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Idaho Fish and Game

Bare Marsh, Coeur d'Alene River WMA
Wildlife Management Area
Coeur d' Alene River WMA
Before you go

The Coeur d’Alene River WMA is a collection of land parcels along the river between Harrison and Cataldo. The WMA is open to the public and can be accessed by vehicle, boat, and bike. Hunting, fishing, and bird watching are all popular activities. 

Coeur d'alene river landscape wide shot July 2010
Related Location
Overview

Largely a mix of wetland habitats and small lakes, this WMA is for the birds. It was developed to protect and enhance waterfowl habitat and increase waterfowl production.

The Coeur d’Alene River WMA parcels lay along the river between Harrison and Cataldo. Additional parcels are scattered around the lake and along the St. Joe and St. Maries rivers.

The WMA provides high quality habitat for upland birds and wildlife. The largest upland parcel, on the Thompson Lake segment, consists of forested and pasture habitat, and includes food plots.

Thousands of birds, including tundra swans, descend on its waters to rest and feed during their seasonal migrations. A host of other birds – ospreys, mourning doves, great blue herons, kingfishers, hawks and harriers - can also be seen here.

Location Facts

Primary Purpose: Waterfowl production and habitat, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, riparian areas, conifer forest. 8,638 acres Kootenai and Benewah counties Established in 1964

Location Things to Know

The WMA can be accessed in a variety of ways.

  • County roads border the WMA and provide access to different parcels. 
  • Several public boat launches are located along the Coeur d’Alene River at Anderson Lake, Thompson Lake, Rose Lake, and the Coeur d’Alene River boat launch.
  • The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes weaves in and out of the WMA.
Resources

Information:

Forms:

Hunting

Waterfowl, upland bird, and big game hunters will find good hunting opportunities for each season within and adjacent to the WMA.

Attention:  Thompson Lake and Thompson Slough are closed to waterfowl hunting.

Fishing

The Chain Lakes offer fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappie, yellow perch, and bullhead. These small lakes are connected by channels to the Coeur d’Alene River.

Several public boat launches are located along the Coeur d’Alene River on the WMA at Anderson Lake, Thompson Lake, Rose Lake, and the Coeur d’Alene River boat launch.

Trapping

Trapping is allowed on the WMA. Trappers must register with the Panhandle Office or WMA staff before setting traps on the WMA.