Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Panhandle Region
Priest Lake in the northern Panhandle has lake trout, cutthroat and kokanee, with clear water and the quiet Upper Priest Lake.
Looking for the latest Priest Lake 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 Priest Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Priest Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Priest Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Lake trout move shallow in fall.
Streamers near the river mouths and rocky points.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Priest Lake and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Priest Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-6, Clouser Minnow #4-6, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Priest Lake lake details
| Access | Ramps at Coolin, Kalispell Bay and other sites. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,440 ft |
| Nearest town | Coolin, Idaho |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Lake trout, westslope cutthroat, 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, 2X to 3X |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing in some bays. |
| Camping | Priest Lake State Park |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Thoroughfare to Upper Priest is boat-only. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice in the bays.
Spring
Spring trout.
Summer
Cutthroat on dries.
Fall
Lake trout move shallow.
How to get there
From Priest River, take State Highway 57 north to Coolin.