Lake Pend Oreille

Idaho'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.

Species: Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walleye. Difficulty: intermediate. Some experience pays off here.

Best timing: Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter. Spring fishing keys on warming water and emerging insects. Summer fishes best at first light and late evening; midday is technical. Fall is prime — heavy feeding before winter, fewer crowds. Winter access is for dedicated anglers; ice conditions vary year to year.

Regulations: Bass limit 6, only 2 Largemouth, none under 16 inches. No Lake Trout limit. No Cutthroat harvest. Rainbow limit 2, only 1 over 20 inches. Always confirm with the current IDFG rule book before fishing.

Panhandle context

Idaho's Panhandle is defined by its big, deep-water lakes and a temperate, lake-effect climate. Lake Pend Oreille produces Gerrard rainbows and lake trout; Coeur d'Alene Lake holds the state's strongest mixed warm-water fishery (smallmouth, northern pike, perch); the St. Joe is one of the most photographed wild westslope cutthroat rivers in the Lower 48. Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and St. Maries are the bases.

Plan for the experience level the fishery rewards.