Potatoes, gemstones and Yellowstone National Park aren't the only things worth the trip to Idaho. The diverse state is home to 26,000 miles of streams and rivers and over 3,000 natural lakes (yes, you read that right ... 3,000) that offer year-round fishing opportunities. In Idaho, anglers can enjoy casting their lines for 42 different types of game fish species, including giant white sturgeon, wild trout, smallmouth bass and salmon.
Don't let this great state off the hook, and plan your next fishing excursion to one of these great fishing holes.
Farragut State Park
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Located on the west side of picturesque Lake Pend Oreille, which itself is enveloped by the Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Farragut State Park offers anglers scores of opportunities to make a big catch. Lake Pend Oreille is stocked with whitefish, trout, mackinaw, crappie, and large and smallmouth bass. And just a hop, skip, and jump away are the nearby lakes of Cocolalla, Spirit, Twin and Hayden.
Harriman State Park
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Easily accessed via Highway 20 and located right on Henry's Fork (a tributary of the world-famous Snake River), Harriman State Park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and offers visitors a peek at awe-inspiring wildlife and a litany of recreational activity. But no activity is more enjoyable than fishing in this beautiful state park. Henry's Fork provides some of the best fly fishing in the state and is known by anglers as one of the greatest rivers in the world.
Henry's Lake State Park
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The state park's namesake, a beautiful high mountain lake, is the kind of fishing hole anglers dream about. Considered the Gem State's top trout hole, visitors come from far and wide to cast their lines in this picturesque lake. Just be sure to plan accordingly, as Henry's Lake, which is also right next door to Yellowstone National Park, is only open for fishing May through October.
Dworshak State Park
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If you're itching to get that rod and reel out during the beautiful Idaho summers, Dworshak State park, which is located on Dworshak Reservoir, is a perfect place to cast your line. Smallmouth bass and kokanee are just a couple of the species you're sure to reel in. The park also offers boat docks, ramps and a fish cleaning station.
Heyburn State Park
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Located on the southern tip of the long and winding Lake Coeur d'Alene where St. Joe River feeds, Heyburn State Park is nestled among giant pine trees and rolling hills. If you're able to take your eyes off the beautiful scenery, the Pacific Northwest's oldest state park also offers some of the state's best fishing, where anglers will be pleasantly greeted by giant bass, pike and salmon. The park was even named by Field & Stream as one of the 10 best state parks for fishing in the U.S.
Winchester State Park
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This giant state park covers 104 acres and all of Winchester Lake. Stocked near to the brim with rainbow trout, Winchester Lake is a prime spot for anglers visiting Idaho. While known mostly for its amazing supply of trout, the pristine lake is also home to crappie, bass, yellow perch and bluegill.
Lake Cascade State Park
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Located on the east side of Lake Cascade and between two giant national forests, Lake Cascade State Park offers anglers great opportunities to reel in bluegill, catfish, crappie, kokanee, bass and rainbow trout. But don't restrict yourself to Lake Cascade, as other fishing opportunities exist at nearby Horsethief Reservoir, Warm Lake and Sage Hen Reservoir.
Bear Lake State Park
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You won't believe your eyes when you first see Bear Lake. Often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies," the lake is notable for its turquoise-blue color and sandy beaches. While it's easy to feel like you're close to the 30th parallel, the lake also gives anglers the opportunity to cast their lines to reel in one of Idaho's native Bonneville Cutthroat. But don't rest on your laurels if you manage to catch one, as the lake also offers whitefish, sculpin and trout.
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