Wildlife

Pend Oreille County enjoys four seasons in this spectacular northeastern corner of Washington state. It’s an attractive year-round destination for people, birds and wildlife. Permanent residents include Great Blue Herons, Eagles, Hawks and shorebirds. Tundra swan migrate through the Valley, resting on Calispel Lake and the River to feed. Many different species of duck can be seen. Bald Eagles and Osprey have a strong presence on the Pend Oreille River as well.

Mountains and miles of scenic coastline encourage a diverse bird and wildlife population, no matter what time of year you visit!

At last count, there were 273 species of birds in Pend Oreille County. From waterfowl to loons, pelicans, herons, vultures, raptors, cranes, gulls, doves, owls, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, swallows, warblers, etc., your binoculars will be put to very good use!

Click here for a printable list of all 273 species of birds found in Pend Oreille County, courtesy of Washington Birder.

Because of Pend Oreille County’s abundance of undeveloped USFS and Private Lands, many large (and small) mammals call this area home. These include: badgers, beavers, black bears, bobcats, lynx, elk, moose, deer, Grizzly bears, wolves, River otters, and wolverines. For a complete list, please follow this link: Nature Mapping- Pend Oreille County

WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife also manages the LeClerc Wildlife Area along the Pend Oreille River. Water Trail users will find this spot at Access Site 18 (River Mile 54.9). This is a boat-in only site and provides a unique look at the Pend Oreille River floodplain and undisturbed riparian habitat. Here is the WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife’s link to the Wildlife Area: LeClerc Wildlife Area

Graphic regarding the required release of bull trout

If you like to fish while you paddle, the Pend Oreille River will not disappoint. There are great opportunities and success stories along the 80 mile stretch of water. Targeting the sloughs in the southern portion of the river (Cusick to Newport), anglers can expect good size bass and occasionally some pike. Rainbow trout and walleye are also targeted.

Check out the following sites for fishing tips:

Northwest Fishing Reports – Search under Rivers for the Pend Oreille or under Lakes for upland fishing opportunities.
WA Dept. of F ish and Wildlife – This link highlights the numerous lowland lakes available within Pend Oreille County
Box Canyon Reservoir – Fishing Prospects Calendar for the area located between Albeni Falls Dam (Old Town, ID) and Box Canyon Dam (Ione, WA
Boundary Reservoir – Fishing Prospects Calendar for the area located between Box Canyon Dam (Ione, WA) and Boundary Dam (South of Canadian Border)

Caution: Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are a Federally protected species and may be found in the Pend Oreille River and it’s tributaries. All Bull trout must be released unharmed.

Wildlife

Birds

Mammals

Fish