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Activities at Niagara Springs WMA include wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing. Your visit to Niagara Springs WMA should begin with a stop at the WMA overlook. A parking area is located on top of the canyon rim, just east of the main road to the WMA. Across the road from the parking area lies the only portion of the WMA above the canyon rim. There, an overlook provides a panoramic view of the Snake River Canyon and all of Niagara Springs WMA. The roar of Boulder Rapids will immediately catch your attention and some of the islands that comprised the original WMA are easily identifiable.
From the overlook, an unimproved walking trail parallels the steep canyon wall. Traversing the path will increase your chances of viewing wildlife below, and offers additional breath-taking vistas of the Snake River Canyon area. If you choose to walk this trail, please use caution, as footing is often unstable and rocks are continually falling from the canyon rim.
At the WMA entrance, a short loop road allows visitors to see some features of the area, but foot travel will provide more rewarding views of wildlife. A short walk to the river’s edge may provide an up-close look at waterfowl. Remember that willow stands along the river often make excellent natural blinds. Scan the rocky outcrops on both sides of the river for nesting raptors, and observe waterfowl nesting platforms and nestboxes for activity. To minimize disturbance to nesting waterfowl, please do not approach platforms or nestboxes.
The WMA’s windbreaks and riparian areas offer good songbird viewing, and you may just spot a mule deer or two during your walk through these habitats. Also look for lush areas along the canyon slopes; they indicate the presence of a spring, and this unique habitat feature also attracts various wildlife species.
Both hunting and fishing are available in season. 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. Small game hunting is also permitted on portions of Niagara Springs WMA. Rainbow trout fishing is popular at the Niagara Springs ponds and the Thompson/Mays Canal. Anglers often cast a line into the waters of the Snake River in pursuit of trout, catfish and sturgeon.
In addition to these activities, a muskrat/mink trapping season has been established. Trappers must register at the IDFG regional office in Jerome.
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