Iron Lake (Iron Lake #2)

Salmon River Drainage

  • Recommended Fishing Water
  • Family Fishing Water

Iron Lake (Iron Lake #2) in Lemhi County is 16.8 acres.

Bureau of Land Management, Esri Canada, Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P, USGS, METI/NASA, EPA, USDA |
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Here is a beautiful remote lake with good camping and fishing in Idaho's backcountry, but be prepared to drive the rough and narrow mountain roads with switchbacks to get there. There is a Forest Service campground at the lake.

Facilities

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

Directions

From Salmon, travel 5 miles south on US Hwy 93. At Shoup Bridge turn right and cross the Salmon River onto Forest Service Road (FR) 021 (Williams Creek Rd). In 0.8 mile, this road veers left (south). Continue west on FR 021 for about 13 miles, then turn left on FR 020 and proceed south about 18 miles.

Recommended Game Fish

Species Observed in Surveys

Fish Stocking Records

Date
Species
Quantity
General Size
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Date
Species
Quantity
General Size
2024/09/05 Tiger Trout 1,827 Catchable (6+ inches)
2023/09/12 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,094 Fry (0-3 inches)
2023/09/12 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 405 Catchable (6+ inches)
2023/07/19 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,624 Catchable (12-14 inches)
2022/08/05 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 500 Catchable (12-14 inches)
2022/08/02 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 500 Catchable (12-14 inches)
2022/08/01 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,163 Fry (0-3 inches)
2021/09/08 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,091 Fry (0-3 inches)
2021/09/08 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,008 Catchable (6+ inches)
2021/07/01 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,038 Catchable (6+ inches)
2020/09/02 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,004 Catchable (6+ inches)
2020/07/20 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,043 Catchable (6+ inches)
2019/08/12 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,106 Fry (0-3 inches)
2019/08/12 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2019/07/01 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,006 Catchable (6+ inches)
2018/10/01 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,644 Fry (0-3 inches)
2018/06/26 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2017/07/26 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,083 Fry (0-3 inches)
2017/07/26 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,008 Catchable (6+ inches)
2017/06/29 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2016/09/22 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 4,816 Fry (0-3 inches)
2015/07/27 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,090 Fry (0-3 inches)
2015/07/27 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 998 Catchable (6+ inches)
2015/06/29 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2014/09/23 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 3,209 Fry (0-3 inches)
2014/07/30 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 951 Catchable (6+ inches)
2014/07/01 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 997 Catchable (6+ inches)
2013/07/31 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,208 Fry (0-3 inches)
2013/07/31 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2013/07/05 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2012/08/13 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,074 Fry (0-3 inches)
2012/08/13 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2012/06/29 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 989 Catchable (6+ inches)
2011/08/22 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,101 Fry (0-3 inches)
2011/08/22 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2011/07/26 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2010/08/25 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 5,166 Fry (0-3 inches)
2010/08/25 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2010/07/14 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2009/08/03 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2009/07/06 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,015 Catchable (6+ inches)
2008/09/29 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
2008/07/30 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2008/07/09 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2007/07/31 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 999 Catchable (6+ inches)
2007/06/28 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,001 Catchable (6+ inches)
2006/07/27 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,007 Catchable (6+ inches)
2006/07/06 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,035 Catchable (6+ inches)
2005/08/22 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,501 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
2005/07/25 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
2005/06/29 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2004/08/31 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
2004/07/26 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,035 Catchable (6+ inches)
2004/07/06 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,045 Catchable (6+ inches)
2003/08/04 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,093 Catchable (6+ inches)
2003/06/30 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 1,050 Catchable (6+ inches)
2002/08/07 Rainbow Trout - Triploid 2,070 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
2002/07/29 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2002/07/11 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
2001/08/21 Rainbow Trout 840 Catchable (6+ inches)
2001/06/21 Rainbow Trout 921 Catchable (6+ inches)
2000/07/12 Rainbow Trout 1,500 Catchable (6+ inches)
2000/06/30 Rainbow Trout 800 Catchable (6+ inches)
1999/08/23 Cutthroat Trout - Yellowstone 201 Catchable (6+ inches)
1999/08/23 Rainbow Trout 525 Catchable (6+ inches)
1999/07/19 Rainbow Trout 803 Catchable (6+ inches)
1998/08/25 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1998/08/21 Cutthroat Trout - Yellowstone 1,550 Fry (0-3 inches)
1998/08/21 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1998/07/23 Rainbow Trout 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
1997/08/21 Rainbow Trout 1,080 Catchable (6+ inches)
1997/07/21 Rainbow Trout 1,275 Catchable (6+ inches)
1996/08/15 Rainbow Trout 1,140 Catchable (6+ inches)
1996/08/09 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1996/07/19 Cutthroat Trout - Yellowstone 1,541 Fry (0-3 inches)
1996/07/19 Rainbow Trout 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
1995/08/09 Rainbow Trout 1,080 Catchable (6+ inches)
1995/07/20 Rainbow Trout 1,080 Catchable (6+ inches)
1994/08/04 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1994/06/29 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1993/08/10 Rainbow Trout 906 Adults
1993/07/27 Rainbow Trout 1,027 Catchable (6+ inches)
1993/07/16 Rainbow Trout 1,092 Catchable (6+ inches)
1992/09/03 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1992/08/05 Rainbow Trout 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
1992/07/02 Rainbow Trout 1,235 Catchable (6+ inches)
1991/08/05 Rainbow Trout 1,062 Catchable (6+ inches)
1991/07/15 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1990/08/08 Rainbow Trout 1,020 Catchable (6+ inches)
1990/07/17 Rainbow Trout 1,025 Catchable (6+ inches)
1989/08/31 Cutthroat Trout - Westslope 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1989/08/09 Rainbow Trout 1,008 Catchable (6+ inches)
1989/06/28 Rainbow Trout 998 Catchable (6+ inches)
1988/07/08 Rainbow Trout 5,100 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1987/06/09 Rainbow Trout 5,200 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1986/09/02 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1986/07/30 Rainbow Trout 5,100 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1985/07/10 Rainbow Trout 5,022 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1983/09/04 Rainbow Trout 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1982/08/10 Rainbow Trout 5,120 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1981/07/13 Rainbow Trout 5,166 Fry (0-3 inches)
1980/08/04 Rainbow Trout 1,575 Catchable (6+ inches)
1979/07/18 Rainbow Trout 600 Catchable (6+ inches)
1979/07/18 Rainbow Trout 2,506 Fry (0-3 inches)
1978/07/25 Rainbow Trout 2,035 Catchable (6+ inches)
1977/08/18 Cutthroat Trout - Unspecified 288 Fry (0-3 inches)
1977/08/16 Rainbow Trout 2,400 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1976/07/28 Rainbow Trout 2,006 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1975/07/31 Rainbow Trout 2,000 Catchable (6+ inches)
1974/08/09 Cutthroat Trout - Unspecified 1,008 Fry (0-3 inches)
1973/08/28 Rainbow Trout 4,800 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1973/07/12 Rainbow Trout 1,680 Catchable (6+ inches)
1972/07/20 Rainbow Trout 1,920 Catchable (6+ inches)
1971/08/16 Cutthroat Trout - Unspecified 1,080 Fry (0-3 inches)
1971/08/05 Rainbow Trout 2,580 Catchable (6+ inches)
1970/07/17 Rainbow Trout 2,040 Catchable (6+ inches)
1969/07/16 Rainbow Trout 2,340 Catchable (6+ inches)
1968/08/02 Cutthroat Trout - Unspecified 1,000 Fry (0-3 inches)
1968/07/08 Rainbow Trout 1,560 Catchable (6+ inches)
Source: IDFG Fish Stocking Database.

Licenses and Tags

Learn more about IDFG Licenses, Tags & Permits
 

Note: Forest Service Road 020 is a narrow, rough road requiring slow and careful driving. Not recommended for RVs and trailers.

Fishing Rules, 2025 - 2027

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.

Special Rules

No Special Rules for Iron Lake (Iron Lake #2).
Salmon Region Bag Limits
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)

  • No bag, length, 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 apply when fishing for Brook Trout

Bull Trout

  • Bull Trout - catch-and-release

Kokanee

  • Kokanee limit is 25

Salmon (ocean-run)

  • 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 fishing is illegal. Defined as ocean-run Oncorhynchus nerka longer than 14 inches in the Salmon River drainage (excluding above Mosquito Flat Dam)
  • Fishing for salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water

Steelhead (ocean-run)

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

Sturgeon

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

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
  • Bull Trout and Brook Trout 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 apply 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, length, or possession limits
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