Fishing Pothole Lake in Lemhi County, Idaho

• Overview

  This water sits in Lemhi County, Idaho. The country here is pine and birch. The far bank is a conversation away, so keep low and quiet. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Lemhi County. The nearest town is Salmon, 33 miles away. The big place round here is Boise, 134 miles distant. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Pothole Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Across Lemhi County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, Chinook salmon, brook trout and Arctic grayling. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Pothole Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 17°F to 53°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid May. Ice clears near mid May and comes back about mid November in a typical year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Time your trip to Pothole Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Big Clear Lake is 0.2 miles distant. Confirm access to Pothole Lake locally before you travel.