Surface Area
1,534.8 acres
Average Depth
37 feet
Max Depth
80 feet
Fishing Access
3 Boat Ramps, 2 Docks
Nestled in the rolling hills of North Idaho, Spirit Lake is the kind of place that makes you stop and wonder if you’ve wandered straight into a postcard.
With its crystal-clear waters, tree-lined shores, and a serene vibe that feels worlds away from the daily grind, it’s no wonder Spirit Lake has become a favorite spot for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Fernan Lake Fish Species Guide
Resident Species
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, Sunfish, Black & Brown Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
Stocked Species
Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Chinook Salmon
Invasive Species
None
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are stocked in Spirit Lake as a trophy predator to help manage kokanee populations. They thrive in the lake’s deeper, cooler waters and are known for their powerful runs and size. While numbers are limited, anglers have the chance to hook into hard-fighting salmon that can exceed 10 pounds. Fishing is generally best in summer and early fall when kokanee schools are abundant, drawing Chinook into predictable feeding areas. Trolling with downriggers is the most effective method, but they can also be taken on spoons, plugs, and large spinners.
Tips for Success!
- Target kokanee schools – Chinook often shadow kokanee, so locate baitfish with sonar.
- Fish deep in summer – Use downriggers to keep lures 40–100 feet down where Chinook hold in cool water.
- Troll big lures – Spoons, plugs, and large spinners imitate kokanee and trigger strikes.
- Go early or late – Low light periods increase activity; early morning and dusk are prime times.
Kokanee Salmon
Kokanee are the landlocked form of sockeye salmon and one of the most popular targets in Spirit Lake. They thrive in the lake’s deeper, open waters and are prized for their bright red meat and strong fight on light tackle. Most kokanee in Spirit Lake range 10–14 inches, but larger fish over 16 inches are possible. Fishing is best from spring through early fall, with peak action in summer when they school up over deep water. Trolling is the most effective method, though jigging can also be productive when fish are concentrated.
- Fish early morning – Kokanee bite best at first light before boat traffic increases.
- Target deeper schools in summer – Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach 30–70 feet.
- Match the forage – Small pink, orange, or white lures mimic plankton; add scent to improve strikes.
- Adjust depth seasonally – Fish shallower in spring and fall when surface temps are cooler.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are a popular warmwater target in Spirit Lake, thriving in shallow bays, coves, and weed beds. They prefer areas with heavy cover such as docks, timber, lily pads, and submerged vegetation. Most bass range from 1–3 pounds, though trophy fish over 5 pounds are possible. Bass fishing is best from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warm. Anglers often find success casting soft plastics, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and jigs around structure and shoreline vegetation.
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
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are a prized gamefish in Spirit Lake, known for their strong fight and acrobatics. They thrive in rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and points, preferring clearer, cooler water than largemouth. Most fish average 1–2 pounds, though 3–4 pound smallmouth are common, and trophy fish over 5 pounds are possible. Fishing is best from late spring through fall when water temperatures are stable. Popular techniques include casting crankbaits, jigs, drop-shot rigs, and tubes along rocky structure and deeper edges.
Tips for Success!
- Work rocky structure – Points, ledges, and boulder-strewn shorelines hold smallmouth year-round.
- Use moving baits in warm water – Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits draw reaction strikes.
- Go finesse in clear water – Tubes, drop-shot worms, and Ned rigs excel in summer conditions.
- Follow seasonal depth changes – Fish shallow in spring, deeper in summer, and mid-depth in fall.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish provide a fun warmwater option in Spirit Lake, especially for anglers looking to catch fish at night or from shore. They prefer deeper holes, drop-offs, and areas near inflowing creeks, but will also cruise shallow flats after dark in search of food. Most channel cats range from 2–6 pounds, though fish over 10 pounds are possible. They are opportunistic feeders and can be caught on a wide variety of baits including cut bait, nightcrawlers, stink baits, and shrimp.
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.
Black & Brown Bullhead Catfish
Bullhead catfish are a hardy resident of Spirit Lake, found in shallow bays, muddy bottoms, and around weedy cover. They are smaller than channel catfish, usually ranging from 8–14 inches, but are aggressive feeders and provide steady action for anglers. Bullheads bite readily on simple baits such as worms, cut bait, or dough balls, making them a great option for kids and casual fishing. They are most active in the evening and at night but can be caught throughout the day in warmer months.
- 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.
Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are one of the most abundant and popular fish in Spirit Lake. They school in large numbers, often over weed beds, drop-offs, and flats, making them a favorite target for both boat and shore anglers. Most perch range from 7–10 inches, but larger fish over 12 inches are caught each year. They are prized for their excellent table fare and provide fast action, especially in summer and through the ice in winter.
- 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 a popular panfish in Spirit Lake, known for schooling behavior and great eating quality. They thrive around submerged timber, weed edges, and docks, especially in coves and bays with plenty of cover. Most crappie caught are 8–11 inches, though fish up to 13 inches are possible. They bite best during spring spawning season when they move shallow, but can also be targeted in summer and fall by finding suspended schools over deeper water.
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.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are one of the most popular coldwater species in Spirit Lake. Stocked regularly by Idaho Fish & Game, they provide consistent angling opportunities from spring through fall. Rainbows prefer cooler, open water but also cruise near shore in the spring and fall when temperatures are lower. Most fish range from 10–14 inches, though larger trout over 18 inches are caught each year. They are aggressive feeders and will strike a wide variety of baits and lures, making them a versatile target for anglers of all skill levels.
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.
Spirit Lake Access
Spirit Lake in Idaho offers easy boat and fishing access from the public launch on the northeast end of the lake, near Maine Street. The launch includes a dock and a small parking area, making it convenient for kayaks, small boats, and trailers. Anglers can target a variety of species here, including largemouth bass, perch, and northern pike. Shore fishing is possible along the city park and nearby shoreline, but a boat provides the best access to deeper structure and coves.
Easy drive from Coeur D’ Alene!
Located just 35 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, Spirit Lake is a scenic and accessible fishing destination. The town of Spirit Lake sits right on the shoreline, offering quick access to boat launches, docks, and public shoreline. With multiple ramps, parking areas, and nearby amenities, it’s a convenient spot for day trips and weekend getaways. Anglers can enjoy a mix of trout, kokanee, bass, perch, and panfish, making it a versatile fishery just a short drive from the city.
Spirit Lake
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