Fishing at Boulder Lake, Blaine County, Idaho

• Overview

  In Idaho, Boulder Lake falls inside Blaine County. The bank gives way to pine and birch. Surface area runs to about 10 acres — small enough to read in one session. Compared with other Idaho water on our list, it sits high. The nearest place of any size is Sun Valley, 13 miles away. The nearest city of size is Boise, 104 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Boulder Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Across Blaine County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling and sockeye salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Anyone new to Boulder Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 51°F at the top of summer and 16°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around early June. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early June and starts locking again about early November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Plan around that when you fish Boulder Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Washington Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. For Boulder Lake in particular, ask before you travel.