Cocolalla Lake

Surface Area

803.7 acres

Average Depth

28 feet

Max Depth

43 feet

Fishing Access

1 boat ramp, 1 dock

Cocolalla Lake Fish Stocking Records

Cocolalla Lake, located in Bonner County, Idaho, is a freshwater body offering a rich blend of recreational activities, scenic beauty, and diverse wildlife.

You’ll certainly find more desperate real estate ads in this area than you will usefull information on fishing! Situated just a short drive from Sandpoint, this 800-acre lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Fishing Lake Cocolalla is a secret that many only drive by. Grab your grear and make the short trip on Hwy 95 for some fantastic fishing!

Cocolalla Lake Fish Species Guide

Resident Species

Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Sunfish, Brown Bullhead Catfish, Northern Pikeminnow

Stocked Species

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish

Invasive Species

None

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are stocked in Lake Cocolalla multiple times a year and are one of the most popular targets for anglers. Trolling with corn or worms behind a dodger is a proven method, especially from a boat or kayak. Shore anglers often have success using sliding sinker rigs baited with PowerBait or trout marshmallows. During the summer, trout move into deeper, cooler water and are best targeted by trolling. In late fall and winter, they move into the shallows and become easier to catch from shore, particularly near the boat launch and along accessible shoreline areas.

Tips for Success!

Fish early or late – Trout bite best at dawn and dusk, especially in low-light conditions.
Troll deep in summer – Use a dodger and short leader with corn or a worm when trout move to cooler depths.
Use the right bait from shore – PowerBait or marshmallows on a sliding rig work great in the shallows during spring, fall, and winter.
Follow the stocking schedule – Fishing tends to heat up shortly after each stocking, so time your trips accordingly.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are stocked in Liberty Lake alongside rainbow trout and early spring just after ice out provides one of the best opportunities for anglers to connect with these elusive fish. Trolling with spoons or Rapalas can be very effective as these lures mimic the small forage fish that larger browns target. As the water warms in summer, brown trout often move into cooler deeper areas and anglers usually have the best success fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. In the fall and winter, as temperatures drop, these trout return to the shallows and bays where they can be more easily caught from shore or boat.

Tips for Success!

Cover more water – Keep moving and casting to different spots until you locate active fish.
Use natural colors – Clear water calls for lures that match local forage for a more convincing presentation.
Watch the weather – Cloud cover or light rain often triggers more aggressive feeding behavior.
Mind your retrieve speed – Adjust how fast you work your lure based on water temperature and fish activity.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish are occasionally stocked in Lake Cocolalla to add variety to the fishery and provide anglers with a powerful, hard-fighting catch. They are most active from late spring through early fall, especially during warm evenings and at night. Catfish can be caught from both shore and boat, often around deeper holes, drop-offs, and near structure such as submerged logs. Popular baits include cut bait, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and prepared stink baits fished on the bottom with a sliding sinker rig.

Tips for Success!

Fish at night or early morning – Catfish feed most actively during low-light hours and overnight.
Bottom fish in deeper water by day – During the day, target deeper holes with strong-scented baits.
Move shallow after dark – At night, catfish move into the shallows to feed—focus on flats, bays, or shoreline drop-offs.
Use smelly baits – Stink bait, cut bait, or even marshmallows soaked in scent can draw in cruising catfish.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are a popular warmwater target in Lake Cocolalla, thriving in shallow, weedy bays and around shoreline cover. Most fish range from 1–3 pounds, with larger specimens possible. Bass fishing is best from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warm. Productive techniques include casting soft plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater lures around docks, logs, and weed edges. Early morning and evening often provide the most aggressive strikes.

Tips for Success!

Target shallow cover – Weed beds, docks, and submerged logs hold feeding bass.
Use slower presentations in spring – Soft plastics and jigs work well during the pre-spawn and spawn.
Go topwater in low light – Frogs, poppers, and buzzbaits draw explosive strikes early and late in the day.
Match the forage – Green pumpkin, white, and shad-colored lures mimic common prey species.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are abundant in Lake Cocolalla and provide steady action for anglers year-round, especially during the warmer months. Most range from 8–10 inches, but larger fish are possible. They are often caught in schools near weed edges, docks, and drop-offs, making them an excellent choice for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Perch readily bite on worms, small jigs, and soft plastics. During the day, they tend to hold slightly deeper, moving shallower in the morning and evening.

Fish early morning or late afternoon – Perch feed most aggressively during low-light periods.
Target schools near weed edges – Look for vegetation close to drop-offs where perch often congregate.
Downsize your tackle – Small jigs, soft plastics, or bits of worm work best for their smaller mouths.
Adjust depth with the sun – Fish deeper during bright midday hours and move shallower when light levels drop.

Black Crappie

Black crappie are well established in Lake Cocolalla and are a favorite target for anglers looking for fast action and good table fare. Most fish range from 8–12 inches, but larger specimens are possible. Crappie often school around submerged timber, docks, and weed edges, especially in warmer months. They feed aggressively during spring spawning season when they move into shallow water. Small jigs, minnows, and soft plastics are among the most effective presentations.

Tips for Success!

Fish early in the morning for the most consistent crappie action.
Focus on the back end of the lake where crappie tend to school.
Use small jigs with soft plastics or minnows for best results.
Target submerged structure, docks, and weed edges to locate active fish.

Brown Bullhead Catfish

Brown bullhead catfish are common in Lake Cocolalla and can be caught from spring through early fall. They typically inhabit shallow, weedy bays and soft-bottom areas, feeding on insects, small fish, and scavenged material. Most range from 10–14 inches, though larger fish are possible. Bullheads are hardy and active even in warm water, making them a reliable target for shore anglers and families. Nightcrawlers, cut bait, and prepared catfish baits fished on the bottom work best.

Fish in the evening or at night when bullheads are most active.
Target shallower flats and bays after dark for the best results.
Use worms, cut bait, or chicken liver on a simple bottom rig.
Expect steady action from fish averaging 1–2 pounds.

Fishing Lake Cocolalla

Fishing at Cocolalla Lake is a favorite pastime for many due to its excellent opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, brown bullhead, and northern pike. Anglers often enjoy casting their lines from boats or along the shoreline, with early mornings and late evenings proving to be the most productive times. In the winter, when the lake freezes over, ice fishing becomes a popular activity, attracting anglers eager to catch perch and trout.

Fishing for largemouth bass at Cocolalla Lake is a thrilling experience, especially during the warmer months when these fish are most active. The lake offers a variety of habitats that largemouth bass favor, including submerged structures, weed beds, and rocky shorelines. Anglers targeting bass often use a range of techniques, from topwater lures in the early morning and evening to soft plastics, crankbaits, or jigs throughout the day.

Cocolalla Lake Access

Cocolalla Lake is ideal for boating, offering calm waters suitable for smaller watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and row boats. The lake is especially attractive for those seeking a tranquil environment for exploration or fishing. However, boaters should be mindful of local regulations to protect the lake’s ecosystem.

Public access to Cocolalla Lake is convenient and well-maintained. Key features include:

Public Boat Launch: Located on the east side of the lake, the launch is managed by Idaho Fish and Game and provides easy access for motorized and non-motorized boats.
Docks: There are a few public docks around the lake, offering places to tie up or relax. These docks are ideal for anglers or for enjoying the lake’s serene atmosphere.
Parking Facilities: The access points feature ample parking spaces for vehicles and boat trailers.

Easy drive from Sandpoint or Coeur D’ Alene!

If you live in the Sandpoint area, Cocolalla Lake is a quick and easy fishing destination, located just off Highway 95 about 15 minutes south of town. With a public boat launch, parking, and shoreline access near the ramp, it’s a convenient spot for both planned outings and spontaneous trips. The lake’s variety of species offers year-round angling opportunities.

Cocolalla Lake