Hagerman WMA

Before You Go

The WMA is open for recreational use year-round. Park your vehicle and walk the grounds using trails and non-motorized access roads. Visitors enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, birding, and other nature-based activities. All WMA ponds are closed to fishing from November 1 to the last day of February to protect wintering waterfowl.

Visiting Hours:

Open year-round, 7 days a week.

Contact:

Magic Valley Regional Office

324 South 417 East

Suite 1

Jerome, ID 83338

United States

Phone:

(208) 324-4359

WMA facts

Primary Purpose: Waterfowl winter habitat; wildlife and fish populations and habitat; recreational use

Habitat: Open-water ponds, wetlands, cottonwood-willow riparian, sagebrush steppe

882 acres
Gooding County
Established in 1940

things to know

Youth waterfowl hunts are often held in November.

During the spring, access is restricted to some sections of the WMA to protect nesting waterfowl.

resources

Information:

Forms:

Rules for Public Use [PDF]
WMA Special Use Request [PDF]

Overview

The waters at Hagerman WMA are a magnet for waterfowl and anglers. More than 40,000 ducks and geese descend on the WMA for the winter, and when spring arrives, the family-friendly fishing draws anglers of all ages.

The WMA's primary purpose is to provide habitat for waterfowl and upland game birds. Parts of the WMA are closed in the winter and spring to protect wintering and nesting birds. Ring-necked pheasants and California quail are common and mule deer are year-round residents. Furbearers such as muskrat, beaver, mink, and river otters use the area as well.

Hagerman is the first WMAs to be established in Idaho and the Hagerman Fish Hatchery is located here. The water, wetlands, and natural areas make it a destination for wildlife viewing.

News

Annual waterfowl count conducted at the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 10:14 AM MST

On a recent cold and wintery January morning, staff and volunteers with Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region, spent the morning estimating the number of waterfowl using the many ponds at the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area. This annual one-day count has been used for several decades to show population trends of waterfowl using the spring-fed ponds along the Snake River during winter months.

Magic Valley Region Hagerman WMA Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Hagerman Wildlife Management Area: A gem of a location for wildlife viewing in southern Idaho

Friday, December 20, 2019 - 4:22 PM MST

The Hagerman Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established in 1940 for the purpose of providing winter habitat for waterfowl, as well as habitats for upland game birds. Located in Gooding County, this 882 acre wildlife area was the first WMA designated in Idaho.

Hagerman WMA Idaho's Wildlife Management Areas Magic Valley Region

Video

Hagerman WMA: Quick Tour

Fishing Memories on Hagerman WMA

Activities

Hunting

Big game and upland bird hunting are allowed on the WMA. Youth waterfowl hunts are held on the WMA the first three weekends in November.

Please be sure to check Idaho’s Seasons and Rules for up-to-date hunting information.

Fishing

Fishing starts early in the spring on the Hagerman WMA. Starting March 1, the ponds become popular destinations for anglers eager to start fishing. The small ponds on the WMA support populations of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Starting February 27, rainbow trout are stocked once a week until October 7.

Please note that the four Anderson Ponds (bass and bluegill) are closed from November 1 to June 30 to protect nesting waterfowl.

The WMA is a family-friendly fishing location with easy dock access for young kids, disabled folks, or senior citizens. Idaho Fish and Game added several new fishing docks to make access even easier.

Wildlife Viewing

This WMA is famous for thousands of wintering waterfowl, attracting many birdwatchers. Five viewing blinds on the WMA help people get a closer view and minimize disturbing wildlife. Birders are able to see numerous species of ducks, passerines, and raptors throughout year. Mule deer are common, feeding in the irrigated fields and resting in the heavy cover and rough breaks.

Hiking

The WMA offers soft-surfaced walking trails. The trail winding around Oster Lakes allow visitors to view waterfowl, songbirds and other wildlife. The southern-most Oster Lake trail provides a panoramic view of the Snake River, Gridley Island, and Hagerman Valley.