Fishing Phyllis Lake in Blaine County, Idaho

• Overview

  Set in Blaine County, Idaho, this is Phyllis Lake. The water sits 9,252 feet up. It covers about 7 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Compared with other Idaho water on our list, it sits high. Sun Valley sits 27 miles from the bank. Further out sit Ketchum (28 miles) and Hailey (39 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Phyllis Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Blaine County records list rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling and sockeye salmon among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Work Phyllis Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 50°F for July and 16°F for December. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early June. Open water usually runs from early June until about early November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. At Phyllis Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Washington Lake sits 1.5 miles off and takes the overflow. For Phyllis Lake in particular, ask before you travel.