Fishing in Kooskia, Idaho

Kooskia sits at the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Clearwater River, which puts it within reach of a surprisingly varied fishing scene — backcountry alpine lakes, roadside ponds, and moving water all within a reasonable drive or hike. The 21 listings in and around Kooskia lean heavily toward lake fishing, with destinations ranging from easy-access spots like Fenn Pond to more remote alpine lakes like Elizabeth Lake, Jeanette Lake, Storm Lake, and the North Three Links Lakes deep in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. River fishing shows up too, with Ohara and Meadow Creek Cabin both sitting on moving water worth wetting a line in. The terrain here is rugged Clearwater Country — expect elevation gains on the backcountry lake approaches, limited cell service, and trailheads that may not be accessible until mid-summer depending on snowpack. That said, the payoff is real: smaller crowds than you'd find on more famous Idaho fisheries, and lakes that don't see heavy pressure outside of a short summer window. Whether you're after a half-day trip to Fenn Pond with the kids or a multi-night pack-in to Walton Lakes or California Lake, Kooskia is a workable base with enough variety to fill several trips.