Alturas Lake

An 836-acre mountain lake in the Sawtooth Valley. Features Kokanee, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Bull Trout (catch-and-release). Regular rainbow trout stocking throughout summer. Beautiful glacier-carved lake with camping and boat access.

Species: Kokanee Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Mountain Whitefish. Difficulty: beginner. Approachable for first-timers and families.

Best timing: Summer and Fall. Summer fishes best at first light and late evening; midday is technical. Fall is prime — heavy feeding before winter, fewer crowds.

Regulations: Salmon Region Bag Limits. Bull Trout catch-and-release. Kokanee limit 25. Always confirm with the current IDFG rule book before fishing.

Salmon Region context

The Salmon region is anchored by the Main Salmon — the River of No Return — and the chinook and steelhead runs that climb it. Side drainages like the Yankee Fork and the Lemhi hold native westslope cutthroat. Most fishing trips here are timed to ocean-run windows: spring/summer chinook, fall steelhead. Salmon, Stanley, and Challis are the access points.

Family-friendly access — bring kids and beginners.