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How To Get There
The Coeur d’Alene River WMA extends from the mouth of the Coeur d’Alene River at Harrison upstream to Cataldo, a distance of 25 miles. From Cataldo county roads border the WMA until reaching Rose Lake. From Rose Lake state highway 3 follows the boundary of the WMA until near Black Lake the highway turns south toward the Round Lake segment of the WMA. From Black Lake to Harrison a series of county roads provides access to the WMA.
General Information
The WMA was created to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat, increase waterfowl production and provide a secure staging area for migrating waterfowl. An important aspect of the WMA is providing public access for waterfowl and big game hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Habitat management and development emphasis has primarily been for waterfowl production. This is accomplished by maintaining stable water levels through a series of dikes and water control structures, introduction of wild rice as a food source and creating islands and open water in dense stands of horsetail rush.
Water levels on Coeur d’Alene Lake and the WMA are controlled by a dam on the Spokane River at Post Falls that is owned and operated by the Washington Water Power Company. Stable water levels are maintained from June through September at a level that provides nearly optimum conditions for most of the marshlands of the WMA. Beginning in late September, the lake is drawn down seven feet for power generation, reaching low pool by mid-December. Fish and wildlife carrying capacities are reduced in those lakes and wetlands of the WMA that do not have water control structures to retain water near full pool elevations. Water levels in many of the wetlands on the WMA are maintained to provide maximum benefits for fish and wildlife resources.
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