Twin Lakes Fishing Guide, Kootenai County, Idaho

• Overview

  Out in Kootenai County, Idaho, sits Twin Lakes. It sits in open valley. This is sizeable water at about 973 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. Some 12 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. It is among the larger waters listed here for Kootenai County. For supplies, Spirit Lake is 5.3 miles out. Beyond it, Rathdrum at 5.4 miles and Hayden at 9.9 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Twin Lakes

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Survey and observation records for Kootenai County include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, sockeye salmon and channel catfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish Twin Lakes where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 27°F and August at about 65°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on Twin Lakes follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Spirit Lake, 3.5 miles away. Treat Twin Lakes as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.