Fishing Payette Lake

AKA: Payette Reservoir

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

Popular Fish Species Payette Lake, ID

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. As one of the smaller kokanee fishing lakes in Idaho, Payette Lake still 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.

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in Payette Lake is often quite good and these big fish are plentiful. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental help to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Payette Lake is on the rise. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Payette Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, yellow perch and kokanee salmon at Payette Lake in Idaho.

Stunning, natural beauty surrounds Payette Lake, a 5,000-acre lake in the west-central part of the state, at McCall, ID. This fertile fishery has over 20 miles of shoreline, some of which is accessible for fishing from the bank. Anglers mainly target rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon. Bass enthusiasts are happy to enjoy the quality smallmouth fishing. Ponderosa State Park, plus the north and east portions of the lake afford the best opportunities for bank fishing. Boat are ramps are open for boats, with no limit on horsepower.

Fishing report for Payette Lake

Primary fish species residing in Payette Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Payette 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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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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Marinas

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