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Caney Lake Wildlife Management Area adventures

Caney Lake Wildlife Management Area Adventures

Caney Lake Wildlife Management Area is a diverse habitat in northwestern Louisiana known for its rich birdlife, abundant waterfowl, and excellent fishing opportunities, offering outdoor enthusiasts a blend of hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.

11,948
Acres Protected
12
Miles of Trails
15,000+
Annual Visitors
1963
Year Established

About Caney Lake Wildlife Management Area

 

Caney Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses approximately 11,948 acres of mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, and open water around Caney Lake in Bossier and Webster Parishes, Louisiana. The WMA is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to provide quality hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Its landscape consists primarily of bottomland hardwoods, cypress-tupelo swamps, and lake marshes, creating ideal habitat for waterfowl, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and small game. Caney Lake itself is a popular spot for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, drawing anglers throughout the year. The area also serves as a critical stopover and nesting ground for migratory birds, including various waterfowl and songbirds. Visitors can enjoy hunting during established seasons, fishing from both boats and shorelines, birdwatching, and nature photography. The WMA is accessible via several public access points, with trails and boat launches facilitating recreation. While there are no developed campgrounds within the WMA, nearby state parks and private campgrounds serve visitors camping in the region. The area's combination of wetlands, forested areas, and open water provides diverse outdoor experiences in a relatively remote setting. Conservation efforts emphasize habitat management to support sustainable wildlife populations, making Caney Lake WMA a key resource for both hunters and conservation-minded visitors in northern Louisiana.

Highlights

Highlight

Caney Lake – a well-stocked fishing lake with notable largemouth bass and crappie

Highlight

Seasonal waterfowl concentrations providing prime birdwatching and hunting opportunities

Highlight

Bottomland hardwood forests rich in wildlife including white-tailed deer and wild turkey

Highlight

Remote boat launches offering access to serene paddling and fishing experiences

Notable Natural Features

Caney Lake

A 5,200-acre reservoir supporting fishing and waterfowl habitat within the WMA.

Bottomland Hardwood Forests

Forested wetlands creating critical habitat for deer, turkey, and migratory birds.

Waterfowl Hunting Zones

Managed hunting areas designed to sustain healthy waterfowl populations.