Northern Idaho:

1. Lake Pend Oreille:

   Lake Pend Oreille, located in the panhandle of Idaho, is the largest lake in the state and offers exceptional SUP fishing opportunities. This lake is renowned for its population of trophy-sized trout, including rainbow trout, lake trout, and cutthroat trout. When fishing in Lake Pend Oreille, you'll find success using lures such as spoons, spinners, and plugs. Additionally, bait fishing with worms or PowerBait can be productive. The best time to fish here is during the spring and fall, as the trout are more active during cooler temperatures.

2. Coeur d'Alene Lake:

   Coeur d'Alene Lake is a stunning destination known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse fish species. When paddleboard fishing on Coeur d'Alene Lake, you can target a variety of fish, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and kokanee salmon. To entice these fish, try using soft plastic baits, crankbaits, and topwater lures. The summer months, especially June through August, are prime times for fishing on Coeur d'Alene Lake, as the warm water temperatures increase fish activity.

3. Priest Lake:

   Nestled in the northernmost part of Idaho, Priest Lake offers a serene SUP fishing experience. This pristine lake is home to an array of fish, including lake trout, northern pike, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch. Jigging with spoons, trolling with spinners or plugs, and using live bait such as minnows or worms are effective techniques to catch fish here. The best time to fish at Priest Lake is during the early summer months when the fish are more active and can be found in shallower waters.

4. Pend Oreille River:

   Flowing from Lake Pend Oreille, the Pend Oreille River provides an excellent SUP fishing opportunity. Anglers can target a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. To entice these fish, use jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits. The spring and fall seasons are the prime times for fishing on the Pend Oreille River, as the fish are more active and willing to bite.

5. Spirit Lake:

   Located just a short drive from Coeur d'Alene, Spirit Lake is a smaller, picturesque destination for SUP fishing. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Soft plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and live worms are productive choices when fishing in Spirit Lake. The summer months, particularly July and August, offer the best conditions for fishing, as the water temperatures rise, and fish become more active.

Western Idaho:

1. Snake River:

   The Snake River winds its way through western Idaho, offering anglers ample opportunities for SUP fishing. This river is known for its abundant populations of smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. When fishing the Snake River, try using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and live bait such as nightcrawlers or minnows. The best time to fish on the Snake River is during the spring and fall when the water temperatures are moderate, and fish are actively feeding.

2. Payette River:

   The Payette River, flowing through scenic valleys and rugged canyons, provides an exciting SUP fishing experience. Fish species that can be targeted include smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and mountain whitefish. When paddleboard fishing on the Payette River, consider using streamer flies, nymphs, and small crankbaits. The late spring and early summer months, specifically May and June, are optimal for fishing on the Payette River as the water levels stabilize, and the fish become more active.

3. Cascade Reservoir:

   Nestled in the mountains of west-central Idaho, Cascade Reservoir is a popular destination for SUP fishing enthusiasts. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. When fishing at Cascade Reservoir, try using bait such as worms or PowerBait, as well as lures like spoons and jigs. Early summer, from May to June, is the ideal time to fish at Cascade Reservoir, as the fish are more active and can be found near the shoreline.

4. Brownlee Reservoir:

   Situated on the Idaho-Oregon border, Brownlee Reservoir is a prime location for SUP fishing. This reservoir is well-known for its populations of crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. When fishing on Brownlee Reservoir, try using jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits. The spring and fall seasons are the most productive times to fish here, as the fish are more active and readily take bait or lures.

5. Bruneau River:

   For a more adventurous SUP fishing experience, head to the Bruneau River in western Idaho. This remote river offers incredible scenery and the opportunity to catch smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and brown trout. Anglers can find success using streamer flies, soft plastic baits, and crankbaits. Late spring and early summer are optimal for fishing the Bruneau River, as the water levels are typically manageable, and the fish are actively feeding.

Eastern Idaho:

1. Henry's Lake:

   Henry's Lake, located near Yellowstone National Park, is a renowned destination for SUP fishing. This lake is famous for its trophy-sized cutthroat trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. When fishing on Henry's Lake, consider using streamer flies, nymphs, and spinners. The summer months, particularly June and July, offer the best fishing conditions, as the fish are more active and can be found near the lake's weed beds.

2. Island Park Reservoir:

   Island Park Reservoir, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of eastern Idaho, is a fantastic spot for SUP fishing. Anglers can target a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Popular lures and baits to use at Island Park Reservoir include spoons, spinners, and nightcrawlers. The best time to fish here is during the summer and early fall months, as the fish are more active and visible near the lake's inlet and outlet.

3. Teton River:

   Flowing through the Teton Valley, the Teton River provides an idyllic setting for SUP fishing. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout. When paddleboard fishing on the Teton River, consider using dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers. The late spring and early summer months, specifically May and June, offer prime fishing conditions, as the fish are actively feeding on hatches and insect activity.

4. Palisades Reservoir:

   Palisades Reservoir, situated in the southeastern part of Idaho, offers excellent SUP fishing opportunities. Fish species that can be targeted include rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. When fishing at Palisades Reservoir, try using crankbaits, spoons, and worms. Late spring and early summer are ideal for fishing, as the fish are actively feeding near the shoreline and in the reservoir's inflowing streams.

5. Bear River:

   The Bear River, flowing through both Idaho and Utah, provides a unique SUP fishing experience. Anglers can target a variety of fish species, including cutthroat trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Streamer flies, nymphs, and soft plastics are effective choices when fishing on the Bear River. The summer months, from June to August, offer the best fishing conditions as the water levels stabilize, and the fish become more active.

Southern Idaho:

1. Magic Reservoir:

   Magic Reservoir, located in south-central Idaho, is a popular SUP fishing destination. This reservoir is known for its populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. When fishing on Magic Reservoir, try using spoons, jigs, and worms. The best time to fish here is during the spring and fall seasons, as the fish are more active and can be found near the lake's submerged structures.

2. CJ Strike Reservoir:

   CJ Strike Reservoir, situated along the Snake River, offers excellent SUP fishing opportunities. Anglers can target a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits are effective lures to use at CJ Strike Reservoir. The spring and fall seasons are the most productive times to fish here, as the water temperatures are moderate, and the fish are actively feeding. Last year (2022) a record catc for white sturgeon was caught here, coming in at 10 feet 4 inches.

3. Lake Walcott:

   Lake Walcott, located in southern Idaho's Magic Valley, is a serene destination for SUP fishing. Fish species that can be targeted include rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. When fishing on Lake Walcott, consider using jigs, soft plastics, and spinners. The summer months, particularly July and August, offer the best fishing conditions, as the fish are more active and can be found near the lake's submerged vegetation.

4. American Falls Reservoir:

   The American Falls Reservoir, situated on the Snake River, provides ample opportunities for SUP fishing. Anglers can target fish species such as rainbow trout, walleye, largemouth bass, and catfish. Jigs, crankbaits, and live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers are effective choices when fishing at American Falls Reservoir. The spring and fall seasons are the prime times to fish here, as the water temperatures are moderate, and the fish are actively feeding.

5. Anderson Ranch Reservoir:

   Anderson Ranch Reservoir, nestled in the scenic mountains of southern Idaho, offers a tranquil SUP fishing experience. This reservoir is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. When fishing at Anderson Ranch Reservoir, try using spoons, spinners, and soft plastic baits. The spring and early summer months, particularly May and June, are ideal for fishing, as the fish are actively feeding near the lake's inlet and outlet.

Conclusion:

Photo Credit: Sawtooth Adventure Co.

Idaho provides an abundance of pristine lakes, rivers, and reservoirs for SUP fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring the northern, western, eastern, or southern regions of the state, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each location offers its unique fish species and fishing techniques. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary permits before embarking on your SUP fishing adventure. With the right lures or bait and timing your trip accordingly, you're sure to have an unforgettable fishing experience in Idaho's breathtaking landscapes.

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