What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Idaho?
Idaho may be best known for its scenic mountains and crystal-clear rivers, but it’s also home to some of the finest bass fishing waters in the Pacific Northwest. The diverse ecosystems of Idaho’s lakes create prime conditions for catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass. From the deep, cold waters of Lake Pend Oreille to the warm shallows of C. J. Strike Reservoir, each lake offers a unique fishing experience that caters to both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. Below, we’ll explore the best bass fishing lakes in Idaho and provide expert tips to enhance your fishing success.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Idaho
- C. J. Strike Reservoir
- Lake Pend Oreille
- Lake Cascade
- Priest Lake
- Devils Creek Reservoir
Idaho boasts a variety of lakes that provide exceptional opportunities for bass fishing. Here are some of the standout locations:
C. J. Strike Reservoir
C. J. Strike Reservoir, located near Mountain Home, Idaho, is a prime destination for bass fishing, offering a diverse ecosystem that supports a thriving population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spanning approximately 7,500 acres, this expansive reservoir boasts an average depth of 20 feet, with some areas reaching a maximum depth of 120 feet. The reservoir’s warm waters, extensive shoreline, and varied underwater structures—including rocky outcrops, submerged vegetation, and deep channels—create ideal habitats for bass to thrive. Anglers can enjoy fishing along the numerous coves and backwaters that provide excellent cover and feeding grounds for largemouth bass, while smallmouth bass are often found around rocky shorelines and drop-offs.
C. J. Strike is easily accessible, with several boat ramps and fishing docks, making it convenient for anglers to explore its waters. The reservoir’s nutrient-rich environment supports abundant forage, such as perch and bluegill, ensuring a healthy bass population and consistent fishing action throughout the year.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for C. J. Strike Reservoir: Locals recommend targeting bass near submerged vegetation and rocky areas using crankbaits and spinnerbaits, especially during early mornings and late evenings. For best results, focus on casting near structure-rich shorelines where bass are likely to ambush prey.
Lake Pend Oreille
Lake Pend Oreille, located in northern Idaho near the town of Sandpoint, is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the state, covering over 148 square miles with a maximum depth of 1,150 feet and an average depth of 538 feet. Known for its stunning scenery and cold, clear waters, Lake Pend Oreille is a top destination for anglers seeking smallmouth bass. The lake’s diverse structure, which includes rocky shorelines, submerged islands, drop-offs, and underwater reefs, provides excellent habitats for bass to thrive. Smallmouth bass are the dominant species in this lake, often found near rocky areas and deeper waters during the summer months.
The vast size of Lake Pend Oreille allows for various fishing techniques, making it suitable for both boat and shore anglers. Its clear waters mean bass are often visible, adding an extra thrill to sight fishing. With ample public access points, including boat ramps and fishing piers, this lake is easily accessible for anglers of all levels.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Pend Oreille: Locals suggest targeting smallmouth bass using tube jigs or drop-shot rigs along rocky shorelines and underwater ledges. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to fish, when bass are most active and feeding close to structure.
Lake Cascade
Lake Cascade, located near the town of Cascade, Idaho, is one of the state’s premier bass fishing destinations. Spanning over 47 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet and reaching a maximum depth of 86 feet, Lake Cascade is characterized by its varied structure, including numerous inlets, submerged timber, and rocky points. This diversity creates prime habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a favored spot for anglers. The lake’s shallower areas warm up quickly in the summer, drawing largemouth bass into the weedy flats and nearshore zones. Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, are often found near the rocky shorelines and deeper structures, particularly during the warmer months.
The nutrient-rich waters of Lake Cascade support a healthy forage base, including perch and other baitfish, which contribute to the robust bass population. Its accessibility and numerous public fishing docks and boat ramps make Lake Cascade a convenient choice for anglers, whether fishing from shore or a boat.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Cascade: Local anglers recommend targeting bass around submerged timber and weedy areas with spinnerbaits and jerkbaits, especially in the northern sections of the lake. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times for topwater action when bass are feeding aggressively in the shallows.
Priest Lake
Priest Lake, located in the northern panhandle of Idaho near the town of Coolin, is a stunning 23,000-acre lake known for its crystal-clear waters and remarkable bass fishing opportunities. The lake has an average depth of 43 feet and reaches a maximum depth of approximately 370 feet, making it one of the deeper lakes in the region. Smallmouth bass are the primary species found in Priest Lake, thriving in the lake’s cool, deep waters. The clear water and diverse underwater structure, including rocky points, submerged boulders, and steep drop-offs, create an ideal environment for smallmouth bass. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with rocky reefs and underwater ledges that attract bass, especially during the summer when the fish move to cooler, deeper areas.
Priest Lake’s pristine environment and relatively low fishing pressure make it a favorite among anglers seeking a more secluded bass fishing experience. Public access points, marinas, and boat launches around the lake provide ample opportunities for both shore and boat fishing.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Priest Lake: Local experts recommend using tube jigs and drop-shot rigs to target smallmouth bass near rocky structures and deeper ledges. Fishing in the early morning or late afternoon yields the best results, as bass are more active during these times.
Devils Creek Reservoir
Devils Creek Reservoir, located near Malad City in southeastern Idaho, is a hidden gem for bass fishing enthusiasts. This small, secluded reservoir spans approximately 275 acres, with an average depth of 40 feet and a maximum depth of about 65 feet. Its calm and quiet setting, surrounded by rolling hills and limited development, offers an excellent environment for largemouth bass, which thrive in the lake’s warm, nutrient-rich waters. The reservoir is characterized by shallow, weedy bays and rocky shorelines, providing perfect cover and feeding areas for largemouth bass. The combination of aquatic vegetation and submerged structures creates ample opportunities for anglers to target bass at various depths and locations.
Due to its smaller size and lower fishing pressure, Devils Creek Reservoir is ideal for a peaceful fishing experience, often away from crowds. The reservoir is easily accessible with public boat ramps and shoreline access points, making it convenient for both boat and shore anglers.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Devils Creek Reservoir: Local anglers suggest targeting largemouth bass in the weedy shallows using topwater frogs and spinnerbaits, particularly during the morning hours. Focusing on areas with dense vegetation and near rocky points can yield the best results, as these are prime feeding zones for largemouth bass.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In Idaho
Idaho offers a unique and rewarding bass fishing experience that sets it apart from other states. With over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, Idaho boasts a diverse range of fishing environments, from deep, clear mountain lakes to shallow, warm reservoirs teeming with vegetation. The state’s pristine waters provide ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, offering anglers abundant opportunities to catch trophy-sized fish. For example, C. J. Strike Reservoir is known for producing largemouth bass weighing over 5 pounds, while Lake Pend Oreille is famous for its healthy population of smallmouth bass that often exceed 3 pounds.
Idaho’s relatively low fishing pressure compared to other popular bass fishing states means less competition on the water, making for a more serene and productive fishing experience. The state’s extensive public access points, well-maintained boat launches, and available fishing guides make it easy for anglers of all skill levels to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, Idaho’s varied landscapes and abundant bass make it a premier destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.
