Fishing Soldiers Meadow Reservoir in Lewis County, Idaho

• Overview

  Lewis County, Idaho, is where Soldiers Meadow Reservoir sits. Land around it is open valley. It runs to roughly 114 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The bank runs about 2.0 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Lapwai is the closest town at 17 miles. Lewiston Orchards is 19 miles and Asotin 19 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Soldiers Meadow Reservoir

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Fish documented in Lewis County include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon and cutthroat trout. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Work Soldiers Meadow Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 60°F on average, December about 25°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Expect Soldiers Meadow Reservoir to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. There is a mapped slipway roughly half a mile away. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Lake Waha, 5.8 miles away. Confirm access to Soldiers Meadow Reservoir locally before you travel.