Lake Trout

Lake trout have been the primary target of anglers on Priest Lake for many years. Typically, this fishery provides good catch rates and a harvest opportunity for lake trout that are mostly 16-24 inches in size. However, recent angler reports suggest lower catch rates for lake trout than in the past. Check out our fishing forecast to learn what anglers can expect on Priest Lake and discovery why the fishery is changing. 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game in cooperation with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be taking a close look at the 20-year-old lake trout stocking program in Bear Lake.  And, in conjunction, Fish and Game will be transferring 400 sterile lake trout from Bear Lake to Stanley Lake in Idaho. 

Fishery management of Upper Priest Lake has focused on conserving native fish for much of its management history. Annual removal of lake trout has been a component of that management approach for 20 years. Bull trout have responded well with increasing numbers. Other fish, like westslope cutthroat trout are also showing signs of improvement.

Angler's 41.5-inch lake trout sets new state catch-and-release record