Mattamuskeet Refugewinter wildlife
Migratory waterfowl (tundra swans, geese and ducks) peak from November through February on and around Lake Mattamuskeet, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's 2024 environmental assessment (Nov 1–Feb 28). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Mattamuskeet Refuge · September
- Fishing by boat, March 1 to November 1 (bank fishing is open all year); spring and fall are the best fishing seasons · Mar–Oct
- Most migratory waterfowl are gone, April to October · Apr–Oct
33days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–Feb 28, local timing
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Fishing by boat, March 1 to November 1 (bank fishing is open all year); spring and fall are the best fishing seasonsNowMar–Oct
- Most migratory waterfowl are gone, April to OctoberNowApr–Oct
- Waterfowl peak, November through FebruaryNov–Feb
- No boating on refuge waters, November 1 to February 28 (except permitted waterfowl hunters)Nov–Feb
Where to watch
- Photo Blind Trail and Outfall TrailA grassy path to a photography blind on the bank of Lake Mattamuskeet, north of the boat launch on the Central (Outfall) Canal; the short Outfall Trail nearby starts at the bridge by the New Holland Pumphouse parking area and picnic grounds, just inside the gate off New Holland/Mattamuskeet Road
- Wildlife DriveA 3-mile loop from the main entrance road around the refuge's largest wetland impoundment, with several observation platforms over the marsh and excellent chances to see waterfowl
Mattamuskeet Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Final Environmental Assessment, Cyanobacteria Treatment in Lake Mattamuskeet (March 2024) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: About Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Rules and Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Dog Walking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Photography (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Auto Tour (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Fishing (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge?
Migratory waterfowl (tundra swans, geese and ducks) peak from November through February on and around Lake Mattamuskeet, per the Fish and Wildlife Service's 2024 environmental assessment: Nov 1–Feb 28. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 33 days (Nov 1–Feb 28, local timing).
Can I see the birds from a boat in winter?
No: all boating is prohibited from November 1 to February 28, except for permitted waterfowl hunters. In winter, watch from shore, the trails, the Wildlife Drive and the observation deck on the Highway 94 causeway.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Birding ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where else is viewing good without walking far?
Along the Highway 94 causeway across Lake Mattamuskeet, which has an observation viewing deck, and along the refuge entrance road and Wildlife Drive. Swans, snow geese, northern pintail and bald eagles are often seen.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Birding ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the whole refuge open in winter?
No. You can walk or bicycle throughout the refuge, but some areas are closed to the public during the winter, so check the refuge map and follow the regulatory signs.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but all pets must be on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Dog Walking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get there?
The refuge is about 70 miles east of Washington, North Carolina. The headquarters entrance road is off Highway 94, 1.5 miles north of U.S. 264, between Swan Quarter and Engelhard.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mattamuskeet NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge?
Photo Blind Trail and Outfall Trail: a grassy path to a photography blind on the bank of Lake Mattamuskeet, north of the boat launch on the Central (Outfall) Canal; the short Outfall Trail nearby starts at the bridge by the New Holland Pumphouse parking area and picnic grounds, just inside the gate off New Holland/Mattamuskeet Road; Wildlife Drive: a 3-mile loop from the main entrance road around the refuge's largest wetland impoundment, with several observation platforms over the marsh and excellent chances to see waterfowl.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge?
No boating on refuge waters, November 1 to February 28 (except permitted waterfowl hunters) (Nov–Feb).
What is Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Waterfowl peak, November through February (Nov–Feb), No boating on refuge waters, November 1 to February 28 (except permitted waterfowl hunters) (Nov–Feb), Fishing by boat, March 1 to November 1 (bank fishing is open all year); spring and fall are the best fishing seasons (Mar–Oct) and Most migratory waterfowl are gone, April to October (Apr–Oct).