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Market Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

A large portion of Market Lake is composed of cattails that form water channels.  From spring to fall one can find waterfowl in abundance.  One can also find deer, elk, coyotes, and other animals common to the southeast part of Idaho.

Market Lake is great for the plein air painter.  In addition to the marsh there are grass and woodland areas along with a fair share of old buildings and other structures to excite the senses.  The little town of Roberts also holds all kinds of possible subjects.  Market Lake is for the most part flat, so skyscapes are real possibilities.  Much of the area is also covered in sagebrush and trees such as russian olives.  There are several farms in the surrounding area, but rarely are there a lot of people visiting Market Lake itself, so painters can work with little interruption.  Given the area is only a very short drive from Idaho Falls, it is very easy to access.  

How To Get There:
Market Lake WMA is located near the town of Roberts, in east Idaho’s Jefferson County. From Interstate 15, take exit 135 at Roberts. Turn east, traveling on County Road 627 to the junction with County Road 2880 East. Turn north and drive through the town of Roberts. At the 0.5 mile mark, the road forks; continue on the right fork. Travel to County Road 800 North and follow the signs to Market Lake WMA headquarters.

There are various roads giving access to many parts of the Market Lake WMA.  A word of caution – some of these roads can be difficult to travel, even in a 4WD vehicle.  During the winter the marsh is frozen and access to many parts of Market Lake is difficult or impossible.

General Information :
A unique and priceless wetland sanctuary was preserved in 1956 when the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) purchased 3,748 acres and established Market Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Home to a variety of wildlife, this expansive wetland is noted for its broad array of waterfowl and shorebirds. Since the original land purchase, several adjacent parcels have been acquired, expanding Market Lake WMA to 5,071 acres. In addition to wetlands, the WMA encompasses upland and riparian (river bottom) habitats. This habitat diversity results in the wide variety of wildlife found at Market Lake WMA  The area derives its name from the fact before it was a WMA, market hunting occurred in the area.

The Story of the Photos
by Nolan Olson
(Talking about getting photos of Market Lake for the website) “I got the deed done, but let me tell you a couple of things.  First, don’t go out there right now (early March 2008).  The marsh is frozen over and the road along the marsh is just two tracks that if you get out of it is very difficult to get back into and there are no waterfowl right now.  It’s almost impossible to turn around and I got stuck coming out.  However, here is the high point.  I took our dog with us (Boston Bull) and she got onto some ice near a springs and broke through.  My first thought was that she was done for.  She was one scared dog!  I did manage to work my way to where she was and was able to get my hand on her and jerk her onto the bank.  I ended up in water to my waist (and yes it was COLD.)