Lapwai Lake Fishing in Lewis County, Idaho

• Overview

  Look for Lapwai Lake in Lewis County, Idaho. The surroundings are rolling hill. It measures about 88 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Roughly 2.9 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. 15 miles away sits Lapwai, the nearest town. After that come Lewiston Orchards at 20 miles and Asotin at 22 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Lapwai Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Survey and observation records for Lewis County include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, cutthroat trout and channel catfish. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. The shape of Lapwai Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 62°F, with December the cold end at about 26°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. It holds true on Lapwai Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. There is a recorded fishing site some half a mile from here. A picnic area is mapped about half a mile away. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Mud Springs Reservoir, 3 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Lapwai Lake.