Idaho Fish and Game manages a fishing and boating access site on the northern end of Cocolalla Lake. This is the only public boat ramp on the lake which makes it popular with anglers. In addition, a small camping area has been available for many years at this site. This fishing and boating access site is free of charge for users.
Unfortunately, there have been many challenges with managing the campground. For instance, it has been routine for folks to overstay the camping limit and leave excessive amounts of garbage behind. Even worse, illegal activity has become more common and presents a safety risk for other users.
Offering camping opportunity for the public is something that Idaho Fish and Game values and has tried hard to maintain. However, the increased level law enforcement and cleanup required at this site is not sustainable. Thus, we have closed this site to overnight camping and made it a day use only site. Providing a clean and safe place for folks to enjoy fishing and boating is our priority. We are disappointed with the lost opportunity for campers, but we are hopeful that day users have a better and safer experience when visiting Cocolalla Lake.
We recently installed docks at the boat ramp for the season and graded the parking lot. We also were able to increase the number of rainbow trout that will be stocked in Cocolalla Lake this year. Good fishing opportunity exists for a variety of species, such as rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, brook trout, yellow perch, and channel catfish. Spring is here, so get out and enjoy the fishing!