About fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Pacific Northwest. This North Idaho lake is long, with plenty of bays off of the main body of water to
accommodate plenty of sports, such as standup paddle boarding, tubing, as well as towns like Coeur d’Alene and Harrison. However, beneath the surface, there’s a whole other world! Drop a line in Lake Coeur d’Alene to do some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Interested in learning more about fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene? We’ve compiled a few helpful facts and tips for you here:

Fishing regulations

Before you head out fishing each year, make sure you know the rules and regulations of wherever you’re going fishing. These change, especially if you’re fishing on tribal land or other unique areas. For more in-depth information about regulations, visit the state’s Department of Fish and Game website.

Daily limits

Some days, it seems like nothing lives in the lake, and other days, it seems like everything is biting. However, there are daily bag limits on Lake Coeur d’Alene:

• Chinook salmon: limit 2, none under 20 inches
• Bass: limit 6 (Largemouth and Smallmouth combined)
• Kokanee: limit 15
• Trout: limit 6 (this includes Brown, Cutthroat, Golden, Lake, Rainbow, Splake, Arctic Grayling and trout hybrids such as Tiger Trout)
• Bull Trout: none; catch-and-release
• Brook Trout: limit 25
• Burbot: limit 6
• Tiger Muskie: limit 2, none under 40 inches
• Whitefish: limit 25
• All other fish: no bag, size or possession limit (this includes bullfrogs and crayfish)

Fishing license

Don’t forget — you need a fishing license to fish in Lake Coeur d’Alene. You can purchase one online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, or at local vendors.

New to the area? Need the right boat?

If you’re not from North Idaho, or you’re traveling in from out of state, you may not be able to bring your boat. Resort Boat Rentals offers great rental rates on pontoon and sport boats. Or our friends at Hagadone Marine have a great selection of new and pre-owned vessels.