Lake Coeur d’Alene is open to fishing year-round, if you have the proper license. However, springtime is when many anglers get back out on the water after commissioning their boat for summer and completing annual maintenance. This is also when Lake Coeur d’Alene water temperature and weather are better, and fish are out and about again. We’ve compiled a helpful guide for fishing in Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Learn more about why Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the best lakes in North Idaho!
Lake Coeur d’Alene Fishing Report
One of the best resources for anglers in North Idaho is the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This is a state government resource that has the most up-to-date information about fishing laws and regulations in the state. Whether you’re looking for information about what fish are in Lake Coeur d’Alene or what the laws are regarding daily limits, you’ll be able to find all the answers here.
Recommended game fish
While there’s lots to see and fish for in Lake Coeur d’Alene, there are a few fish that are better to catch (and eat!) We recommend fishing for these in Lake Coeur d’Alene:
- Bluegill/Pumpkinseed/ Sunfish
- Kokanee
- Largemouth Bass
- Chinook Salmon
- Northern Pike
- Cutthroat Trout
See the full list of recommended game fish from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and learn more about each of the above fish here.
Daily limits
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, Artic 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 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.
Do you need a boat for your spring fishing? Contact the team at Hagadone Marine Group to purchase your next vessel!