Mud Lake Fishing in Idaho County, Idaho

• Overview

  Mud Lake is listed under Idaho County, Idaho. It sits at 6,749 feet above sea level. It covers about 4 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Hamilton lies 18 miles from the water. Then Stevensville, 31 miles, and Lolo, 46 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Idaho County records list rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout and bull trout among the fish reported. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. Take Mud Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 18°F and August at about 56°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The lid usually goes in early May, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan around that when you fish Mud Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Upper Twin Lake is 0.4 miles distant. For Mud Lake in particular, ask before you travel.