Rose Lake

Surface Area

386 Acres

Average Depth

10 feet

Max Depth

20 feet

Fishing Access

1 Boat Ramp, 2 Docks, Limited Shore

Located just east of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Rose Lake is a scenic and peaceful spot surrounded by wetlands and forest, perfect for anglers and paddlers looking to escape the crowds.

Rose Lake offers year-round fishing with easy access for both boats and kayaks. A public boat ramp makes launching simple, while several shoreline access points provide opportunities for bank fishing and picnicking. Despite its convenient location along I-90, the lake maintains a quiet, natural setting that feels far removed from the bustle of town.

Rose Lake Fish Species Guide

Resident Species

Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish.

Stocked Species

None

Invasive Species

Northern Pike, Tench

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are a top warmwater target in Rose Lake, thriving in the shallow, weedy bays and along timbered shorelines. With plenty of natural cover such as downed trees, cattails, and thick vegetation, the lake provides excellent habitat for both numbers and size. Most bass run 1–3 pounds, though larger fish over 5 pounds are present. The bite picks up in late spring and continues strong through summer, with topwater action peaking in the mornings and evenings. Effective techniques include casting soft plastics, spinnerbaits, frogs, and jigs tight to cover.

Tips for Success!

Target shallow cover in summer – Docks, weed edges, and submerged logs hold feeding bass.
Use slow presentations in spring – Soft plastics and jigs work well during the pre-spawn and spawn.
Go topwater in low light – Poppers, frogs, and buzzbaits excel early morning and evening.
Match forage – Green pumpkin, white, and shad-colored lures mimic common prey

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are a major draw at Rose Lake, where they take advantage of the lake’s shallow, weedy habitat to ambush prey. These toothy predators can grow to impressive sizes and are most often caught by casting large spoons, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits, or by fishing dead bait slowly along weed edges and drop-offs. Pike fishing is especially productive right after ice-out in early spring, but they remain active throughout the warmer months. Anglers should use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent bite-offs when targeting these aggressive fish.

Tips for Success!

Target weed edges and shallow bays – Pike often ambush prey along weed lines, especially in spring and early summer.
Use flashy, aggressive lures – Crankbaits, spoons, spinnerbaits, and large swimbaits trigger reaction strikes.
Fish during cooler parts of the day – Early morning and late evening offer the best chance for active pike.
Go big for big bites – Don’t be afraid to throw larger lures or dead bait when targeting trophy-sized fish.

Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch are abundant in Rose Lake and provide steady action for anglers year-round. These schooling fish are most often found in mid-depth areas near weed edges and drop-offs, making them easy to target with small jigs, worms, or soft plastics on light tackle. Through the ice, perch are a favorite catch, biting readily on small spoons and baited jigs. While many are pan-sized, schools often hold larger fish that make excellent table fare, making Rose Lake a reliable destination for perch anglers.

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.

Rose Lake Access

Rose Lake offers a public boat launch that makes getting on the water fairly straightforward, though it can be busy during peak summer weekends. Facilities are limited, so plan ahead as there are no restrooms or services directly at the launch. The shoreline is a mix of wetlands and forest, giving the lake a quiet, natural feel, but also limiting easy bank access. Most anglers and paddlers will find fishing from a boat or kayak the best way to enjoy the water. Be prepared for some mud or soft ground near the launch, and bring a friend if you’re hauling a heavy kayak to make loading and unloading easier.

Easy drive from Coeur D’ Alene!

If you live in the Coeur d’Alene area, Rose Lake is a convenient getaway just off I-90, about 20 minutes east of town. With a public boat launch and shoreline access in a quiet, forested setting, it’s an easy spot for kayaking, fishing, or a spontaneous day trip. The lake’s calm waters and natural surroundings make it a relaxing alternative to busier destinations closer to the city.

Fernan Lake