Fishing Lake Walcott

AKA: Walcott Reservoir, Walcott Lake

Lake Walcott Fishing Video
Popular Fish Species
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
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Popular Fish Species Lake Walcott, ID

Lake Walcott Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Idaho Fish and Game has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Lake Walcott. 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. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. 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.

Lake Walcott Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Lake Walcott continues to sustain a robust 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 drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. 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.

Lake Walcott Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Walcott. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake Walcott Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish and yellow perch at Lake Walcott in Idaho.

Spanning about 25 miles of the Snake River, Lake Walcott is an anglers favorite for numerous species of fish. Bass, bluegill, sunfish, perch and rainbow trout all thrive here. All but the trout reproduce naturally, and the trout are stocked by the Idaho Fish & Game on a regular basis. This 8,200-acre lake in the south-central part of the state has about 80 miles of shoreline.

The lake is at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level and is open for fishing most of the year. In winter, once the ice is safe, there is good ice fishing for perch, sunfish and trout. Boating season is open April 1 to Sept. 30 with no HP restrictions for fishing or pleasure boats. There is a boat launch ramp at Lake Walcott State Park. There are plenty of bank-fishing opportunities in the areas where roadway access permits. See the map below for travel options.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Walcott

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Walcott Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Walcott State Park Boat Ramp
Located in the western section of the lake, off E 400 N Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.