Fishing Guide

Fishing License & Regulations

Idaho Fishing License Information

• Purchase Online: https://idfg.huntfishidaho.net/
• Purchase at a vendor: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/licenses/lookupVendors.cfm

Idaho Fishing Regulations

https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/fish

Daily bag limits on Coeur d’Alene Lake

• Chinook salmon limit is 2, none under 20 inches
• Bass limit is 6, largemouth and smallmouth combined
• Kokanee limit is 15 (limit on tribal waters is 25)
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout

Coeur d’Alene Tribe Fishing Regulations (applies on tribal waters)

http://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/natural/Fisheries/fish/fishfeereg.pdf

Invasive Species Permit

This $22.00 Invasive Species sticker is required to launch and operate any boat that is registered outside of Idaho or federally documented.

Important Note To Boaters with vessels requiring Idaho registration:

For all vessels requiring registration in Idaho, the Invasive Species fee is included in the registration price. This separate Invasive Species Sticker is not required.

When purchasing stickers online, a printable receipt for proof of purchase will be provided and the actual stickers will be mailed within 48 hours.

In order to comply with State law, the sticker is required to be placed on the vessel. The receipt of purchase will NOT be sufficient. Please plan accordingly.

https://idpr.idaho.gov/Renewal/PermitsLogin.aspx

Bass Fishing

Spring: April - May

Fish shallow depths in the warmest water you can find. such as Coeur d’Alene city beach or the chain lakes. Lures: Rattle Traps, Crank Baits and Tube Jigs

Summer: May - June

Fish docks with Crank Baits and Tube Jigs Summer months- Fish farther out to about 30’ of water depending on the thermo climate. Lures: ¼ oz & 3/8 oz lead headed jigs with twin tail grubs. Fish slow on the bottom.

Chinook Salmon Fishing

Spring: Late February - April

The Salmon are usually in the top 30’ of water. Use Herring, Rapalas and Diving Plugs. Most of the fish are going to be on the South end of the lake such as Powder Horn, Rockford Bay south to Harrison.

Summer: April - September

Usually the Salmon are 30’-80’ deep. Use 11” Flasher, Herring, 11” Flasher Fly, Dodger Fly, Dodger Herring, 8” Flasher, Mini Squids. Places to fish are: East Point, Driftwood Point, Arrow Point, Stevens Point and main body of the lake.

Fall: September - December

Fish 70’-100’ deep. Use mostly 8” Flasher, and Mini Squids. Herring is good but most Mini Squids are better. Places to fish are: Mid lake, Carlin bay and Lofts Bay area.

Winter: December - February

Fish 70’-115’ deep. Run Mini Squid and Herring. Herring is usually better later in the winter. Mid lake is the best location.

Visit our activities page to find information about other Lake CDA fishing guides and charter services.