North Idaho is a hidden gem for all anglers. With crystal clear waters, mountain backdrops, and peaceful shorelines, it’s hard not to fall in love with the region, especially if you’re chasing bass, kokanee, or just some solitude on the water. I’ve spent the last couple of years exploring the lakes around here by kayak and figured it’s about time I put together a list of where I’ve fished so far, along with a few personal notes on each spot.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
Located in Kootenai and Benewah Counties, this massive lake stretches about 25 miles with over 100 miles of shoreline. I’ll be honest, this is not the most kayak-friendly fishing lake in North Idaho, as there is a lot of boat and jet ski activity combined with heavy chop on even a mild day. Whether you’re targeting smallmouth bass, northern pike, kokanee, or chinook salmon, CDA has it all. I usually launch from the north end or quieter boat ramps like Mineral Ridge or Wolf Lodge. It gets busy in summer, but if you know when and where to go, you can still find quiet pockets with great structure. Trolling for kokanee or chinook has been productive. When I’m after smallmouth, I like to mix it up with finesse techniques, swimbaits, and crankbaits depending on the conditions and depth.
Hayden Lake
Just north of Coeur d’Alene in Kootenai County, Hayden Lake offers clean water, aggressive bass, and a kokanee fishery that stands out. Fish and Game stocks larger kokanee here, and you can harvest up to 15 kokanee per day. The lake has two public boat ramps: Honeysuckle Beach on the south end and Sportsman’s Access on the north end. Both are solid options, but I prefer Honeysuckle because the boat ramp is more accessible from the parking lot and it’s easier to unload and launch. I’ve had great success finesse fishing drop shots along the ledges or skipping wacky rigs under docks. The wooded shoreline and limited development give it a more secluded feel.
Fernan Lake
This small lake sits right next to I 90 near Coeur d’Alene and is one of the most kayak-friendly fishing lakes in North Idaho. It’s full of bass, crappie, and stocked trout. Trout are planted regularly and can be caught in the spring, early mornings during summer, and sometimes evenings when the water cools down. Fernan sees far less boat traffic than most area lakes, making it a peaceful spot to fish, experiment with new rigs, or just enjoy the quiet.
Lake Cocolalla
Located right off Highway 95 between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Lake Cocolalla is an underrated gem. It’s shallow in parts, filled with vegetation, and ideal for largemouth bass. Topwater frogs, swim jigs, and Texas rigs all get bites here. Brown trout can also be caught if you troll slower and deeper, especially in the early morning, evening, or at night. A train track runs along the east side of the lake, and it can get pretty noisy when trains pass through. Still, I rarely see much boat traffic out there, so it remains a solid choice when you want some space to fish without a crowd.
Spirit Lake
About 16 miles northwest of Coeur d’Alene, Spirit Lake is deep, cold, and incredibly scenic. It holds kokanee, lake trout, chinook salmon, and bass. The Idaho Fish and Game Department stocked landlocked chinook salmon from 2016 through 2018 as part of an experimental program. While they are no longer actively stocked, some chinook remain in the system and are still catchable. The daily limit here is two chinook over 20 inches and up to 25 kokanee per day. I usually target bass along shoreline structure, but this is a place I plan to explore more for deep trolling. The misty mornings here are something special.
Twin Lakes
Located near Rathdrum, Upper and Lower Twin Lakes are connected and full of bass friendly features like docks, pads, and overhangs. These are classic largemouth waters. Spinnerbaits and soft plastics do well, especially near shade lines during hot summer days. It’s a reliable option when other lakes get crowded.
Medicine Lake
East of Coeur d’Alene near the town of Medimont, Medicine Lake is a peaceful, off the grid option. It’s known for pike, bass, and perch. You reach it off Highway 3, and it feels like you’re entering a different world. The lake gets pretty weedy in late spring and summer, so weedless lures or spinnerbaits are your best bet for cutting through cover. I had a great day out there in 2025 where, without even targeting them, we landed six pike. That kind of surprise action makes this place a favorite. I usually go light here, bringing spinning gear to cast spoons or soak bait. It’s quiet, beautiful, and a perfect retreat.
Cave Lake
Right next to Medicine Lake, Cave Lake is larger and just as remote. The boat launch at Rainy Hill gives you access to stunning views and calm water. It also gets thick with weeds as the season progresses, so weedless soft plastics or spinnerbaits work best to avoid hangups. The bite can be hit or miss, but the experience is always worth it. It’s a place to enjoy the journey as much as the fishing.
Final Thoughts
I’ve still got a long list of lakes to explore in North Idaho, but these eight have earned a place in my memory and on my GPS. In full transparency, I didn’t write about Hauser and Avondale lakes, which are also fantastic for bass fishing. Whether I’m casting for bass, trolling for kokanee or chinook, or enjoying quiet coves, each lake brings something different to the table. Spirit Lake offers a unique chance to chase the last of that experimental chinook population, even though active stocking has ended. If you’re planning a kayak fishing adventure in the region, these are some of the best waters to get started.
Tight lines,
Gary
