Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Salmon Region
Stanley Lake sits below McGown Peak in the Sawtooths, with rainbows, brook trout and lake trout.
Looking for the latest Stanley 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 Stanley Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Stanley Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Stanley Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The lake is cold, and snow is coming.
Small leeches and nymphs along the shoreline.
Stocking report
See the Idaho Fish and Game fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Stanley Lake and other Idaho waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Stanley Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #6-8, Mini Leech #8-10, 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.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Stanley Lake lake details
| Access | Shoreline access and a small ramp. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Stanley, Idaho |
| Best season | Summer and early fall |
| Fish | Rainbow, brook and lake 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 | Stanley Lake campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Beautiful and cold. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing.
Spring
Ice-out.
Summer
Trout.
Fall
Quiet.
How to get there
From Stanley, take State Highway 21 west to the Stanley Lake road.