Fishing Hayden Lake

AKA: Hayden Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Hayden Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Hayden Lake, ID

Popular Fish Species Hayden Lake, ID

Hayden Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Idaho Fish and Game helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds but can reach over six pounds. As one of the favored kokanee fishing lakes in Idaho, Hayden Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Hayden Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Hayden Lake offers pretty decent fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Again this year, fishing for largemouth has drawn the vast amount of attention and continued to impress. Some big bass roam Hayden Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Idaho Fish and Game, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. The state record largemouth bass is over 10 pounds. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Hayden Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Hayden Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Hayden Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. 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. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Hayden Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Hayden Lake in Idaho.

Located in the Upper Spokane Basin, Hayden Lake is a 3,800-acre lake with over 40 miles of shoreline. This popular fishing lake offers anglers the opportunity to fish for both cold-water and warm-water fish species.

Smallmouth bass fishing is very popular in Hayden Lake. The lake is also home to salmon, trout, northern pike, sunfish, crappie, perch and largemouth bass. Rainbow trout and kokanee are stocked here with regularity. The lake is at an elevation 2,240 feet above sea level and provides the opportunity for ice fishing when there is safe ice, during winter months. The north end of the lake can be good for northern pike through the ice.

Primary fish species residing in Hayden Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Hayden Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Hayden Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
208 762-0181

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hayden Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off E Honeysuckle Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sportsman Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off N Sportsman Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Hayden Lake Marina
3830 E Hayden Lake Rd
Hayden Lake, ID 83835
208 762-0181