Coeur D'Alene Lake, Idaho: Three Top Fishing Spots

Coeur d'Alene Lake, (pronounced Core-de-lane) in Northern Idaho, is located along I-90, less than an hour from Spokane, Washington's international airport. It is best viewed by boat, but the meandering roads that surround the lake are a fabulous day trip, as well. It is a naturally formed body of fresh glacial waters, and is home to a variety of wildlife, birds and fish. National Geographic Magazine called Coeur d'Alene Lake "one of the five most beautiful alpine lakes in the world." (quote from: www.finetravel.com, accessed 2 Sept 2006)

My favorite activity on Coeur d'Alene Lake has been fishing, since my dad first introduced me to the joys of trolling for Kokanee and Chinook Salmon, about 1972. "There are fishermen, and then there are people who go fishing," was one of Dad's sayings. His best one was, "I am closer to God in the middle of the lake, than in any Church." There is no place on earth that rivals the unique beauty of Coeur d'Alene Lake. It is truly Heaven on earth.

Fishermen enjoy the waters of Coeur d'Alene Lake in a variety of ways for several kinds of fish. Many troll from boats for salmon, with colorful lures and "secret" baits that include, but are not limited to: maggots, salmon eggs, and corn with various scents or oils they claim attract the fish better. Others fish from public and private docks for perch, catfish, and sunfish, using their own versions of bait. I had great luck one summer using bits of marshmallows! Still others might venture to wade into the frigid glacial water and attempt fly-fishing for trout.

Beauty Bay is a wonderful spot, and its name is telling of one reason why it remains in my top three best fishing spots of Coeur d'Alene Lake. Parking is free near the Beauty Bay Store, and there is a short trail with a breath-taking view overlooking the bay, easily accessed at the parking area. It may be short, but it is not an easy trail, however. It is very steep, and one is wise to take frequent rest stops and carry a bottle of water. It is part of the longer Mineral Ridge Trail. There is a recreation area close by for picnics and camping, and is handicap accessible at Beauty Creek. The boat access to Beauty Bay is at Mineral Ridge Boat Launch.

To Beauty Bay and the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, take I-90 east about seven miles to exit 22, which gets you to State Rt. 97. Turn right onto Rt. 97 (Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway), toward St. Maries, Idaho, and follow the signs about 2 miles to the parking area.

Squaw Bay is probably the most commercialized of the bays on the east side of the lake, on State Hwy. 97. The Squaw Bay Resort offers a store, boat rental, and marina, lakefront recreational vehicle camping, a store, and swimming. It remains a favorite because of the conveniences it offers; though it can be a little noisy on summer nights, due to its size and popularity.

To get to Squaw Bay, take I-90 Exit 22, South on Hwy 97, and go 7 miles to Squaw Bay Resort. The sign is quite visible on the right side of the road. The phone number is 208-664-6782.

My favorite, by far, is Echo Bay. Some of my fondest memories took place on Echo Bay. It was the first place I took Damon camping, long before we thought of marriage. He slept in a pup tent at the side of my parents' camp-trailer, and my little sister awoke early to bid him "Good Morning" with a three-inch slug plopped on his pillow. I spent many moonlit night fishing on the dock as a kid, with my own little version of rebellion when I found that night fishing was illegal. My whole family has fond memories of many, many hours trolling in our little, three-man boat from Sears. The twenty-five kokanee salmon per person limit isn't hard to find with the right "secret" bait, and a little luck.

The Echo Bay water is not the easiest to get to by road, because it only has private boat accesses to the lake. It is best to boat into Echo Bay from a nearby bay, such as Squaw Bay, noted above, rather than try to get permission to launch from Echo Bay's shores. It may very well be its remoteness that makes fishing especially successful in this bay, but I like to think Dad's special fisherman know-how remains the Coeur D'Alene Lake secret to our successful fishing adventures!

Sources:
1. Writer's many fishing excursions to Coeur d'Alene Lake, since 1972.
2. www.finetravel.com accessed 2 Sept 2006
3. http://itd.idaho.gov accessed 2 Sept 2006