The Remote Idaho Lakes That Are A Fisherman’s Hidden Paradise
Idaho holds some of the most secluded fishing spots in the American West, where crystal-clear waters teem with trout and the only sounds you’ll hear are lapping waves and eagle calls.
These remote lakes reward adventurous anglers with unforgettable catches and scenery that feels untouched by time.
If you’re ready to escape crowded reservoirs and discover where the real fish are biting, grab your gear and let me show you the hidden gems that locals have quietly treasured for generations.
1. Henrys Lake (Island Park Area)
Sitting at over 6,400 feet elevation near the Montana border, Henrys Lake has earned legendary status among fly fishermen who chase trophy brook and cutthroat trout.
The shallow waters warm quickly in summer, creating ideal conditions for massive mayfly hatches that draw fish to the surface in feeding frenzies.
Wind can whip across this open basin without warning, so bring layers and prepare for changing weather.
Local guides recommend gulper dry flies during calm evenings when you can sight-fish to rising monsters that’ll test your tackle and patience in equal measure.
2. Priest Lake (Panhandle)
Nestled in Idaho’s northern forests, Priest Lake stretches 19 miles of pristine water where Mackinaw trout grow to jaw-dropping sizes in the cold depths.
Kokanee salmon runs bring explosive action in late summer, while smallmouth bass patrol rocky shorelines waiting to ambush your lure.
The lake’s remote location means you’ll share the water with fewer boats than popular southern reservoirs.
Pack camping gear and explore hidden coves where bull trout still swim, though catch-and-release rules protect these rare beauties for future generations to admire.
3. Upper Priest Lake (Panhandle)
Accessible only by boat or hiking trail, Upper Priest Lake rewards determined anglers with solitude that feels like stepping back two centuries.
This 1,000-acre gem connects to its larger neighbor through a scenic thoroughfare, but most visitors never make the journey northward to where westslope cutthroat thrive in undisturbed waters.
Primitive campsites dot the shoreline, offering front-row seats to wildlife sightings including moose, bears, and ospreys diving for their own catches.
Bring everything you need because there’s no marina, no cell service, just you and nature’s rhythms.
4. Warm Lake (Valley County)
Despite its name suggesting tropical temperatures, Warm Lake maintains cool mountain water perfect for rainbow and brook trout that cruise near submerged logs and rocky drop-offs.
Located deep in the Boise National Forest, this spot requires commitment to reach via winding forest roads that keep casual tourists away.
Summer weekends bring families to shoreline campgrounds, but weekday mornings belong to serious anglers working spinner baits along weed beds.
The lake’s modest size means you can explore every productive zone in a single day while soaking in views that belong on postcards.
5. Deadwood Reservoir (Boise National Forest)
This 3,000-acre reservoir hides in high country where kokanee salmon stage spectacular spawning runs that attract anglers from across the Northwest each fall.
Bull trout patrol the depths year-round, though strict regulations mean you’ll photograph these magnificent predators rather than keeping them for dinner.
The reservoir’s fluctuating water levels expose interesting structure including submerged timber that creates perfect ambush points for hungry fish.
Rough access roads deter fair-weather fishermen, leaving more elbow room for those willing to navigate the bumpy final miles to boat launches that feel wonderfully forgotten.
6. Pettit Lake (Sawtooth Area)
Cradled beneath the jagged Sawtooth peaks, Pettit Lake offers easily accessible alpine fishing where brook trout dart through water so clear you can watch them inspect your offerings before striking.
The shallow lake warms enough for comfortable wading in summer, letting you reach productive zones without a watercraft.
Photographers compete with anglers for prime shoreline spots during golden hour when alpenglow paints surrounding granite walls in shades of pink and orange.
Nearby campgrounds fill quickly on holiday weekends, so plan midweek visits for the best combination of solitude and steady action.
7. Alturas Lake (Sawtooth Area)
Larger and deeper than neighboring Pettit, Alturas Lake holds rainbow and brook trout that grow plump on abundant insect life thriving in these nutrient-rich waters.
Trolling from a kayak or canoe produces consistent results, especially along the western shore where underwater shelves create temperature breaks that concentrate feeding fish.
The lake sits just off Highway 75, making it more accessible than truly remote destinations while still delivering that alpine fishing experience.
Early morning starts beat afternoon winds that can turn the surface choppy, though evening calms often bring another productive window before sunset.
8. Redfish Lake (Stanley/Sawtooths)
Named for the sockeye salmon that once turned its waters crimson during spawning runs, Redfish Lake now hosts kokanee salmon and bull trout beneath some of Idaho’s most photographed mountain scenery.
The lake’s considerable depth creates distinct thermal layers where different species hold at various levels throughout the season.
A full-service lodge and marina provide amenities rare at remote fishing destinations, letting you balance wilderness adventure with creature comforts.
Downriggers help reach kokanee cruising 40 feet down, while shore anglers find success near creek inlets where cooler water attracts opportunistic feeders.
9. Little Redfish Lake (Near Redfish Lake)
Connected to its famous neighbor by Fishhook Creek, Little Redfish Lake offers intimate fishing experiences where you can work every corner in an afternoon while dodging crowds gathered at the larger lake nearby.
Brook trout dominate here, eagerly striking small spinners and flies cast near fallen timber and rocky points.
The modest size makes float tubes ideal for covering water efficiently without the hassle of launching larger boats.
Families appreciate the manageable scale and consistent action that keeps young anglers engaged, building memories against a backdrop that rivals any destination worldwide.
10. Dworshak Reservoir (North Fork Clearwater)
Plunging to depths exceeding 500 feet behind one of America’s tallest dams, Dworshak Reservoir creates a unique fishery where smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon coexist in stratified layers.
Steep canyon walls rise directly from the water, limiting shoreline access and making boats essential for serious fishing success.
Spring and fall produce the hottest action when fish move shallow to feed before temperature extremes push them into comfortable depths.
The reservoir’s immense size means you can always find uncrowded water, even during peak season when other Idaho lakes feel shoulder-to-shoulder.