Fishing Parachute Lake in Idaho County, Idaho

• Overview

  Parachute Lake stands in Idaho County, Idaho. It lies 5,906 feet above sea level. With some 32 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. It ranks high for size among our Idaho County listings. Nearest town is Stevensville, 17 miles off. Hamilton is 17 miles away, with Lolo at 29 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Parachute Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Idaho County: rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout and bull trout. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Parachute Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 19°F and August at about 56°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around early May. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Parachute Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Garnet Lake at 1.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Parachute Lake if anything is unclear.