Why Water Holes Attract Greenheads
Mallards use small water sources for:
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Loafing and resting after feeding in fields
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Midday refuge during pressure or heavy weather
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Protection from predators
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Easy access to food like aquatic vegetation and invertebrates
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Shelter from wind in tucked-away pockets
Few setups consistently produce relaxed, feet-down mallards like a well-set water hole.
Best Types of Water Holes for Greenhead Hunts
1. Beaver Ponds & Sloughs
Natural structure, logs, and brush create perfect loafing pockets.
Look for timbers, eddies, or still-water sections that offer security.
2. Irrigation Pits, Stock Tanks & Ranch Ponds
Mallards use these heavily in agricultural regions.
If there’s nearby grain or cut corn, these become high-odds mid-morning sits.
3. Backwater Timber Pockets
Small pockets off rivers or big sloughs hold mallards seeking quiet water.
Perfect on windy days.
4. Flooded Grass & Willow Edges
Small water-in-grass areas are mallard magnets, especially early season or post-rain.
5. Frozen Mornings With Open Pockets
If you can keep a small hole open during freezing temps, mallards will pile in.
One open patch can outproduce entire lakes.
When to Hunt Mallards Over Water Holes
Early Morning (Loafing Pre-Feed)
Birds often hit small water just after leaving roosts.
Mid-Morning (Most Consistent Time)
After feeding in fields, mallards head to small water to loaf for hours.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon
When hunting pressure builds on bigger waters, greenheads slip into hidden holes for safety.
Late Season Freeze-Ups
Small openings in ice become magnets for mallards seeking accessible water.
Scouting Water Holes for Mallards
Look for:
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Fresh feathers on the bank
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Dabbling rings
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Mallard droppings
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Tracks and muddy churn
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Mallards loafing or dropping in late morning
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Overhanging brush where birds like to tuck
Listen For:
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Single-hen chatter
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Drake whistles
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Splashes in still timber pockets
Scouting tells you exactly how mallards use the hole—feeding, loafing, or resting—so you can match your setup.
How to Set Up a Water Hole Hunt for Greenheads
1. Hide First. Everything Else Second.
Mallards pick up movement easily over still water.
Use:
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Natural brush
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Grass mats
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Willow branches
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Low-profile blinds
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Cut vegetation from the bank
Blend into the bank rather than sitting out in the open.
2. Use a Tight, Realistic Decoy Spread
Water holes don’t require big numbers.
Ideal Spread:
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6–12 mallard floaters
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2–3 drake-heavy pairs
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1–2 sleeper or resters on the bank
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1 jerk cord or small-motion device
Small spreads look natural in confined water.
3. Leave an Obvious Landing Pocket
Greenheads will circle until they find a clean hole.
Create:
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A 10–15 yard opening
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Space downwind and centered on your shooting lane
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Slightly offset decoys to funnel birds
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No decoys in the kill pocket
Natural landing pockets boost finishing rates dramatically.
4. Add Realistic Motion
Small water magnifies ripples.
Use:
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Jerk rigs
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Pulsators
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Splashers
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Hand-pulled ripples
Motion makes the hole look alive and helps birds commit.
5. Match Calling to the Hole’s Mood
In tight cover, calling needs to be subtle.
Use:
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Soft quacks
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Single greetings
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Occasional feeding chuckles
Only get aggressive when birds are high or distant.
Wind & Sun Positioning for Water Hole Hunts
Wind:
Set up with the wind at your back or crosswind to force birds into the landing gap.
Sun:
Keep the sun at your back if possible.
Blinds disappear in shadows; birds struggle to see detail.
Advanced Water Hole Tactics
Hunt Two-Man Crews for Quiet Entry
Less noise = more ducks early.
Hunt Midday During Pressure
When big water gets crowded, mallards move to hidden pockets.
Use Natural Cover to Break Up Movement
Brush piles, cattails, and backwater timber are ideal.
Switch Holes Frequently
Rotate spots to prevent educating local birds.
Open Ice With Motion
On freezing days, a jerk cord or ice eater can save the hunt.
Best Gear for Water Hole Mallard Hunts
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6–12 mallard floaters
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1 jerk cord (most important)
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Natural brush for concealment
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Chest waders
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Waterproof gloves
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Shot shells #2 or #3
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Modified or IC choke
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Face mask or paint
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Small sled for decoys
Less is more—mobility matters.
Why Many Hunters Book Guided Greenhead Hunts
Outfitters specializing in mallards offer:
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Access to private ponds and hidden pockets
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Ice-managed water holes
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Expert blind brushing
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Perfect decoy spreads tailored to the hole
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Scouting that pinpoints daily bird movements
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Comfortable concealment and safer hunts
For consistent greenhead shoots, experienced guides drastically improve success. Explore vetted options through our hunt marketplace.
FAQs About Hunting Greenheads Over Water Holes
Do I need a lot of decoys?
No—6–12 is often perfect for small water.
What time of day is best?
Mid-morning to early afternoon is incredibly consistent.
Are spinning-wing decoys good for water holes?
Sometimes. Use sparingly—motion on the water surface is better.
What’s the ideal wind?
Steady 5–10 mph crosswind or wind at your back.
Do mallards use water holes even on warm days?
Yes—loafing behavior keeps them visiting throughout the day.
Hunting greenheads on water holes is one of the most enjoyable and consistent ways to work mallards. With smart concealment, a natural-looking spread, and strategic timing, you can create repeated close-range opportunities. When you're ready to plan a top-tier mallard hunt, compare trusted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.
