Fishing at Brown Lake, Idaho County, Idaho

• Overview

  Idaho holds Brown Lake, in Idaho County. It stands 7,083 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 9 acres — small enough to read in one session. Grangeville sits 58 miles from here and is the nearest stop. It is 148 miles to Boise, the nearest city. In the same area: Center Creek Lakes a shade over 1 mile, Rattlesnake Lake (2.2 miles), Lake Creek Lakes a shade over 2.4 miles, Saddle Lake (2.8 miles) and Sheep Spring Lake a shade over 3 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Brown Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Idaho County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, bull trout and brook trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Brown Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 53°F for July and 18°F for December. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid May. In an average year the thaw lands around mid May and the freeze near mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Plan any trip to Brown Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Center Creek Lakes is 1 mile off. What applies at Brown Lake may have changed since it was mapped.