Fishing Priest Lake
AKA: Priest Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Priest 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 premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Idaho, Priest 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.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Priest Lake continues to sustain a healthy smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Priest Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Priest Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and kokanee salmon at Priest Lake in Idaho.
Nestled in a beautiful high-mountain setting, Priest Lake is a 23,000-acre lake providing fishing opportunities for bass, trout, bluegill, sunfish, perch and salmon. This appealing gem is located in the upper northern section of Idaho, one mile east of Nordman.
Much of the 80 miles of shoreline is surrounded by roadways providing access to multiple places to fish from the bank, or to launch a canoe or kayak. Much of the lake is lined with boat docks, a favorite hangout for bass, crappie and sunfish. Setting at an elevation of 2,440 feet above sea level, the lake offers year-round fishing including ice fishing in winter any time there is safe ice.
Primary fish species residing in Priest Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Priest 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
Blue Diamond Marina and Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoons, canoes and kayaks
208 443-2240
Elkins Resort On Priest Lake
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
208 443-2432
Priest Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
208 443-2405
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Priest Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Lakeshore Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Blue Diamond Marina and Resort
958 Blue Diamond Rd
Coolin, ID 83821
208 443-2240
Granite Creek Marina
491 Granite Creek Marina Rd
Nordman, ID 83848
510 847-3809
Priest Lake Marina
6515 W Lakeshore Rd
Priest Lake, ID 83856
208 443-2405
Fishing Guides On Priest Lake
Fins & Feathers Guide Trips - lake trout
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Idaho Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Beaver Creek Campground - 208 443-1801
Priest Lake State Park Campground - 208 443-2200
Osprey Campground - 208 443-3340
Outlet at Priest Lake Campground - 208 443-8053
Lodging Nearby
Inn At Priest Lake - 208 443-2447
Elkins Resort On Priest Lake - 208 443-2432
Grandview Resort - 208 443-2433
Blue Diamond Marina and Resort - 208 443-2240
Priest Lake ID Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Priest Lake
Priest Lake Marina & Resort
6515 W Lakeshore Rd
Priest River, ID 83856
208 443-2405
Fishing lakes in each state.
021325
Priest Lake in Idaho.
IDAHO
Information about fishing lakes in Idaho
Priest Lake provides opportunities for bass, trout, bluegill, sunfish, perch and salmon fishing in northern Idaho.
