Fishing Arrowhead Lake in Blaine County, Idaho

• Overview

  Arrowhead Lake stands in Blaine County, Idaho. The bank is 9,898 feet above sea level. At roughly 7 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It sits higher than most water we list in Idaho. Nearest place of any size is Sun Valley, 13 miles away. The nearest city of size is Boise, 106 miles away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Arrowhead Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Blaine County cover rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Arrowhead Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 53°F and December about 17°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late May. Climate averages put the opening at about late May and the closing near mid November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. That shapes the year on Arrowhead Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Wildhorse Lakes at 2 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Arrowhead Lake locally before you travel.