This site supports over 2,000 ducks (American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead) during migration in the spring and fall. Significant populations of waterfowl, secretive marsh birds, and shorebirds nest here. American White Pelican and shorebirds (Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Western, Spotted, and Solitary Sandpipers) can be seen in late summer. Nesting birds include Veery and Swainson’s Thrush. Bald Eagle nest here regularly.

The WMA sits at the narrowest point of the valley between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges, and many wildlife species use the WMA. Deer and moose are abundant year-round and elk mostly visit in the winter. Black bears are frequently seen in the spring, and furbearers like muskrat, beaver, and river otter are common. Upland game such as ruffed grouse and turkey also use the WMA.

DIRECTIONS: From Bonners Ferry, travel S on US 95 ~13 mi (from Sandpoint, travel N on US 95 ~18 mi); just N of the McArthur Lake Dam turn W on McArthur Lake Rd at the “Sportsman’s Access” sign; take the first L (S) to get to the parking area, restroom, and boat launch.