Top Waters in Panhandle Region
St. Joe River
River144.9-mile scenic river famed for native Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Called the highest elevation navigable river in the world. Upper 30-50 miles are a cutthroat trout paradise in gorgeous mountain setting. Most are wild and eager to take a dry fly.
Priest Lake
LakeGorgeous 23,334-acre deep lake in Idaho's far north. Famous for Lake Trout - the Idaho state record (57.5 lbs) came from here in 1971. Today 10-20 pounders are common. Also kokanee, native cutthroat, and even smallmouth bass in recent years.
Coeur d'Alene Lake
LakeLarge North Idaho lake famous for multi-species fishing. Known for landlocked Chinook salmon, kokanee, and perhaps Idaho's best warmwater fishing - northern pike over 20 lbs, bass over 5 lbs, and ample perch/crappie. Most variety alongside Pend Oreille.
Hayden Lake
Lake3,797-acre lake north of Coeur d'Alene with good bass, perch, pike, and trout fishing. Popular recreational lake with good shore access.
Kelso Lake
LakeA quiet 64-acre forested lake with easy access and a large fishing dock. Electric motors only keeps it peaceful. Great for small boats, kayaks, or canoes along Idaho Birding Trail 14. Excellent warmwater species plus heavily stocked rainbow trout.
Killarney Lake
LakeA 499-acre warmwater fishery with excellent bass, panfish, and Northern Pike (harvest encouraged - invasive). Multiple developed campsites with boat-accessible dispersed camping on islands. No stocking - natural warmwater populations.
Kootenai River
RiverA major 480-mile river system, tributary of the Columbia. Features ongoing Burbot recovery program with massive fry stocking. Excellent trout fishing with special regulations. Sturgeon fishing is illegal - protected population. World-class scenery.
Lake Pend Oreille
LakeIdaho's largest lake at 92,764 acres and one of the deepest inland lakes in North America (1,170+ feet). Formed by glaciers, encircled by mountain peaks. Home to the world record Bull Trout (32 lbs) and state record Kamloops Rainbow (37 lbs). Premier destination fishery.
Exploring the Waters of North Idaho's Panhandle
The Big Three: Lakes of the Panhandle
The Panhandle is defined by its massive, deep-water lakes: Pend Oreille, Coeur d'Alene, and Priest. These aren't just local treasures; they are world-class fisheries. Lake Pend Oreille is famous for its Gerrard rainbow trout and massive lake trout, while Coeur d'Alene offers arguably the best warm-water variety in the state, including trophy northern pike and aggressive smallmouth bass.
River Run: The St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene
For river anglers, the St. Joe River is a legendary westslope cutthroat fishery. Often cited as the highest elevation navigable river in the world, the 'Joe' offers miles of pristine mountain water where wild trout are eager to smash dry flies throughout the summer. The Coeur d'Alene River follows suit, with excellent access and consistent hatches that make it a favorite for fly anglers of all skill levels.
Seasonal Strategy
Spring in the Panhandle belongs to the lake trollers and pike hunters working the warming shallows. As summer heat sets in, the action moves to the deeper thermoclines of the big lakes and the cooling mountain streams. Fall brings a second peak, as kokanee spawn and trout feed aggressively before the winter freeze. Ice fishing is also a major draw on the smaller lakes and sheltered bays of the larger ones.
Regional Highlights
- Lake Pend Oreille
- St. Joe River
- Coeur d'Alene Lake
- Lake Trout & Northern Pike