Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Salmon Region
Redfish Lake below the Sawtooths is a deep, clear lake with rainbows, kokanee and protected sockeye salmon.
Looking for the latest Redfish 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 Redfish Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Redfish Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Redfish Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Most services have closed for the season.
Shoreline streamers near the inlet and outlet.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Redfish Lake and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Redfish Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #6-8, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-16, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Redfish Lake lake details
| Access | Redfish Lake Lodge area, ramps and shoreline trails. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,550 ft |
| Nearest town | Stanley, Idaho |
| Best season | Summer and early fall |
| Fish | Rainbow and bull trout, kokanee, sockeye (protected) |
| Regulations | Sockeye salmon are protected. 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 | Not usually fished in winter. |
| Camping | Sawtooth National Recreation Area campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Busy in summer. Quiet in fall. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snowed in.
Spring
Ice-out.
Summer
Rainbows and kokanee.
Fall
Quiet.
How to get there
From Stanley, take State Highway 75 south to the Redfish Lake road.