Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Central Region
Mackay Reservoir on the Big Lost River has rainbows and kokanee below the Lost River Range.
Looking for the latest Mackay Reservoir 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 Mackay Reservoir.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Mackay Reservoir that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Mackay Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The reservoir is low after irrigation season.
Leeches and midges near the inlet.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Mackay Reservoir and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Mackay Reservoir, bring: Mini Leech #8-10, Zebra Midge #14-18, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Mackay Reservoir lake details
| Access | Ramp and campground on the west shore. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,100 ft |
| Nearest town | Mackay, Idaho |
| Best season | Spring and fall |
| Fish | Rainbow trout, kokanee |
| 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, 4X |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing. |
| Camping | Mackay Reservoir campground |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Windy. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing.
Spring
Ice-out rainbows.
Summer
Kokanee.
Fall
Rainbows.
How to get there
From Mackay, take US-93 north.