Many U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for fishing, paddling, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. At Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted on Krumbo Reservoir for fishing and recreational boating (paddling, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding) year-round, and in designated hunt areas during the Malheur Lake hunt seasons.
Rules and Policies
Please observe and follow Refuge Rules and Policies for your safety and to protect wildlife and their habitat. Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted only on Krumbo Reservoir for Fishing and recreational boating (paddling, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding) year-round. Public access to any ice formation at Krumbo Reservoir is not permitted. Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted in designated Hunt areas during the Malheur Lake hunt seasons.
When to Go
The greatest variety of waterfowl and songbirds can be found on the Refuge from late winter through the end of May, but something worth viewing is available at any time of the year. The abundance of species varies by the seasons, as you will see by the available Watchable Wildlife Brochure and the Refuge’s Average Early Arrival Dates for migratory species if you come in spring with particular species in mind. Spring is best for wildlife watching, not just because the birds are in fresh plumage and engaged in public display, but also because large flocks of some species make spectacular appearances in the newly wet meadows, which brings many species out in the open.
Boating for fishing and hunting are allowed year-round at Krumbo Reservoir aimed at providing successful trout and bass fishing for beginning, casual and local anglers, and hunting within limited areas for reasonable challenges and opportunities, and uncrowded conditions on Malheur Lake during the Malheur Lake hunt seasons.