Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Panhandle Region
Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho's largest lake, famous for big Gerrard rainbows and lake trout, plus smallmouth and pike in the bays.
Looking for the latest Lake Pend Oreille river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lake Pend Oreille.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Lake Pend Oreille that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Lake Pend Oreille fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Big rainbows and lake trout are near the surface as the water cools.
Most fly anglers fish streamers near the shore and river mouths.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Lake Pend Oreille and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lake Pend Oreille, bring: Woolly Bugger #2-6, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Sculpin #2-4, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lake Pend Oreille lake details
| Access | Ramps around Sandpoint, Hope, Garfield Bay and Bayview. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,060 ft |
| Nearest town | Sandpoint, Idaho |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Rainbow, lake and bull trout, kokanee, smallmouth, pike |
| Regulations | Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 1X to 2X |
| Ice fishing | Bays sometimes freeze. |
| Camping | Farragut State Park and Sam Owen |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Very big, deep water. Watch the wind. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Big fish near the surface.
Spring
Smallmouth.
Summer
Deep water.
Fall
Rainbows and lake trout.
How to get there
From Coeur d'Alene, take US-95 north to Sandpoint.