Fishing Lake Pend Oreille
Popular Fish Species Lake Pend Oreille, ID
Rainbow Trout Fishing
This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Pend Oreille is fishing for monsters as the Gerrard rainbow trout reside in the lake in both big numbers, and and big sizes. The lake record is over 35 pounds and fish in the 20-pound range are common, some over 25 are not uncommon. Fall, as the weather turns cold, is the best times to fish for these big rainbows here, and trolling is the preferred method.
Lake Trout
Year round, fishing for lake trout (mackinaw) in Lake Pend Oreille is an opportunity to catch a fish of a lifetime. The lake record for lake trout is over 43 pounds, and lots of fish over 20 pounds are caught annually. Trolling deep is the most common method used, as deep as the 70-to 85-foot range. A fish finder can often help locate these fish in deep water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Currently, largemouth bass are thriving in Lake Pend Oreille, primarily because they are overlooked in favor of the big trout in the lake. 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 cover, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, bigger worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure. Other bass to be caught here include smallmouth bass and spotted bass.
Lake Pend Oreille Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 paddle boarding, Lake Pend Oreille provides a scenic and tranquil environment to enjoy a day on the water.
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.
Marinas
Bottle Bay Resort & Marina
115 Resort Rd
Sagle, ID 83860
208 263-5916
Holiday Shores Marina
Lake Pend Oreille
Hope, ID 83836
208 263-3083
Sandpoint Marina
120 Lake St STE 202
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208 263-3083
Fishing Guides On Lake Pend Oreille
Eagle Charters - rainbow trout, lake trout
Pend Oreille Charters - rainbow trout, lake trout, bass
North Star Charters - rainbow trout,
If you offer fishing guide services on Lake Pend Oreille, please contact us for a free listing to be posted here.
Click here for a Idaho Fishing License.
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Sandpoint RV Park - 208 263-3194
Pend Oreille RV Park Campground - 208 264-5695
Whiskey Rock Bay Campground - 208 263-5111
Island View Trailer/RV Resort Campground - 208 264-5509
Sam Owen Campground - 208 263-5111
Lodging Nearby
The Lodge at Sandpoint - 208 263-2211
Best Western Edgewater Resort - 208 263-3194
Clark Fork Lodge - 208 266-1736
Pend Oreille Shores Resort - 208 264-5828
La Quinta Inn Sandpoint - 208 263-9581
Quality Inn - 208 263-2111
Days Inn Sandpoint - 208 263-1222
FairBridge Inn & Suites Sandpoint - 208 263-2210
Lake Pend Oreille ID Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Pend Oreille
Bottle Bay Resort & Marina
115 Resort Rd
Sagle, ID 83860
208 263-5916
Fishing lakes in each state.
022924
Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho.
IDAHO
Information about fishing lakes in Idaho
Come fish Lake Pend Oreille for bass, crappie, bluegill, trout, salmon, walleye, northern pike, sunfish and perch.