Best Fishing Spots in Northern Idaho
Idaho is the ultimate playground for any outdoor enthusiast, especially for both the novice and expert angler. Northern Idaho, in particular, is an angler’s paradise. Various lakes and rivers from this region have produced some of the state’s biggest catches. Cast in your line and discover some of the best fishing spots in northern Idaho.
Clark Fork River
Spilling into Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark Fork River is a 15-mile long river that offers anglers a chance to catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, and kokanee – plus many more. Clark Fork is mainly known for its fly fishing for rainbow trout, plus brown and cutthroat trout.
Lake Pend Oreille
As the largest lake in Idaho, Lake Pend Oreille is in the northern parts of the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, stretching 148 miles long and reaching 1,158 feet deep. Lake Pend Oreille offers plentiful rainbow and lake trout, plus lake whitefish and large-mouth bass.

Lake Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene is best known for its large kokanee and chinook salmon. The state record chinook salmon (42 lbs.) came from Lake Coeur d’Alene. With mouth bass, rainbow trout, and Mackinaw also plentiful, this northern Idaho fishing spot is one of the best.

Fishing on Priest Lake
Priest Lake offers 40 square miles of “lucky fishing spots” with several locations to cast in a line. From the youngest of fisherman to seasoned anglers, there is a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Mackinaw is the name of the game when fishing at Priest Lake. The Idaho state record for Mackinaw (57 lbs.) was caught at Priest Lake in 1971. If you are willing to explore a bit more, you’ll discover brook trout in the various streams hidden in the adjacent mountains.

Discover our tips for fishing on Priest Lake and start enjoying your Priest Lake vacation today!
Stay at Elkins Resort on Priest Lake
Plan your fishing trip to Elkins Resort on Priest Lake. Our Priest Lake Resort is the perfect spot for anglers wanting to spend more time outside and offers convenient access to some of the best fishing in Idaho. Open all year round, Elkins Resort offers multiple opportunities to reel in your best catch. We also offer boat slip rentals so you can bring your own fishing boat and enjoy the best of fishing on Priest Lake.
And after a long day of fishing, rest and relax in one of our comfortable, affordable, in one of our cozy cabins that overlook beautiful Priest Lake.