Fishing at Blue Lake, Valley County, Idaho

• Overview

  Look for Blue Lake in the Valley County part of Idaho. Beyond the shoreline you have lake country bush. At roughly 13 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. 35 miles away sits McCall, the nearest town. Emmett lies 41 miles off, Weiser another 43 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Blue Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Valley County include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, Coho salmon, Arctic grayling and yellow perch. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Take Blue Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 22°F and August at about 56°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around early May. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early May and starts locking again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Blue Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Gabes Bathtub, 2.4 miles away. For Blue Lake in particular, ask before you travel.