Idaho · Fishing
Fishing in Shoup, Idaho
Shoup is a tiny settlement in the Salmon River canyon in central Idaho, and the fishing near it is almost entirely backcountry lake fishing — not the kind of trip where you drive to a pullout and cast from the bank.
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Shoup is a tiny settlement in the Salmon River canyon in central Idaho, and the fishing near it is almost entirely backcountry lake fishing — not the kind of trip where you drive to a pullout and cast from the bank. Goat Lake, Heart Lake, and Ship Island Lake are the three fishable waters listed here, and all of them sit in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. That means you're getting to them on foot or horseback, typically via multi-mile trails that gain serious elevation out of the canyon. The payoff is high-country lakes that see relatively light pressure compared to roadside water in the region. These are small alpine or subalpine lakes, so don't expect the kind of sustained action you'd get on a large reservoir. What you can expect is genuine solitude, scenery that earns the hike, and fish that haven't been educated by a hundred anglers ahead of you. If you're planning a trip out of Shoup specifically, build in time for the approach — none of these lakes are quick day trips unless you're already camped nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch at Goat Lake, Heart Lake, and Ship Island Lake?
The activity listings don't specify species for each lake, and Idaho Fish and Game stocking records are the most reliable source for that detail. High-country wilderness lakes in this part of Idaho are commonly stocked with cutthroat or rainbow trout, but check the IDFG stocking history for each lake by name before you go rather than assuming.
How do I get to these lakes from Shoup?
All three lakes are in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, so access is non-motorized. Trailheads in the area typically require a drive on rough forest roads out of the Salmon River canyon followed by a hike. Pull the relevant USFS topo or download the Salmon-Challis National Forest motor vehicle use map before you leave — cell service in the canyon is unreliable.
Do I need a special permit to fish these lakes?
A valid Idaho fishing license is required. The lakes sit inside the Frank Church Wilderness, which doesn't require a separate entry permit for day use or overnight camping, but standard Idaho fishing regulations apply. Check the current IDFG regulation booklet for the Salmon Region to confirm season dates and any special rules before your trip.
What gear setup makes sense for small alpine lakes like these?
A light or ultralight spinning rod in the 5- to 6-foot range travels well on a long hike and handles the small to mid-size trout typical of high-country lakes. Small spinners, spoons, and fly-and-bubble rigs all produce in this kind of water. Pack light — you're carrying everything in on your back.
When is the best time of year to fish these lakes?
Ice-out timing varies by elevation and snowpack year to year, but most high-country lakes in the Frank Church area are accessible and fishable from mid-July through September. Early morning and late evening tend to be the most productive windows when surface temperatures are cooler. Avoid planning a trip before you've confirmed the trail is snow-free, which the Salmon-Challis National Forest ranger district can help with.
