Lake Trout

Payette Lake produces monster Lake Trout

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

Lake Pend Oreille Walleye Update

There is a toothy new predator in northern Idaho’s largest lake. Walleye, which were essentially non-existent in the lake ten years ago, have become increasingly abundant, to the point where they are now a significant player in the fishery. Lake Pend Oreille has long been known for its trophy rainbow trout and bull trout, having produced world records for both species. The trophy fishery, and to a very large extent, the sport fishery in general, is built on a foundation of kokanee.

Payette Lake's fishing is at a crossroads, which way do anglers want it to go?

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. 

Public Open House for Fishing Regulations and Salmon Season Setting at McCall Office IDFG Tuesday Feb. 20th

Open house scheduled for February 20th at the McCall IDFG Office will help shape fishing rules and long-term management of Idaho waters. During February and March, Fish and Game’s fisheries managers will work with the public to shape three fishing proposals: 2018 Chinook Salmon seasons, upcoming statewide fishing seasons and rules through 2021, and updating Idaho’s long-term fisheries management plan. Chinook Salmon seasons are set annually, so fish managers are collecting public comments to help them form rules for the spring season.

Lake trout fishing at Priest Lake will continue; anglers don't show a strong preference to change it

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. 

Fishing at Priest Lake is at a crossroads

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. 

Public meetings set to consider Priest Lake fishery management

Fishing has long been one of the main attractions on Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake. However, fishing at these scenic lakes has changed a great deal over time.

Historically, the fishery was supported by three native sport fish, westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish. Fishing for cutthroat was the most popular throughout the early 20th century.

Upper Priest Lake Native Fish Conservation

Native Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat have been the target of Upper Priest Lake anglers throughout history. These native species continue to provide good fishing opportunity, but not without some assistance. Since the early 1990’s, non-native Lake Trout have been present in Upper Priest Lake. Lake Trout generally compete with or prey upon Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat. This results in weaker populations of these native species.

Priest Lake Kokanee Anglers Can Expect Status Quo

Priest Lake anglers can expect Kokanee fishing to be similar to what they found last year. Idaho Fish and Game Kokanee monitoring efforts suggest Kokanee numbers remain low, but the fish that are caught should be good sized (likely 14-16"). Although a small increase in Kokanee abundance was observed between 2011 and 2013 in Priest Lake, the upward trend hasn't continued in recent years.

Lake Pend Oreille "State of the Lake" Public Meeting

The Lake Pend Oreille "State of the Lake" public meeting is held annually.  This year the meeting is set for Thursday, March 30th.  Idaho Fish and Game staff will give a presentation summarizing fisheries information and activities related to the Lake Pend Oreille fishery from the past year. Time will be provided afterwards for question and answer.  Anyone interested in the Lake Pend Oreille fishery is encouraged to attend.  We hope to see you there.

Meeting details are as follows:

WHEN: Thursday, March 30th, 2017 from 6-8pm