Meadow Lake

Salmon River Drainage

  • Recommended Fishing Water
  • Family Fishing Water

Meadow Lake in Lemhi County is 17.9 acres.

Interactive Map
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At over 9100 feet in elevation, Meadow Lake is the highest mountain lake you can drive to in this region. The snow-melt lake is a beautiful setting for a fishing and camping weekend with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. A Forest Service campground next to the lake offers a stunning view of the surrounding Lemhi Mountains.

Facilities

Motor Restriction
Yes
Boat Ramp
No
Dock
No
Toilet
Handicap Accessible
Campground
Yes
ADA Access
Yes

Directions

From Leadore, drive 17 miles southeast on State Hwy 28 and turn right (west) onto Forest Service Road 002. From the south, turn left onto FS 002 about 1.8 miles north of Gilmore summit. Follow the gravel road approximately 6 miles as it climbs 2,080 feet to the lake.

Recommended Game Fish

Species Observed in Surveys

Fish Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity General Size
2024/06/27 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,183 Catchable (6+ inches)
2023/09/13 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,034 Catchable (6+ inches)
2023/09/13 Westslope Cutthroat - Triploid 5,965 Fry (0-3 inches)
2023/07/26 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,052 Catchable (6+ inches)
2022/08/01 Westslope Cutthroat 6,058 Fry (0-3 inches)
2022/07/21 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 4,160 Catchable (6+ inches)
2021/08/04 Westslope Cutthroat - Triploid 6,009 Fry (0-3 inches)
2021/07/16 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 3,048 Catchable (6+ inches)
2021/06/29 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,016 Catchable (6+ inches)
2020/08/25 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2020/07/09 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,045 Catchable (6+ inches)
2019/08/13 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 1,971 Catchable (6+ inches)
2019/08/13 Westslope Cutthroat 6,001 Fry (0-3 inches)
2019/07/24 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,106 Catchable (6+ inches)
2018/08/08 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,007 Catchable (6+ inches)
2018/08/08 Westslope Cutthroat 4,139 Fry (0-3 inches)
2018/06/28 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 1,999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2017/08/07 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 1,840 Catchable (6+ inches)
2017/08/07 Westslope Cutthroat 4,209 Fry (0-3 inches)
2017/07/12 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,160 Catchable (6+ inches)
2016/08/08 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 1,490 Catchable (6+ inches)
2016/08/08 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,506 Catchable (6+ inches)
2016/08/08 Westslope Cutthroat 8,398 Fry (0-3 inches)
2016/06/27 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 3,998 Catchable (6+ inches)
2015/08/17 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2015/08/17 Westslope Cutthroat 5,985 Fry (0-3 inches)
2015/06/23 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,040 Catchable (6+ inches)
2014/08/19 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 1,931 Catchable (6+ inches)
2014/08/19 Westslope Cutthroat 5,994 Fry (0-3 inches)
2014/07/01 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,190 Catchable (6+ inches)
2013/08/12 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2013/08/12 Westslope Cutthroat 4,256 Fry (0-3 inches)
2013/06/28 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 1,999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2012/08/09 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,008 Catchable (6+ inches)
2012/08/09 Westslope Cutthroat 4,208 Fry (0-3 inches)
2012/06/29 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,031 Catchable (6+ inches)
2011/08/23 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,005 Catchable (6+ inches)
2011/08/23 Westslope Cutthroat 4,210 Fry (0-3 inches)
2011/07/21 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,002 Catchable (6+ inches)
2010/08/18 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2010/08/18 Westslope Cutthroat 4,198 Fry (0-3 inches)
2010/07/13 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,002 Catchable (6+ inches)
2009/08/10 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2009/07/06 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,224 Catchable (6+ inches)
2008/08/21 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,024 Catchable (6+ inches)
2008/07/08 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 1,997 Catchable (6+ inches)
2007/08/13 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 1,999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2007/06/28 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,002 Catchable (6+ inches)
2006/08/15 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2006/06/29 Rainbow - Troutlodge Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2005/08/12 Hayspur Kamloops Triploid 2,030 Catchable (6+ inches)
2005/08/12 Westslope Cutthroat 1,365 Fry (0-3 inches)
2005/06/30 Hayspur Kamloops Triploid 2,250 Catchable (6+ inches)
2004/08/17 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2004/06/30 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,048 Catchable (6+ inches)
2002/08/20 Arlee Rainbow 2,015 Catchable (6+ inches)
2002/08/07 Rainbow - Hayspur Triploid 2,070 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
2002/07/01 Arlee Rainbow 1,998 Catchable (6+ inches)
2001/08/14 Arlee Rainbow 2,002 Catchable (6+ inches)
2001/07/02 Arlee Rainbow 2,024 Catchable (6+ inches)
2000/08/21 Arlee Rainbow 1,500 Catchable (6+ inches)
2000/08/21 Henrys Lake Cutthroat 1,350 Fry (0-3 inches)
1999/08/16 Arlee Rainbow 1,568 Catchable (6+ inches)
1999/07/16 Arlee Rainbow 1,645 Catchable (6+ inches)
1998/08/11 Arlee Rainbow 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1998/08/11 Henrys Lake Cutthroat 1,350 Fry (0-3 inches)
1998/07/20 Arlee Rainbow 2,040 Catchable (6+ inches)
1997/08/19 Rainbow - Hayspur Diploid 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1997/07/15 Rainbow - Hayspur Diploid 1,668 Catchable (6+ inches)
1997/07/03 Rainbow - Hayspur Diploid 390 Catchable (6+ inches)
1996/08/23 Rainbow - Hayspur Diploid 1,520 Catchable (6+ inches)
1996/08/22 Henrys Lake Cutthroat 1,352 Fry (0-3 inches)
1996/07/15 Rainbow - Hayspur Diploid 2,030 Catchable (6+ inches)
1995/08/10 Arlee Rainbow 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1995/07/27 Arlee Rainbow 2,104 Catchable (6+ inches)
1994/07/19 Arlee Rainbow 2,205 Catchable (6+ inches)
1994/06/28 Arlee Rainbow 1,840 Catchable (6+ inches)
1993/08/05 Arlee Rainbow 2,015 Catchable (6+ inches)
1993/07/12 Arlee Rainbow 2,080 Catchable (6+ inches)
1992/07/29 Arlee Rainbow 2,025 Catchable (6+ inches)
1992/06/29 Arlee Rainbow 2,014 Catchable (6+ inches)
1991/08/05 Mt Shasta Rainbow 2,125 Catchable (6+ inches)
1991/07/10 Arlee Rainbow 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1990/08/06 Mt Shasta Rainbow 2,016 Catchable (6+ inches)
1990/07/12 Mt Shasta Rainbow 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1989/07/26 Mt Shasta Rainbow 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1989/06/29 Mt Shasta Rainbow 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1988/07/26 Rainbow Unspecified 2,025 Catchable (6+ inches)
1988/06/29 Rainbow Unspecified 1,680 Catchable (6+ inches)
1987/07/28 Mt Shasta Rainbow 1,540 Catchable (6+ inches)
1987/07/02 Mt Shasta Rainbow 1,452 Catchable (6+ inches)
1986/08/06 Mt Lassen Rainbow 1,500 Catchable (6+ inches)
1986/07/17 Mt Lassen Rainbow 1,575 Catchable (6+ inches)
1985/07/16 Rainbow Unspecified 3,360 Catchable (6+ inches)
1985/06/26 Rainbow Unspecified 1,500 Catchable (6+ inches)
1984/08/08 Mt Whitney Rainbow 2,032 Catchable (6+ inches)
1984/07/12 Rainbow Unspecified 840 Catchable (6+ inches)
1983/07/21 Rainbow Unspecified 985 Catchable (6+ inches)
1982/08/13 Rainbow Unspecified 2,565 Catchable (6+ inches)
1982/07/16 Rainbow Unspecified 3,375 Catchable (6+ inches)
1981/07/07 Rainbow Unspecified 6,120 Catchable (6+ inches)
1980/07/17 Rainbow Unspecified 5,100 Catchable (6+ inches)
1979/07/17 Rainbow Unspecified 4,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1978/07/27 Rainbow Unspecified 3,680 Catchable (6+ inches)
1977/06/29 Rainbow Unspecified 7,040 Catchable (6+ inches)
1976/07/07 Rainbow Unspecified 4,200 Catchable (6+ inches)
1975/07/25 Rainbow Unspecified 4,290 Catchable (6+ inches)
1974/07/29 Rainbow Unspecified 2,720 Catchable (6+ inches)
1973/09/18 Rainbow Unspecified 4,800 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1973/07/05 Rainbow Unspecified 3,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1972/09/30 Rainbow Unspecified 750 Fry (0-3 inches)
1972/07/20 Rainbow Unspecified 3,060 Catchable (6+ inches)
1971/07/30 Rainbow Unspecified 2,970 Catchable (6+ inches)
1970/09/11 Cutthroat 504 Fry (0-3 inches)
1970/07/08 Rainbow Unspecified 1,740 Catchable (6+ inches)
1969/07/11 Rainbow Unspecified 2,600 Catchable (6+ inches)
1968/07/02 Rainbow Unspecified 1,680 Catchable (6+ inches)
Source: IDFG Fish Stocking Database.

Licenses and Tags

Learn more about IDFG Licenses, Tags & Permits
 

Although the campground has water facilities, the supply may be seasonal. Plan accordingly for drinking and cooking. Pack in-pack out trash.

Fishing Rules, 2022 - 2024

All Waters Open All Year

Except as modified in Special Rules
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.

Daily Bag Limits

The following daily bag limits apply to all waters within each region except as modified in the Special Rules. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.

Special Rules

No Special Rules for Meadow Lake.
Salmon Region Bag Limits
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)

  • No bag, size or possession limits

Brook Trout

  • Brook Trout limit is 25
  • Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout

Bull Trout

  • Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release

Kokanee

  • Kokanee limit is 25

Salmon

  • Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures
  • Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found here
  • Sockeye Salmon limit is 0 and fishing for or targeting Sockeye Salmon is illegal
  • Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water

Steelhead (ocean-going)

  • Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than twenty (20) inches in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and ponds)
  • Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see fishing regulationsfor details)

Sturgeon

  • Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
  • Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
  • Barbless hooks required
  • Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required. See fishing regulations

Tiger Muskie

  • Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches

Trout includes Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sunapee Trout and trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)

  • Trout limit is 6, all species combined
  • Chinook Salmon and steelhead placed in ponds are counted in the trout bag limit
  • Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately

Whitefish

  • Whitefish limit is 25
  • Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish

Protected Nongame Fish including Pacific Lamprey

  • May not be harvested or possessed

All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish

  • No bag, size or possession limit
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