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Lake Lowell

Boat Ramps
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Access Points
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Campsites
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Lake Lowell is a 9,800-acre reservoir located 5 miles southwest of Nampa, Idaho. With 28 miles of shoreline, it offers ample opportunities for paddling within the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The lake is open for boating from April 15 to September 30, with human-powered boats allowed year-round within 200 yards of the Upper and Lower Dams.

Paddlers can access the lake via boat ramps and docks at the upper and lower dam sites. The expansive waters provide a serene paddling experience, with gentle ripples and verdant surrounding landscapes. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, as the lake hosts over 200 bird species, particularly during peak migration periods. Lucky paddlers may spot deer, rabbits, and other animals along the shoreline.

Fish species in Lake Lowell include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, and catfish. Anglers can fish year-round, adding to the lake's recreational appeal. The lake's wetlands and woodlands create diverse habitats, enhancing the paddling experience with opportunities to observe nature.

Facilities for paddlers include picnic areas along the shore, restrooms, and parking at the dam sites and visitor center. The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, open year-round, provides additional information and amenities.

Paddlers should be aware of potential seasonal restrictions related to wildlife protection. It's advisable to check current regulations before planning a trip. The lake's historic significance is evident in its embankment dams, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and feature decorative lava-rock parapet walls from 1930s repairs.


Water access, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Lowell. Uncover great paddling access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. PaddleWays's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

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Idaho licenses and regulations

Idaho Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Idaho Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Idaho Fishing License

"To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth. -A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit. -A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit. Special fishing permits are need for some activities for both residents and nonresidents: -Fishing for salmon and steelhead -Fishing with two poles."

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Idaho Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Idaho Stream Access Laws

Navigable streams are recognized as public transportation corridors, thus members of the public have the right to use the corridor, provided they enter and exit the corridor at a public right of way and remain within the corridor. Many navigable streams flow through private property, thus it is important that anglers know their rights and responsibilities when fishing in navigable waters that flow through private property.

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Find Places to Paddle

Over 400,000 Places to Paddle

Every user gets free access to launch points, boat ramps, and public property parcels.

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to paddle Lake Lowell and check the forecast before you go.

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