeding, nesting, and foraging habitat for numerous species of birds. There are 28 species of waterfowl and 49 species of water birds that use the WMA and surrounding farmlands to meet their habitat needs.

Wildlife species can be found through all of the WMA including the uplands portion. Upland species such as ring-necked pheasant, gray partridge, sage-grouse, jackrabbits, and cottontail rabbits can be found throughout. Big game species also use all portions of the WMA. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, elk, and pronghorn frequently use Mud Lake WMA year round.