Fishing Swimming Bear Lake in Shoshone County, Idaho

• Overview

  Within Shoshone County, Idaho, you have Swimming Bear Lake. Country round the bank runs to rolling bush. Small at around 3 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Shoshone County. The closest town, Plains, is 31 miles away. Spokane sits 106 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Swimming Bear Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Shoshone County records list rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling among the fish reported. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. Swimming Bear Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 58°F and January about 21°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. From about late April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. That is the shape of the year on Swimming Bear Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. 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. The nearest alternative is Moore Lake, 5.6 miles out. Confirm before you fish Swimming Bear Lake.