Idaho — Idaho, with its vast natural landscapes, is a true angler's paradise. The list of top fishing spots released by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) once again solidifies Idaho's reputation. Let's take a closer look at Idaho's fishing grounds, home to record-breaking catches and the potential for encountering exceptionally large fish at any time.

 
Rainbow Trout: A Haven for 20-Pounders, Lake Pend Oreille

Lake Pend Oreille is renowned as the top spot in Idaho for producing rainbow trout weighing over 20 pounds (approximately 9 kg). Notably, the 'Gerrard' rainbow trout caught here boasts such a unique presence that the IDFG classifies it in a separate record category. This is to ensure that other, more common-sized rainbow trout from different regions also have a chance to be recognized. Lake Pend Oreille not only offers the thrill of catching large fish but also provides an unforgettable experience for anglers with its beautiful surrounding scenery. Located in northern Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille is a massive body of water, stretching 43 miles (approximately 69 km) long. With depths reaching up to 1,150 feet (about 350m), it provides an optimal environment for a diverse range of fish species.

 
Chinook Salmon: The Fresh Taste of the Ocean, Clearwater River

The Clearwater River is the first place to encounter Chinook salmon entering Idaho. Anglers here consistently reel in fresh, massive Chinook salmon straight from the ocean. Fishing, which begins in spring, can extend through spring, summer, and fall 'runs' depending on salmon abundance, offering anglers thrilling action throughout a long season. The Clearwater River is considered a mecca for salmon fishing, and ongoing efforts are being made to conserve salmon resources, which have faced challenges due to dam construction. The Clearwater River flows through north-central Idaho and is a tributary of the Snake River. Besides salmon, it is also famous for Steelhead fishing.

 
Largemouth Bass: Abundant Catches, Lake Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene is well-known for its excellent largemouth bass fishing. It boasts abundant largemouth bass resources, and for anglers who prefer calmer waters, fishing can also be enjoyed in several 'Chain Lakes' located upstream of the main lake. Lake Coeur d'Alene offers picturesque scenery and a variety of fish species, making it popular for family fishing trips. It is situated right next to the city of Coeur d'Alene and is also a popular destination for water sports and tourism.

 
Smallmouth Bass: A Cradle of Record-Breaking Fish, Dworshak Reservoir

The IDFG identifies Dworshak Reservoir as another 'state record-breaking location.' This spot consistently produces large fish to the point where it's not a question of whether another record-breaker will appear, but when. Dworshak Reservoir, with its deep and clear waters, provides an optimal environment for smallmouth bass, offering anyone with fishing skill and patience the chance to catch a once-in-a-lifetime trophy. Dworshak Reservoir is located in northeastern Idaho, north of Hells Canyon, near Orofino. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, making it ideal for camping and boat fishing.

 
Lake Trout: 50-Pound Giants, Payette Lake

Payette Lake holds the potential to yield lake trout weighing an astonishing 50 pounds (approximately 22 kg). However, finding these giants will likely require significant time invested with a fish finder. Of course, locating them doesn't guarantee a bite, but a patient angler might just experience the catch of a lifetime. Payette Lake is also renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings, offering enjoyment beyond just fishing. Payette Lake is located in west-central Idaho, near the city of McCall, and offers a variety of recreational activities, including skiing and snowboarding, in winter.

 
Cutthroat Trout: Salmon-Sized Trout, Bear Lake

Straddling the Idaho and Utah border, Bear Lake produces salmon-sized cutthroat trout. Following a massive restoration project, the wild Bonneville Cutthroat population in Bear Lake has increased from 5% to 70% of the total fish population. This has allowed anglers to catch and keep wild cutthroat trout for the first time in 20 years. This is also considered a successful ecosystem restoration case, and Bear Lake is now breathing new life into the angling community. Bear Lake is known for its clear, blue waters, often referred to as the 'Caribbean of the Rockies,' and is a popular spot for water sports in the summer.

 
Kokanee Salmon: The Dance of Silver Fish, Anderson Ranch Reservoir

Anderson Ranch Reservoir is the uppermost of Southwest Idaho's 'Silver Triangle' reservoirs and attracts Kokanee salmon anglers. According to the IDFG, Kokanee salmon catches fluctuate periodically, so large fish cannot be expected every year, but in good years, very satisfying catches can be made. Kokanee salmon are loved by many anglers for their distinctive silver scales and excellent taste. Anderson Ranch Reservoir is located east of Boise and offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping and hiking.

 
Yellow Perch: Trophy Catches, Lake Cascade

Nearly vanished in the 1990s, yellow perch have thrived again in Lake Cascade thanks to IDFG's restoration projects. This lake now consistently produces trophy-sized yellow perch, including numerous state and world records, and has become a nationally recognized ice fishing destination. In winter, yellow perch fishing on the ice is considered a unique charm of Lake Cascade. Lake Cascade is located in west-central Idaho, near the city of Cascade, and features extensive camping facilities and boat ramps, making it easily accessible.

 
Sturgeon: The Giants of Hells Canyon

The best place to catch sturgeon in Idaho is Hells Canyon. Unless you have a jet boat or whitewater skills, the best approach is to go with a professional outfitter. The sturgeon of Hells Canyon offer a true challenge to anglers with their size and power. A battle with these massive fish would be an experience any angler dreams of. Hells Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in North America, straddling the Idaho and Oregon borders along the Snake River. Sturgeon fishing mostly follows the 'catch and release' principle.

 
Channel Catfish: Abundant Harvest, Brownlee Reservoir

Brownlee Reservoir is teeming with channel catfish. Catfish typically ranging from 2 to 10 pounds (approximately 1 to 4.5 kg) are common, with many larger individuals also present. However, smaller individuals are rarely found, indicating a healthy population of larger fish. Catches are so abundant that it can even be described as catching 'a full bag,' and there are no size or catch limits, making it highly attractive to anglers. The channel catfish in Brownlee Reservoir are an 'underexplored species' that has not been sufficiently fished, making it a recommended spot for anglers seeking abundant catches. Brownlee Reservoir is a large reservoir in the Snake River basin, located on the border of Idaho and Oregon.

 
Idaho, as described, boasts a diverse range of fish species and abundant fishing resources. Whatever your preferred type of fishing, you're sure to experience unforgettable memories and the thrill of the catch amidst Idaho's pristine natural beauty. Why not plan a trip to one of Idaho's top fishing destinations this weekend?