Fernan Lake

Located just outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Fernan Lake is a beautiful and tranquil natural oasis, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Fernan Lake in North Idaho offers year-round fishing and easy access for both boaters and shore anglers. Two public boat launches make getting on the water simple, with a 24-hour east ramp convenient for overnight trips and a west ramp near the freeway ideal for quick kayak launches. The shoreline has plenty of space for bank fishing, and the lake retains a peaceful, away-from-it-all feel despite being just minutes from downtown.

• 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.

• Target warm, shallow water – In spring and summer, bass cruise the shallows near structure like docks, brush, and weed lines.
• Match the hatch – Use soft plastics, crankbaits, or jigs that mimic crawfish or baitfish—especially in natural colors.
• Fish early morning or evening – Bass are most active during low-light hours when water temps are ideal.
• Slow it down on hot days – When the sun’s high, work your baits slower and deeper near cover or drop-offs.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.