Production areas, nesting platforms and nestboxes all help bolster waterfowl nesting success and production on Payette River WMA.

Public Use of Payette River WMA

Numerous activities await Payette River WMA visitors. Abundant waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds makes wildlife viewing and photography an exciting and rewarding experience. Numerous two-track roads wind through the area, and guests are welcome to hike these established routes or explore other areas on their own. Waterfowl and wading birds are easily spotted during a trek along the river’s edge. Exploring upland and tree/shrub habitats will yield a surprising variety of other species.

Waterfowl hunting is excellent in early and late fall. Upland game bird hunting (particularly for ring-necked pheasant) can be good, though heavy cover makes a hunting dog necessary. Small game hunting quality depends largely on the reproductive success the previous summer.

Fishing is a popular outdoor pursuit at Payette River WMA. Several of the WMA ponds contain bass, and the Payette River is home to rainbow trout, bass and other catchable species.

A furbearer trapping season for muskrat and mink has also been established. Trappers must register with Payette River WMA management personnel or the IDFG regional office in Nampa.