Fishing Coeur d'Alene Lake

AKA: Coeur D'Alene Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Coeur d'Alene Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Coeur d'Alene Lake, ID

Popular Fish Species Coeur d'Alene Lake, ID

Chinook Salmon

Like all Pacific salmon, die after spawning. The chinook salmon stocked in Coeur d'Alene Lake, starting in the 1980s, are now naturally spawning and reproducing in the lake. They grow large and put up a great fight when hooked. Fish for chinook salmon with down riggers to troll around the thermocline. Use flashers, trailed with bait for best results. The current Idaho state record for chinook salmon, which was caught from Coeur d'Alene Lake, stands at over 40 pounds. Chinook salmon are also known as king salmon.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are another favorite of many locals at Coeur d'Alene Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. They are found primarily in the southern lake. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Coeur d'Alene Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. Fish for these toothy critters among shallow, weedy areas where they feed on perch, pumpkin seeds and other sunfish.This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes.

Coeur d'Alene Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, chinook salmon, kokanee salmon, northern pike and tiger muskie at Coeur d'Alene Lake in Idaho.

Possibly one of the most beautiful settings in the country, Coeur d'Alene Lake is a dream come true for vacationers and anglers alike. This 27,900-acre lake in the northwest part of the state, at Coeur D'Alene, ID has it all.

Popular species in the lake include bass, crappie, trout, northern pike, sunfish, perch, salmon, and muskie. Access the 109 miles of shoreline at numerous places around the lake. Excellent campgrounds, boat launch ramps and bank fishing areas are conveniently located around the lake as well.

Fishing report for Coeur d'Alene Lake

Primary fish species residing in Coeur d'Alene Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Coeur d'Alene Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

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Marinas

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