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Idaho · Fishing
Grand View sits in the high desert of Owyhee County, and the fishing around here is almost entirely reservoir-based — which suits the terrain.
8 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 8 spots
Grand View sits in the high desert of Owyhee County, and the fishing around here is almost entirely reservoir-based — which suits the terrain. The eight stillwaters in the area include East Horse Basin Reservoir, Dry Creek Reservoir, Star Reservoir, Henry Lake, Sewell Reservoir, Juniper Basin Reservoir, Brace Reservoir, and Whites Reservoir. These are not manicured state-park lakes with paved boat ramps and bait shops nearby; most require a drive on dirt or gravel roads, and some demand a high-clearance vehicle depending on the season and recent weather. That remoteness is part of the appeal. You are unlikely to share a bank with a crowd. The tradeoff is that you need to come prepared — fuel up in Grand View or Bruneau before heading out, carry more water than you think you need, and check road conditions before committing to the longer drives. Fishing pressure is generally light, and early mornings before the desert wind picks up tend to produce the most consistent action on these open-water reservoirs. If you are flexible about which water you fish, having two or three on your list for a given day gives you options if one turns out to be inaccessible or low.
The listings here are all classified as lake fishing, but the specific species stocked or present can vary by water body and year. Contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Southwest Region office before your trip — they can tell you which reservoirs have been stocked recently and what species are currently in each one. Calling ahead saves a wasted drive.
Bank fishing is viable at most of these reservoirs, especially earlier in the season when water levels are higher and fish are feeding in shallower areas. A float tube or small inflatable gives you a real advantage on the larger waters like East Horse Basin Reservoir, letting you reach drop-offs and points that bank anglers can't cover. Motorized boats are an option where launch conditions allow, but verify access before hauling a trailer out on rough roads.
Henry Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Brace Reservoir
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Dry Creek Reservoir
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Whites Reservoir
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Sewell Reservoir
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Juniper Basin Reservoir
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Star Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
East Horse Basin Reservoir
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Lake Billy Shaw
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Grasmere Reservoir
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Rubber Lake
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Dry Lakes
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near OR.
Also worth it near here
Spring and early summer are typically the most productive windows, before water temperatures climb and summer drawdowns reduce reservoir levels. Fall can also be good as temperatures cool back down. Midsummer fishing on these exposed desert reservoirs is tough — water gets warm, wind comes up by midmorning, and fish go deep. If you are fishing in summer, plan to be on the water at first light and off by 9 or 10 a.m.
You need a valid Idaho fishing license, available through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website or at licensed vendors. Some waters in Owyhee County have specific rules around bag limits or gear restrictions, so pull up the current IDFG regulation booklet for the Southwest Region and check the listings for each specific reservoir you plan to fish. Do not assume the same rules apply across all eight waters.
Most of these waters are accessed via unpaved county or BLM roads off the main highways near Grand View and Bruneau. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and some routes become impassable after rain or during spring mud season. There is no cell service in much of this area, so download offline maps before you leave town and let someone know your plans. Fuel options are limited once you leave Grand View, so fill up before heading out.
