Idaho waters home to some of the region's best fishing
Photo courtesy of Rick Poedtke via Idaho Fish and Game. Rick Peodtke with his catch/release record smallmouth bass from May 2018, Pend Oreille River.
These multi-species fisheries are some of the best the state has to offer
In Idaho, those waters that support trout, steelhead and salmon might get most of the attention, but the those that support warmwater fish are no slouches. While many anglers enjoy fishing for warmwater species, they’re overlooked by others, who are missing out on many exciting fishing opportunities.
Whether it’s lakes and reservoirs, the Snake River or your local community pond, many of Idaho’s waters are home to populations of bass, sunfish, perch, crappie or catfish. You can read more about how Fish and Game manages the state’s warmwater fisheries here. In many cases there is overlap between these species, and some waters offer the full smorgasbord of warmwater fishing in Idaho.
One of the attractions of warmwater fishing is being able to fish for multiple species in the same location, and even with the same tackle, so when something bites, you never know for sure what’s on the end of your line.
Here are some of the top multi-species warmwater fishing destinations in North Idaho.
In addition to the waters listed below, there are countless other fishing holes scattered throughout the state that provide multi-species warmwater angling opportunity. There might even be a quality largemouth bass and bluegill fishery within walking distance of your house, in your local community park or in a nearby reservoir. You can check out the Idaho Fishing Planner and filter waters by the type of warmwater fish you would like to catch.
Also remember that boats may provide better access to prime fishing spots. During early summer, warmwater fish are typically found fairly close to shore and in fairly shallow water, so even in a large lake or reservoir, you can find smaller bays, coves, inlets and other areas that are safe and suitable for small fishing craft.
Lake Pend Oreille and Coeur d’Alene Lake
Sunfish, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, crappie — The big two in North Idaho offer some of the best warmwater fishing the state has to offer, along with the most variety. Lake Pend Oreille also offers walleye fishing. Walleye were illegally introduced to Noxon Reservior in the early 1990’s and they have expanded downstream. Biologists are concerned that if left unchecked, walleye numbers will continue to increase to the point of collapsing the keystone kokanee population, also hurting growth rates of other species. Fish and Game is working to keep walleye densities low, and encourages anglers to fish for and harvest them. There are no seasons or bag limits for walleye, and there is a walleye lottery to incentivize angler harvest.
Sunfish, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, crappie — Fernan Lake is a family-friendly option with good amenities and bank fishing access, but that’s not the only reason it makes this list. The fishing is pretty good, too, and the lake holds the current certified weight record for green sunfish.
Sunfish, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, perch, smallmouth bass, crappie — At around 750 acres, this lake isn’t the biggest on this list, but it’s reputation for producing big warmwater fish makes it one of the top destinations in the state. The current catch-and-release record for largemouth bass, bluegill, and third-place catch-and-release black crappie were all caught on Cave Lake. Big variety and big fish? It’s hard to beat that.
Sunfish, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, perch, crappie — There is good selection of warmwater fish to choose from here, but the lake’s bullhead catfish stand out. The current catch-and-release record of 13.5 inches was caught here in 2020.
Brian Pearson is a conservation public information specialist with Idaho Fish & Game.