Idaho, a state known for its breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountain ranges, and pristine rivers, is a true angler’s paradise. From the crystal-clear waters of the Salmon River to the world-renowned Silver Creek, Idaho offers an unparalleled variety of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. With its thriving populations of trout, bass, salmon, and more, Idaho is a must-visit destination for any fishing enthusiast. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the top 10 best places to fish in Idaho, offering tips and insights for each location, as well as the key species you can expect to encounter. So, grab your fishing gear, and let’s explore the incredible angling opportunities that await you in the Gem State!
1. Henry's Fork
Why Choose Henry's Fork?
Henry’s Fork, a tributary of the Snake River, is internationally renowned for its exceptional fly fishing opportunities. This legendary river, which flows through the picturesque landscapes of eastern Idaho, is home to an abundance of wild trout, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse hatches, and challenging fishing conditions, Henry’s Fork is a must-visit destination for any serious fly fisher.
Top Tips for Fishing on Henry's Fork
When fishing on Henry’s Fork, it is essential to match the hatch, as the trout here are known for their selective feeding habits. Pay close attention to the insects in the air and on the water, and select your flies accordingly. In addition to dry flies, nymphs and streamers can also be effective in certain conditions. Be prepared to make long, accurate casts, as stealth and presentation are critical for success on this challenging river.
2. Silver Creek
Why Choose Silver Creek?
Silver Creek, located in south-central Idaho, is another world-famous fly fishing destination. This spring-fed creek is known for its gin-clear waters, abundant aquatic vegetation, and prolific hatches, providing an ideal habitat for large, wild rainbow and brown trout. With its challenging fishing conditions and stunning scenery, Silver Creek is a true gem in the world of fly fishing.
Top Tips for Fishing on Silver Creek
Similar to Henry’s Fork, success on Silver Creek often depends on matching the hatch and making accurate, delicate presentations. Dry flies, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges, are the primary food source for the trout in Silver Creek, so be sure to carry a diverse selection of patterns to match the local insect life. Additionally, be prepared to use long leaders and light tippets to avoid spooking the wary trout that inhabit these clear waters.
3. Salmon River
Why Choose the Salmon River?
The Salmon River, often referred to as the “River of No Return,” is a truly iconic fishing destination in Idaho. This majestic river, which flows through the heart of the state, offers unparalleled fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and smallmouth bass. With its rugged, remote landscapes and thrilling whitewater, the Salmon River provides an unforgettable angling experience for adventurous fishermen.
Top Tips for Fishing on the Salmon River
When fishing for Chinook salmon and steelhead on the Salmon River, focus on deep holes, seams, and tailouts, using a variety of techniques such as drift fishing, side drifting, or back trolling with plugs, bait, and spinners. For trout and smallmouth bass, target riffles, runs, and pocket water, using flies, spinners, or soft plastics to entice strikes. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations, as certain stretches of the river may have seasonal closures or specific gear restrictions.
4. Lake Coeur d'Alene
Why Choose Lake Coeur d'Alene?
Located in the picturesque surroundings of northern Idaho, Lake Coeur d’Alene is a 25,000-acre natural lake known for its excellent fishing opportunities. With a thriving population of various species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, chinook salmon, and kokanee, Lake Coeur d’Alene offers diverse angling opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Top Tips for Fishing on Lake Coeur d'Alene
When fishing for bass on Lake Coeur d’Alene, target areas with submerged structure, docks, and weed lines, using soft plastics, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits to entice strikes. For northern pike, focus on weed beds, drop-offs, and shallow bays, using large swimbaits, spoons, or jerkbaits to attract these aggressive predators. When targeting chinook salmon and kokanee, troll with downriggers, using hoochies, spinners, or plugs at various depths to locate active fish.
5. Lake Pend Oreille
Why Choose Lake Pend Oreille?
Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, is a premier fishing destination, known for its trophy-sized fish and breathtaking scenery. The lake is home to an impressive variety of species, including rainbow trout, lake trout (mackinaw), kokanee, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. With its diverse angling opportunities and pristine waters, Lake Pend Oreille is a must-visit destination for any serious angler.
Top Tips for Fishing at Lake Pend Oreille
When fishing for rainbow and lake trout at Lake Pend Oreille, try trolling with downriggers, using spoons, plugs, or hoochies at various depths to locate active fish. For kokanee, troll with dodgers and small spinners or hoochies at depths where the fish are schooling. When targeting smallmouth bass, focus on rocky shorelines and submerged structure, using soft plastics, crankbaits, or jerkbaits to entice strikes. For northern pike, target weed beds, drop-offs, and shallow bays, using large swimbaits, spoons, or jerkbaits.
6. Snake River
Why Choose the Snake River?
The Snake River, Idaho’s longest river, offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers. With its numerous tributaries, reservoirs, and river stretches, the Snake River is home to a wide variety of species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, sturgeon, and catfish. The river’s diverse landscapes, from deep canyons to rolling farmland, provide a unique angling experience for fishermen of all skill levels.
Top Tips for Fishing on the Snake River
When fishing for trout on the Snake River, focus on riffles, runs, and pocket water, using flies, spinners, or soft plastics to entice strikes. For smallmouth bass, target rocky areas and shallow flats, using soft plastics, jerkbaits, or topwater lures to attract these aggressive predators. When fishing for sturgeon, focus on deep holes, using heavy sinkers and bait such as dead fish or worms to entice these bottom-dwelling giants. For catfish, try using cut bait or prepared baits, targeting deep holes and outside bends in the river.
7. C.J. Strike Reservoir
Why Choose C.J. Strike Reservoir?
C.J. Strike Reservoir, located in southwestern Idaho, is a 7,500-acre impoundment on the Snake River that offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species. The reservoir is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, and yellow perch, making it a popular destination for anglers looking for diverse fishing opportunities in a scenic setting.
Top Tips for Fishing at C.J. Strike Reservoir
When fishing for bass at C.J. Strike Reservoir, target areas with submerged structure, weed lines, or points, using soft plastics, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits to entice strikes. For rainbow trout, troll with spoons, spinners, or small crankbaits at various depths to locate active fish. When targeting crappie, concentrate your efforts around brush piles, docks, and fallen trees, using small jigs or live minnows. For catfish and yellow perch, try using cut bait, worms, or prepared baits, focusing on deep holes and areas with structure.
8. Little Salmon River
Why Choose the Little Salmon River?
The Little Salmon River, a tributary of the larger Salmon River, is a picturesque stream in central Idaho known for its excellent salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities. With its clear waters, rugged landscapes, and healthy fish populations, the Little Salmon River provides a challenging and rewarding angling experience for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Top Tips for Fishing on the Little Salmon River
When fishing for Chinook salmon and steelhead on the Little Salmon River, focus on deep holes, seams, and tailouts, using a variety of techniques such as drift fishing, side drifting, or back trolling with plugs, bait, and spinners. For trout, target riffles, runs, and pocket water, using flies, spinners, or soft plastics to entice strikes. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations, as certain stretches of the river may have seasonal closures or specific gear restrictions.
9. Lake Lowell
Why Choose Lake Lowell?
Lake Lowell, a 9,000-acre reservoir located near Nampa in southwestern Idaho, is a popular fishing destination for its diverse fish populations, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The reservoir’s abundant shoreline structure, submerged vegetation, and deep-water habitats provide excellent angling opportunities for fishermen of all skill levels.
Top Tips for Fishing at Lake Lowell
When fishing for bass at Lake Lowell, target areas with submerged structure, docks, and weed lines, using soft plastics, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits to entice strikes. For crappie, concentrate your efforts around brush piles, docks, and fallen trees, using small jigs or live minnows. When targeting catfish, focus on deep holes and outside bends, using cut bait, prepared baits, or live bait to attract these bottom-dwellers.
10. Dworshak Reservoir
Why Choose Dworshak Reservoir?
Dworshak Reservoir, located in north-central Idaho, is a 17,000-acre impoundment on the North Fork Clearwater River known for its excellent fishing opportunities and beautiful, forested surroundings. The reservoir is home to several species of fish, including kokanee, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and bull trout, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking diverse fishing opportunities in a pristine environment.
Top Tips for Fishing at Dworshak Reservoir
When fishing for kokanee at Dworshak Reservoir, troll with dodgers and small spinners or hoochies at depths where the fish are schooling, typically between 20 and 60 feet. For smallmouth bass, focus on rocky shorelines and submerged structure, using soft plastics, crankbaits, or jerkbaits to entice strikes. When targeting rainbow and bull trout, try trolling with spoons, spinners, or small crankbaits at various depths to locate active fish. Be aware that bull trout are a protected species in Idaho, so any caught must be immediately released.
Conclusion
From the legendary fly fishing waters of Henry’s Fork and Silver Creek to the diverse angling opportunities found in Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Snake River, Idaho truly has something to offer for every angler. With its incredible variety of fishing locations, species, and breathtaking landscapes, the Gem State is a dream destination for those seeking unforgettable fishing adventures. So pack your fishing gear and prepare to discover the top 10 best places to fish in Idaho – a world of angling excitement awaits!
