The WMA is a popular waterfowl and upland game bird hunting destination. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching are common year-round activities on the WMA. Niagara Springs also provides public access to 3.5 miles of the Snake River. Motorized access to the western portion of the WMA is restricted during the spring and summer.
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Niagara Springs WMA is 976 acres nestled between the rim of the Snake River canyon and the banks of the river. The water, wetlands and natural areas make it a destination for waterfowl and for the people interested in hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Over 5,000 ducks and several hundred Canada geese winter along this portion of the Snake River annually. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, and other raptors patrol the canyon’s talus slopes and river year-round. The riparian zones along the canal and shoreline of the Snake River provides habitat for a variety of song birds.
The purchase of a string of eight islands in the Snake River was the beginning of the Niagara Springs WMA. Other parcels were purchased by or donated to Fish and Game to provide waterfowl nesting and rearing habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Primary Purpose: Wildlife habitat; hunting and fishing
Habitat: Wetlands, riparian, shrub steppe, agriculture
- 976 acres
- Gooding County
- Established in 1971
The WMA attracts horse riders from the area and holds the Backcountry Horseman Trail Ride.
Dog trials are held on the WMA in the spring.
Bowhunter groups hold a regular 3-D Shoot.
No overnight camping is allowed on the WMA
The WMA has two designated sturgeon fishing holes.
The WMA attracts horse riders from the area and holds the Backcountry Horseman Trail Ride. Dog trials are held on the WMA in the spring. Bowhunter groups hold a regular 3-D Shoot. No overnight camping is allowed on the WMA The WMA has two designated sturgeon fishing holes.
Information:
- Map of WMA [PDF]
- WMA Plan [PDF]
- History of WMA
Forms:
- Rules for Public Use [PDF]
- WMA Special Use Request [PDF]
Waterfowl hunting can be excellent along the Snake River and the ponds of Niagara Springs WMA. Upland game bird hunting is less reliable, but in good production years can be an exciting outdoor experience. Ring-necked pheasants are stocked weekly during the hunting season. Small game hunting is permitted on portions of Niagara Springs WMA.
Big game hunting is restricted to short-range weapons only.
There is a hunting blind located on the East Trout Pond in the middle of the WMA. There is no reservation system for the blind; it is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Be sure to check Idaho’s Seasons and Rules for up-to-date hunting information.
Niagara Springs WMA provides pond fishing and access to fishing the Snake River.
- A wild trout fishery is sustained by natural reproduction in the Thompson-Mays Canal fed by Niagara Springs. As a result, the WMA ponds and the canal are popular draws for rainbow trout fishing.
- There are few access points to the Snake River in the Magic Valley because of the steep slopes of the canyon walls. Niagara Springs provides public access to 3.5 miles of the Snake River where anglers often fish for trout, catfish, and sturgeon.
- There are two designated sturgeon fishing holes on Niagara Springs. These fishing holes are located along the Snake River in the middle of the WMA and access routes are marked by signs.
Trappers must call into the Magic Valley Regional Office to register prior to trapping on the WMA.
Niagara Springs is a destination on the Idaho Birding Trail and variety of other wildlife can be found across the different habitats. Non-motorized trails meandering along the canal and shoreline of the Snake River provides habitat for a variety of song birds. Raptors are common sight on the talus slope at the base of the canyon rim.
A hunting blind on the WMA is also a great place to watch wildlife outside of the hunting season. The blind is located on the East Trout Pond in the middle of the WMA.
The WMA has several trails which provide easy hiking and access to ponds and the Snake River.