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Lake and Pond Fishing
North Idaho is probably best known for its three large lakes: Priest, Pend Oreille, and Coeur d'Alene. Each lake is capable of producing large fish. The world record rainbow trout (37 pounds) was caught in Lake Pend Oreille. Even bigger fish have been caught in the other two lakes. The state record northern pike (38 pound 9 ounce) and landlocked chinook salmon (42 pounds) come from Lake Coeur d'Alene while a lake trout exceeding 57 pounds was caught in Priest Lake.
Many other smaller lakes including; Bonner, Round, Chase, Robinson, Smith, Brush, Kelso, Antelope and Twin provide additional opportunities for anglers.
There are also numerous mountain lakes stocked with brook trout and rainbow trout.
Lake and Pond Fishing Areas
- Coeur d'Alene River Area
- Beauty Creek Campground
- Bell Bay Campground
- Mokins Bay Campground
- Rainy Hill Boat Launch
- Revett Lake Trail #9
- Lower Kootenai River Area
- Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail #43
- Big Fisher Lake Trail #41
- Brush Lake Picnic Area
- Parker Ridge Trail #221
- Red Top Trail #102
- Robinson Lake Campground
- Smith Lake Campground
- Solomon Lake Fishing
- West Fork Trail #347
- Pend Oreille Lake Area
- Lake Darling Trail #52
- Maiden Rock Campground
- Sam Owen Campground
- Whiskey Rock Bay Campground
- Priest Lake Area
- Outlet at Priest Lake Campground
- Reeder Bay Campground
- St. Joe River Area
- Lookout Mountain Trail #52
- Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area Trails
Recreation opportunities in the Coeur d'Alene River area (Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District) of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are as diverse as the landscape. From camping on beautiful Hayden and Coeur d'Alene Lakes to wandering by foot, horse, mountain bike, motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile through backcountry areas on our hundreds of miles of trails, we offer something for everyone. Our rental cabins, Little Guard Lookout perched high on a mountain peak with unlimited vistas and historic Magee Ranger Station nestled beside a stream, allow you to experience rustic Forest Service living at its best.
The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north.
Priest Lake was originally called Roothaan Lake by Father Desmet in 1846 in honor of his Jesuit Superior in Rome. One of the prominent peaks in the Selkirk Range still bears the name Roothaan. In 1865, Captain John Mullan designated this same lake as Kaniksu Lake on one of his maps. It is believed that "Kaniksu" was the Indian name of Black Robe, although this has never been authenticated. The name was gradually changed in the early 1900's from Kaniksu Lake to its present name of Priest Lake, which refers to the early-day Jesuit missionary priests who had established a base camp at Kalispell Bay in the 1840's. The lake is one of three largest and most beautiful lakes in the Idaho Panhandle, and a very popular recreation attraction. The world's largest Makinaw trout was caught here in 1963. Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee are also caught in the lake. It is now illegal to fish for Dolly Varden and they are to be returned to the lake when caught.