The Priest
Lake area offers a wide variety of choices to the angler. Fishing
opportunities range from trophy size Mackinaw in Priest Lake,
to cutthroat fishing in the nearby alpine lakes, to brook trout
angling in the numerous streams in the Priest basin, to catch-and-release
fishing for westslope cutthroat in Upper Priest Lake, to great
ice fishing on Cavanaugh Bay.
Mackinaw
(lake trout) is the predominate species in Priest Lake and trophy size fish are
not uncommon. The Idaho state record for Mackinaw (57 1/2 pounds) was caught
at Priest Lake in 1971. Mackinaw fishing methods include downriggers, leaded
line, wire line and jigging -- all designed to present lures near the bottom
especially during the summer months. It is not uncommon for successful lake trout
anglers to fish at depths of 100-feet or deeper during the summer season. However,
from late fall through spring when the water temperature is coldest, Mackinaw
can be caught nearer the surface and in relatively shallow water. For the inexperienced
Mackinaw angler or the trophy fish hunter, it is recommended that a fishing guide
be hired. There are a number highly recommended and very experienced guide
services listed under the Recreation & Guide
Services link in the Business Directory. Priest Lake is open year-round
to fishing with a harvest limit of six lake trout per day.
Fishing in Upper Priest Lake and Upper
Priest River is restricted to catch-and-release, no bait and single, barbless
hooks. These restrictions are necessary to protect the bull trout which has been
declared "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act and to assist
in the recovery of the native westslope cutthroat population.
Stream fishing in the numerous creeks in the area is also a popular pastime.
The predominate species in most of the creeks is brook trout although you may
hook an occasional cutthroat or rainbow trout. Check the Idaho Fishing Regulations
booklet for open season dates as the seasons vary from stream to stream and some
streams are closed to harvest. This booklet is available at many businesses around
the lake.
Priest River, downstream from the Priest Lake outlet dam, is open all year for
fishing. Winter, late spring and early summer are the most productive fishing
periods on the river. The skillful angler can hook trout and an occasional mountain
whitefish --- and the picturesque beauty of the river in itself makes the trip
well worth the time.
Various alpine
lakes nestled in the Selkirks on the east side of Priest Lake are stocked
with trout. These include the following lakes: Hunt, Standard, Two Mouth, Caribou,
Mollies, Fault and Hidden. These secluded lakes offer a great opportunity to
hike scenic trails, topped off with a backcountry fishing experience. Their pristine
setting, coupled with the high probability of fishing success, make the alpine
lakes an ideal family adventure.
On the west side, Petit Lake, located near Diamond Peak off USFS Roads 308 & 311,
is a fly fisherman's delight. Muskegon Lake, located just off USFS Road 1013
north of Granite Pass also offers good fishing. Access to both of these lakes
requires only a short walk from a vehicle parking area. Float tube fishing is
recommended for both lakes -- and remember Washington state fishing regulations
apply as both of these lakes are located in that state.
You may also join the many Priest Lake area residents who fish for bass in Chase
Lake. It is located 1-1/2 miles south of Coolin, off East River Road. The Chase
Lake season is open from July 1--December 31 for bass harvest and gasoline powered
motors are prohibited on the lake.
