Located southeast of the town of Burns in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR), Malheur Lake in Eastern Oregon is one of nature's wonders and a renowned breeding ground for several species of water-loving birds. Technically known as a “playa” lake, which is a temporary body of water covering an ancient dry lakebed, the lake’s water levels are highly variable and can range from being nearly empty to full. The lake offers excellent fishing for a variety of species such as common carp, mountain whitefish, and mottled sculpin, which also provide food for the 250 species of birds that use the lake and the surrounding Malheur National Wildlife Refuge as a regular migratory stop.

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