Fishing at Bonanza Lakes, Shoshone County, Idaho

• Overview

  The Shoshone County entry here is Bonanza Lakes, in Idaho. What surrounds it is pine and birch. At 16 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Size puts it in the front rank of our Shoshone County list. Plains sits 28 miles from the bank. Further out sit Thompson Falls (36 miles) and Frenchtown (43 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Bonanza Lakes

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Public occurrence data for Shoshone County names rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Bonanza Lakes light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give August about 57°F and December about 20°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Bonanza Lakes follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Lost Lake, 0.9 miles away. Treat Bonanza Lakes as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.