Lake Trout

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

Managing with big, long-lived predators and a fluctuating prey species poses a big challenge for fisheries managers, and Payette Lake at McCall is the latest case where managers are asking anglers what they want. 

F&G fisheries managers did extensive public outreach to see if a management change was warranted at Priest Lake, but found there was not clear public sentiment in favor of it. 

Fish and Game is hosting three public meetings in July about the future of fishing at Priest Lake,  as well as doing an anglers' survey and public opinion poll in late summer or fall.