Fishing at Catherine Lake, Valley County, Idaho

• Overview

  Catherine Lake is set in Valley County, Idaho. The country here is rolling bush. Surface area runs to about 6 acres — small enough to read in one session. Most waters listed here for Valley County are larger. For supplies, McCall is 42 miles out. Then Challis, 63 miles, and Salmon, 68 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Catherine Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. 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. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. At Catherine Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 52°F; by December the average is down near 17°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late May. Averages place the thaw at late May and the freeze at mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Catherine Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, Bear Lake is 1.1 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Catherine Lake for certain.