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Idaho · Fishing
Leadore sits in the Lemhi Valley in east-central Idaho, surrounded by the Beaverhead Mountains and the Salmon-Challis National Forest, and the fishing around town reflects that remote, high-country character.
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Leadore sits in the Lemhi Valley in east-central Idaho, surrounded by the Beaverhead Mountains and the Salmon-Challis National Forest, and the fishing around town reflects that remote, high-country character. The options listed here split between lake fishing and river fishing, with Meadow Lake and Devils Lake offering still-water opportunities and McFarland Campground providing access to moving water. Meadow Lake has a campground right on site, which makes it practical for multi-day trips where you want to fish early mornings and evenings without a long drive in. Devils Lake sits at higher elevation and tends to be a shorter-season destination because of it. The Leadore Ranger District oversees much of this water, so checking in with them before you go is worth the five-minute phone call, especially for access roads that may still be gated or washed out in early season. This is not a region with a lot of angler pressure compared to more famous Idaho fisheries, which is part of the appeal, but it also means fewer people around if something goes wrong, so plan accordingly. Cell service in the Lemhi Valley is limited once you leave the main highway.
Idaho's general fishing season for most lakes and streams opens in late May, but high-elevation lakes like Devils Lake may not be accessible by road until June or even early July depending on snowpack. Check current road conditions with the Leadore Ranger District before planning a trip to the higher lakes, since access can vary significantly year to year.
A standard Idaho fishing license covers the waters listed here. That said, regulations can include specific gear restrictions or catch limits on individual lakes and streams, so review the current Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulation booklet for the Salmon Region before you go rather than assuming general statewide rules apply.
Meadow Lake Campground
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Horse Prairie Cabin
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bloody Dick Cabin
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
McFarland Campground
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Henneberry House
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Agency Creek Campground
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Devils Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Cottonwood Recreation Site
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Leadore Ranger District
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Meadow Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Williams Lake Campground
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Meadow Lake has a campground on site, which makes it the more practical base if you want to fish multiple days without breaking camp. Devils Lake is a separate destination that requires more effort to reach and has a shorter fishable window due to elevation, but it sees less pressure as a result. If you have limited time, Meadow Lake is the easier call.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations on these mountain lakes. Bring a selection of small spinners, spoons, and PowerBait-style baits for still water, and add a few nymphs and dry flies if you fish with a fly rod. Water temperatures in high-country lakes stay cold well into summer, so fish tend to be near the surface in the morning and drop deeper as the day warms.
McFarland Campground provides access to moving water, which calls for a different approach than the lakes. Bring waders if you have them, since getting into the current gives you better access to holding water. Early morning and the last two hours of daylight are typically the most productive times on small to mid-sized Idaho streams.
