Tips for Fishing at Priest Lake
Come to catch “the big one” at Priest Lake. Whether you are a novice fisher who wants to spend a lazy Saturday casting a line or a master fisherman looking to catch that prize-winning trout, fishing at Priest Lake is great for all skill levels.
Guests of Elkins Resort enjoy easy access to Priest Lake with its 40 square miles of “lucky fishing spots”. Elkins Resort offers boat slip rentals, making it easy for those who want to bring their fishing boat, or rentals are available for a half or full day.
What you can catch
Within Priest Lake’s 23,000 acres of freshwater, fishers can catch smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, and kokanee salmon. Also known for its large population of Mackinaw, fishing at Priest Lake provides anglers the chance to snag that prize-winning trout.
If you want to fast-track your success or enjoy a stress-free day, consider hiring a local fishing guide. These pros know exactly where the fish are biting, what bait to use, and how to adapt to the day’s conditions.
When to fish
No matter what time of the season, fishing at Priest Lake is an activity enjoyed by most visitors. In the summer, fishers can catch lake trout as deep as 100 feet or more using fishing methods such as downriggers, leaded lines, wireline, and jigging. In the fall season into early spring, fishers can snag a Mackinaw in shallow waters, making fishing along the shoreline optimal. And anytime there is safe ice, fishers can brave the cold and ice fish in the winter. Priest Lake is open all year round with a limit of six lake trout per day.
Where to fish
Much of Priest Lake’s shoreline is accessible by road, so you can easily pull over, cast from the bank, or launch a canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle-and-fish day. Popular spots include Reeder Bay (just steps from Elkins Resort), Cavanaugh Bay, Hunt Creek, and Granite Creek, each offering its own charm and mix of species. Streams feeding the lake—often shaded and quiet—are home to brook trout, with the occasional cutthroat or rainbow trout. Be sure to check the Idaho Fishing Regulations booklet for seasonal stream rules.
If you head to Upper Priest Lake or the Upper Priest River, remember these are catch-and-release only to protect the bull trout, a threatened species. Anglers here must use barbless hooks and handle fish gently before releasing them. This extra care helps keep the population strong for future generations.
Downstream from the Priest Lake dam, the Priest River offers year-round fishing, with winter, late spring, and early summer being prime times for trout and the occasional mountain whitefish.
Book Your Summer Cabin at Elkins Resort
Enjoy Priest Lake fishing while staying at Elkins Resort. Whether you are looking for a romantic couple’s retreat or space for a large family vacation, our Priest Lake cabins are just what you’ve been looking for. Choose from 30 cedar cabins, ranging in size from studios to six bedrooms, each featuring the comforts of modern amenities and beautiful views of Northern Idaho. Picture-worthy spots in Priest Lake will be right outside your door! So, what are you waiting for? Book your summer vacation with Elkins Resort today!