Public Use of Mud Lake WMA

Public Use
Wildlife viewing activities, together with hunting and fishing, are the primary recreational pursuits available at Mud Lake WMA. For the wildlife watcher, the Kaster Overlook Tower at Cormorant Bay provides visitors with a splendid view of double-crested cormorants, great blue herons and other colonial nesting birds throughout the spring and summer. The tower also allows visitors to view the vast, upland habitats of Mud Lake, where deer, elk and moose can sometimes be seen. Just a short drive from the WMA’s east entrance, the view and experience are well worth the trip.

While roadways and parking areas provide wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities, the more adventuresome visitor may choose to walk along the lake shore or along roads closed to vehicles. This will greatly increase the changes of viewing Mud Lake’s diverse and abundant wildlife. Note that the thick willow patches along the shores of Mud Lake make excellent natural blinds for wildlife observation and photography.

Waterfowl hunting on Mud Lake WMA is often excellent in the late fall and early winter months. The quality of upland bird hunting (ring-necked pheasant and gray partridge) depends largely on nesting success the previous summer. Small game hunting can be good in years of high rabbit production.

Mud Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Largemouth bass are the primary species sought by anglers during spring, while yellow perch fishing is common during winter months. In 1993, tiger muskies were reintroduced to Mud Lake and provide a limited, but exciting, trophy fishery.

In addition to these activities, a muskrat/mink trapping season has been established. Trappers must register with Mud Lake WMA management personnel or the IDFG regional office in Idaho Falls.