Guide To Fishing At Lake Pend Oreille

Idaho's largest and deepest lake, Lake Pend Oreille is a picturesque setting for fishing, boating camping and vacationing. These 84,000 surface acres are home to a wide variety of fish species.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Nearby Lodging
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Lake Pend Oreille, located in the northernmost region of Idaho, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. This expansive and deep glacial lake offers a serene setting and exceptional angling opportunities. Anglers are drawn to Lake Pend Oreille for its diverse fish populations and the chance to catch some of Idaho's most prized fish species.

One of the prized catches in Lake Pend Oreille is the Kamloops rainbow trout, also known as Gerrard rainbow trout. These magnificent fish can reach impressive sizes and are highly sought after by anglers. Lake Pend Oreille also holds big rainbow trout. The lake is also home to other popular fish species such as kokanee salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, providing anglers with a variety of fishing options.

Beyond fishing, Lake Pend Oreille offers ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. With its vast expanse of water and stunning mountain vistas, boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports, or explore the lake's secluded bays and inlets. Whether you prefer sailing, powerboating, kayaking, or paddleboarding, Lake Pend Oreille provides a scenic and tranquil environment to enjoy a day on the water.

Camping is a popular activity for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Lake Pend Oreille. The area offers several campgrounds, both public and private, where visitors can set up their tents or park their RVs. Camping near Lake Pend Oreille allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to wake up to breathtaking lake views, enjoy peaceful evenings around a campfire, and have easy access to the fishing hotspots along the shoreline.

Lake Pend Oreille is a true gem in Idaho, captivating anglers and nature lovers with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Whether you're casting a line for rainbow trout, cruising the lake's pristine waters, or spending nights camping under the starry sky, Lake Pend Oreille promises an unforgettable experience. Its diverse fish populations, boating amenities, and picturesque camping areas make it a must-visit destination for those seeking outdoor adventures in northern Idaho.

Kokanee are regularly stocked by the Idaho Fish & Game Department. Visit this lake in the upper northern section of the state, at Sandpoint, ID for a weekend fishing trip or an extended vacation. You'll have 111 miles of shoreline to explore and fish. The elevation is 2,060 feet above sea level offering ice fishing in winter and plenty of fishing from the bank or a boat once the ice melts. Boat launch ramps around the lake are available for launching pleasure boats, pontoon boats, and all types of fishing boats with no boat-motor HP restrictions. Kayaks and canoes can be portaged from some of the same areas open for bank fishing. Several marinas are ready to service your boating, fishing and camping needs. Stores, restaurants, campgrounds and RV parks are all handy for visitors to the area.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Pend Oreille

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Pend Oreille 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

Action Water Sports
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
208 255-7100

MacDonald's Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks
208 683-2211

Sandpoint Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
208 920-9292

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Farragut Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off E Launch Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Garfield Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Garfield Bay Road, this is two, one-lane, concrete ramps with docks and paved parking.

Hope Boat Basin Public Launch
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off W Main Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lakeview Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Ontario Street, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Morton Slough Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the Pend Oreille River section of the lake, south side, off Dufort Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sunnyside Boat Access
Located in the northern section of the lake, off Sunnyside Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.