2026 Waterfowl Migration Reports

OFFICIAL 2026 HUNTTHENORTH.COM WATERFOWL MIGRATION REPORT

We hope this will be a valued resource in planning your next adventure and tracking the migration through the 2026 waterfowl hunting season!
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• MINNESOTA – Field Canada Goose Hunts & Big Water Duck Hunts
• WISCONSIN – Canvasback & Diver Hunts On The Mississippi River
• MICHIGAN – Duck Hunts On Lake St. Clair
• NORTH DAKOTA – Prairie Pothole Duck Hunts / Goose Hunts
• SOUTH DAKOTA – Late Season Missouri River Canada Goose Hunts
• NEBRASKA – Mallard Hunts On The North Platte River
• MISSOURI – Field Duck / Goose Hunts Near The Squaw Creek NWR
• ILLINOIS – Flooded Corn Field Mallard And Canada Goose Hunts
• MARYLAND – Sea Duck Hunts On The Cheasapeake Bay
• COLORADO – Field Canada Goose Hunts / Water Duck Hunts
• WYOMING – Field Canada Goose And Duck Hunts
• WASHINGTON – Field Canada Goose And Mallard Hunts
• SASKATCHEWAN – Specklebelly / Snow Goose Field Hunts
• MANITOBA – Diver Duck Hunts On The Delta Marsh
• ALBERTA – Field Canada Goose Hunts For Giant Honkers
• MEXICO – Coastal Marsh Duck Hunts For Late Season Pintails, Teal & Other Ducks

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Minnesota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

Central Minnesota will see mild and slightly breezy conditions on Friday (October 30) with highs reaching 59°F and lows around 49°F under partly cloudy skies with light southerly winds at 8 to 12 mph. Saturday (October 31 / Halloween) brings a high near 60°F and nighttime lows near 52°F with overcast skies and a steady south breeze around 10 to 15 mph. Sunday (November 1) warms up further with highs topping out near 66°F and lows dropping to 50°F with partly cloudy skies and breezy conditions.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE NWR – LOCATION: MCGREGOR, MN

The Minnesota DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported on October 28, 2026, that bird movements are slowly picking up steam following a stretch of mild weather. Local wild rice beds held strong through early autumn, offering prime foraging habitat, though water levels remain variable across the refuge pools. Green-Winged Teal and Wood Duck numbers are tapering off, but a steady trickle of Mallard, Ring-Necked Duck, and Canada Goose arrivals are populating open water sanctuaries.

SHERBURNE NWR- LOCATION: ZIMMERMAN, MN

Field reports updated by the Minnesota DNR on October 28, 2026, highlight an uptick in calendar migrants as night temperatures begin to dip. Sanctuary pools are holding moderate concentrations of Mallard, Gadwall, and Canada Geese, while surrounding agricultural fields are nearly fully harvested of soybeans and corn. Wetland water levels are somewhat low due to persistent regional dryness, concentrating birds on larger impoundments and wildlife management units.

LAC QUI PARLE REFUGE – WATSON, MN

The Minnesota DNR reported on October 28, 2026, that water levels on Marsh Lake and Lac qui Parle Lake continue to trend lower, though boat access remains good on both bodies of water. Impoundments and smaller wetlands across the unit continue to trend drier or completely dry depending on the basin, while soybean harvest is nearing 100% completion and corn harvest is progressing fast with some tillage already done. Migration updates indicate no major influx of Canada Geese on the refuge yet, though good numbers of Mallard, Northern Pintail, and mixed puddle ducks remain on the unit alongside an uptick in geese across the broader area following last week’s very warm, mild weather. Hunters report mixed success overall, with some groups having good results and others reporting fewer in the bag.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In central Iowa, expect a high of 74°F Friday, October 23, with a low of 53°F, under partly sunny skies and a low chance of precipitation. Saturday’s high should reach 73°F with a low of 48°F, with intervals of cloud and sunshine and a slight chance of rain. Sunday’s high is forecast near 62°F with a low of 44°F, with considerable cloud cover and a modest chance of precipitation. The warm conditions are not a strong cold-weather migration signal by themselves, so feeding patterns and local disturbance may be more important than a major influx of birds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

RICE LAKE WMA – LOCATION: LAKE MILLS, IOWA

The Iowa DNR’s October 23 survey recorded 2,689 ducks and 2,261 geese for the Rice Lake survey area, up from 1,925 ducks and 1,610 geese on October 16. That is an increase of 764 ducks and 651 geese. Mallards accounted for 42% of the duck count, other dabbling ducks 56%, and divers 2%; the geese were classified as dark geese.

RIVERTON WMA – LOCATION: RIVERTON, IOWA

The October 23 survey recorded 5,410 ducks and 120 geese for the combined Riverton/Forney survey area, compared with 10,645 ducks and 60 geese on October 16. Ducks declined by 5,235 birds, while geese increased by 60. The latest duck composition was 2% mallards and 98% other dabbling ducks, with no divers reported; all counted geese were dark geese. The sharp decline in ducks indicates a major change in distribution across the survey area.

BIG MARSH WMA – LOCATION: PARKERSBURG, IOWA

Big Marsh held 2,200 ducks and 30 geese on October 23, compared with 2,075 ducks and 20 geese on October 16. Ducks increased by 125, and geese increased by 10. The duck count was 23% mallards and 77% other dabbling ducks, with no divers reported; all counted geese were dark geese. The increases are modest in absolute numbers and suggest a relatively stable survey-area total rather than a large new influx.

North Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

North Central North Dakota will start Friday (October 30) with partly cloudy conditions, a high of 52°F, low of 34°F, and west-southwest winds at 10 to 18 mph. Saturday (October 31) turns cloudy and cool with a high of 48°F, low of 28°F, northwest winds at 15 to 22 mph, and a 20% chance of brief afternoon rain or snow flurries. Sunday (November 1) clears out to sunny, crisp conditions with a high of 42°F, low of 24°F, and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

LAKE ALICE NWR – LOCATION: DEVILS LAKE, ND

Lake Alice staff reported for the weekend of October 22nd that the Lake Alice region is seeing steady early-fall bird activity, though the main flight of northern ducks is still staged in Canada. Field reports note good numbers of local Mallards and Gadwall holding on larger water bodies, along with growing pockets of Giant Canada Geese. Light trickles of Snow Geese have been spotted passing high overhead, signaling the front edge of the arctic flight. The approaching cold and wind could change bird distribution across the basin, but a regional weather shift alone does not establish that a new flight has arrived at Lake Alice.

TEWAULKAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: CAYUGA, ND

Staff stated that the week of October 28th shows that excellent waterfowl holding capacity across the main lake and impoundments. The refuge is currently sustaining high densities of Canada Goose, Greater White-Fronted Goose, and late-season dabbling Ducks. Agricultural harvest in Sargent County has reached peak completion, giving roosting birds unlimited foraging options within a few miles of the sanctuary boundaries.

ARROWWOOD WETLAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT – LOCATION: LYON, ND

Reports from the Arrowwood wetland complex for the week of October 28th show steady Waterfowl build-ups throughout the Arrowwood Wetland Management District. Prairie potholes and river marsh impoundments have plenty of open water, holding good numbers of Canvasback, Redhead, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup. Soybean and corn harvest in Stutsman and Eddy counties is wrapping up quickly, providing exceptional field feeding habitat. Incoming cold fronts are keeping birds active, with feeding flights occurring both early morning and late afternoon.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

South Dakota Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

East Central South Dakota will experience partly sunny skies on Friday (October 30) with a high of 56°F, low of 38°F, south winds at 10 to 15 mph, and a 10% chance of precipitation. Saturday (October 31) brings cloudier and windier weather with a high of 52°F, low of 30°F, northwest winds at 15 to 25 mph, and a 15% chance of brief flurries. Sunday (November 1) clears up completely with full sunshine, a crisp high of 46°F, low of 26°F, and northwest winds at 8 to 14 mph.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SAND LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: ABERDEEN, SD

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks report for the week of October 28th reveals strong builds of staging waterfowl on Sand Lake NWR. Hundreds of thousands of Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese, Canada Geese, and Mallard are utilizing the central pool sanctuary. Corn and soybean harvest across Brown County is rapidly finishing, creating ideal feeding grounds in neighboring private grain fields. Water levels remain well-managed, providing rich submerged aquatic vegetation that keeps staging flocks firmly rooted in the refuge before severe freeze-ups arrive.

WAUBAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: WAUBAY, SD

The October 28th reports indicate rising numbers of diving and dabbling Ducks across the glacial lakes region. Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-Necked Duck, and big flight Mallard are populating deep-water refuges and larger semi-permanent wetlands. Crop harvest in Day County is near full completion, allowing field-hunting spreads to produce well on corn and sunflower stubble. Cool weather forecasts are expected to push additional Northern migrants down into the sanctuary over the coming days.

LACREEK NWR – LOCATION: MARTIN, SD

The most recent South Dakota GFP migration report for the week of October 12th indicates Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge is maintaining healthy numbers of resident Waterfowl and Trumpeter swans across its managed wetland units. Early puddle ducks—primarily Northern Pintails, Green-Winged Teal, and Mallards—are making up the bulk of daylight staging groups on refuge pools. Field observations note a slight increase in Dark Goose traffic as local breeding groups merge into larger staging flocks. Water levels across the refuge pools remain stable, providing prime sanctuary as migrating birds filter down from the north.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Wisconsin Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

Eastern Wisconsin will be mild on Friday (October 30) with overcast conditions, a high near 58°F, low of 48°F, and south-southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday (October 31) brings cloudy skies with a high of 61°F, low of 50°F, light rain showers developing late, and southerly winds at 12 to 18 mph. Sunday (November 1) stays unseasonably mild with a high topping out near 65°F, low of 52°F, overcast conditions, and light winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

HORICON MARSH NWR – LOCATION: MAYVILLE, WI

The October 21st, 2026 count includes 31,853 total birds, up from 24,761 on October 14 — an increase of 7,092 birds. Mallards rose from 5,898 to 8,887, a gain of 2,989, while Canada geese increased from 4,788 to 6,409, a gain of 1,621. The survey also recorded 685 Ruddy ducks, 1,661 American coots, 37 Trumpeter swans and 569 Sandhill cranes. The overall increase shows substantial growth in the survey total, although it includes multiple bird groups and is not a waterfowl-only total.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALEY POOLS 4 – 9 | LOCATION SW WISCONSIN

Staff reported on 10-28 show steady build-ups of Canvasback, Tundra Swan, and Mallards along the Mississippi River corridor. Submerged aquatic vegetation—especially wild celery—is providing excellent feed, keeping diving Ducks anchored in key refuge pools. Agricultural harvest along the river bluffs and bottomland valleys is well underway, giving birds extra options for waste grain feeding. Flow conditions are favorable, allowing duck hunters good access to backwater sloughs and main river blinds.

CREX MEADOWS NWR – LOCATION: GRANTSBURG, WI

Updates from Crex Meadows for the week of October 28th indicate solid Waterfowl activity across the sedge marshes and flooded impoundments. Canada Geese, Mallard, Ring-Necked Duck, and Sandhill cranes are congregating in large numbers throughout the area. Harvest progress on surrounding agricultural lands is nearly complete, encouraging heavy field feeding during early morning hours. Water levels in the flowages are in good shape, giving incoming Northern migrants plenty of safe roosting habitat.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Missouri Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

Northwest Missouri will see mostly cloudy and warm weather on Friday (October 30) with a high of 64°F, low of 52°F, east-southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph, and a 30% chance of showers. Saturday (October 31) stays mild with overcast skies, a 50% chance of showers, highs near 66°F, lows around 52°F, and south winds at 10 to 16 mph. Sunday (November 1) remains cloudy and warm with a high of 68°F, low of 54°F, and light south breezes.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: MOUND CITY

The official October 27, 2026 Loess Bluffs survey counted 43,775 ducks and 11,900 geese, for a combined total of 55,675 waterfowl. On October 20, the refuge counted 15,237 ducks and 2,686 geese, so ducks increased by 28,538, geese by 9,214, and total waterfowl by 37,752. Greater White-fronted geese surged from 2,290 to 11,600, Northern pintails increased from 9,050 to 16,020, and Green-winged teal climbed from 4,350 to 13,730; American coots also rose to 18,205. Wetland habitat was rated fair, flooded acreage increased from 3,340 to 3,380 acres, and no wetlands were recorded as frozen. This is the strongest verified current migration signal in the report: Loess Bluffs experienced a major increase in waterfowl use during the week ending October 27.

FOUR RIVERS CONSERVATION AREA – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

The latest area-specific result verified in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s public survey viewer was dated October 14, 2026, when Four Rivers Conservation Area held 718 ducks and 4 Canada geese. The duck composition included 550 teal, 120 mixed dabblers, 8 Mallards and 8 pintails, with 12 White-fronted geese also listed in additional observations.

SWAN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – LOCATION: SUMNER, MO

Staff reports from 10-28 indicate growing numbers of Waterfowl arriving along the Grand River basin. Refuge pools are supporting strong flocks of Canada geese, Greater White-fronted geese, Mallards, and Wood ducks. Agricultural harvest in Chariton County is progressing very rapidly, offering vast waste grain availability in private corn and soybean fields. Habitat conditions inside the sanctuary remain high quality, setting up an impressive mid-autumn flight as temperatures cool down north of Missouri.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Nebraska Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

Central Nebraska starts Friday (October 30) with partly cloudy skies, a high of 60°F, low of 42°F, south winds at 10 to 15 mph, and a 10% chance of precipitation. Saturday (October 31) will be mostly cloudy and breezy with a high of 58°F, low of 38°F, south-southwest winds shifting west at 12 to 20 mph, and a 20% chance of light showers. Sunday (November 1) brings clear, sunny skies with a high of 52°F, low of 32°F, and light west winds.

REFUGE / WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ACTIVITY

NORFORK NWR – LOCATION: NORFORK, NE

Reports on 10-28 show steady waterfowl movement across Sandhills lakes and river corridors. Open water sanctuary pools are holding modest concentrations of Mallards, Gadwall, and Green-winged teal. Corn and grain harvest across northern Nebraska is moving briskly, offering plenty of waste grain for field-feeding birds. Spring-fed river habitat and deeper Sandhills lakes are in good shape, providing reliable resting areas for incoming Canada geese and northern duck flocks.

KEARNEY GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE- LOCATION KEARNEY, NE

Reports on 10-28 indicate increasing Waterfowl build-ups along the Platte River valley. Flooded sandpits, agricultural fields, and river channels are holding steady numbers of Mallards, Northern Pintails, and Dark geese. Crop harvest in Buffalo and Dawson counties is ahead of average, leaving extensive corn stubble fields for field hunting setups. Water flows in the Platte River are adequate, keeping roosting sandbars attractive to newly arrived flight birds.

LINCOLN GAME FISH AND PARKS OFFICE – LOCATION: LINCOLN, NE

Reports on 10-28 report excellent habitat conditions across managed Rainwater Basin wetlands. Flooded smartweed and waste grain are attracting good numbers of early Mallards, Green-winged teal, and Greater White-fronted geese. Crop harvest throughout south-central Nebraska is nearly complete, providing hunters with wide-open field opportunities. Upcoming cold weather out of the Dakotas is expected to kick off significant migration waves into the basin over the weekend.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Manitoba Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

In southern Manitoba, expect a high temperature of 46°F, low of 28°F and partly sunny with west-southwest winds at 10 to 16 mph, and a 10% chance of precipitation. Saturday (October 31) will be mostly cloudy, windy, and cool with flurries, featuring a high of 38°F, low of 20°F, a 30% chance of brief snow showers, and northwest winds at 18 to 25 mph. Sunday (November 1) turns mostly sunny but cold with a high of 34°F, low of 16°F, and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. 54°F on Friday with a low of 36°F under mostly cloudy skies with breezy SW winds at 15–22 mph. On Saturday, expect a high of 48°F with a low of 28°F, turning overcast with winds shifting NW at 12–20 mph and scattered light rain or snow flurries late in the day. Sunday’s high is expected to reach 38°F with a low of 22°F under cold, partly sunny skies with NW winds at 8–15 mph; no additional precipitation is expected following Saturday night’s flurries.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

DAUPHIN LAKE FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: DAUPHIN LAKE, MB

Reports from 10-28 indicate major staging activity around Dauphin Lake and surrounding agricultural grounds. Large concentrations of Mallards, Lesser scaup, and Canada geese are utilizing open lake waters for roosting. Crop harvest across the Parkland region is 100% complete, giving birds vast grain options in barley and wheat stubble. Freezing nighttime temperatures are beginning to skin over small prairie potholes, forcing birds to concentrate on larger water bodies and push south.

BOISEVAINE AREA OFFICE – LOCATION: BOISEVAINE, MANITOBA

Field updates for October 28, 2026, report heavy staging of Mallard, Northern Pintail, and Snow geese throughout southwestern Manitoba. Wetland water levels are adequate, but shallow potholes are rapidly freezing during overnight lows. Cereal grain and canola harvest is completely finished, creating ideal field hunting conditions. Brisk northerly winds and sub-freezing temperatures forecasted for this weekend will likely initiate a massive exodus of Manitoba birds into the Dakotas.

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: STONEWALL, MB

Oak Hammock Marsh conservation updates for October 28th show peak staging numbers for Canada geese, Snow geese, and Mallards. Tens of thousands of birds are roosting on the main marsh sanctuary and feeding daily in surrounding cut wheat and corn fields. Habitat conditions on the marsh are ideal, with high water quality and abundant aquatic forage. With heavy freezing conditions arriving this weekend, hunters and birdwatchers are witnessing dramatic morning and evening flight lines before birds depart south.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Saskatchewan Waterfowl Migration Report

WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK

Southern Saskatchewan starts Friday (October 30) partly cloudy with a high of 42°F, low of 22°F, west-northwest winds at 10 to 18 mph, and a 10% chance of precipitation. Saturday (October 31) brings cloudy, windy, and cold weather with snow flurries, a high of 34°F, low of 14°F, a 40% chance of snow, and northwest winds at 20 to 28 mph. Sunday (November 1) finishes clear and cold with a high of 28°F, low of 10°F, and northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.

CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE REPORTS

WADENA FIELD OFFICE – LOCATION: QUILL LAKES REGION

Reports from 10-28 show massive concentrations of staging waterfowl on big water sanctuaries. Hundreds of thousands of Snow geese, Ross’s geese, Greater White-fronted geese, and Mallards are feeding in cut pea, barley, and wheat fields. Small potholes and shallow marsh edges are icing over fast under freezing night temperatures. Strong northerly gales this weekend will trigger major southward migration pushes out of the region.

WEYBURN OFFICE – LOCATION: WEYBURN, SK

Field updates for October 28th indicate heavy field feeding activity across southern crop districts. Crop harvest in the Weyburn region is fully wrapped up, providing limitless feeding opportunities for Canada geese, Mallards, and Northern Pintails. Open water roosting lakes remain active, though small water is rapidly freezing over. High-flying migration formations are moving out continuously as cold air settles firmly across the Canadian prairies.

LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE – LOCATION: REGINA, SK

Reports for October 28th show Last Mountain Lake hosting incredible numbers of staging waterfowl. It is holding massive roosts of Sandhill cranes, Snow geese, Canada geese, and Mallards. Agricultural harvest surrounding the sanctuary is complete, setting up unbelievable morning field feeds. With single-digit night lows and snow flurries in the weekend forecast, the final big push of northern birds is officially underway!

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD