Top Spots for Beginner Fly Fisherman in North Idaho

Whenever you’re starting something new, it’s important to get off to a good start. The same can be said about fly fishing. If you’re just starting out, having your first fly rod, reel, line, and case all ready to go, the last thing you need is a no bite start. Just like everything else, if you don’t get results, you get discouraged, and sooner or later, that new fly rod will be sitting in the back of your closet gathering dust.

I have seen this scenario happen far too often for my liking. So, in order to combat this problem, I’ve compiled a list of places to fish near Sandpoint, Idaho. I have found these spots to almost always produce fun trout, perch, bluegill, crappie, and bass.

(Ok, so this one wasn't caught on the fly, but look at that face. That feeling of success is going to keep anyone coming back for more.)

Round Lake State Park

First on the list is Round Lake. This great year round lake is easily accessible and is also frequently stocked with healthy rainbow trout. In April, over 1,000 trout were stock. The last stocking was early this May, with 1,080 trout released.

Bring your canoe, kayak, or row boat to access parts of the lake that shore fisherman cannot. If you don't have anything to get you out on the water, fish off the docks to reach the right depths for the trout.

Shepard Lake

Next up is Shepard Lake. If you're looking to fish from shore, Shepard Lake might be a little tough. However, there are almost always a school of hungry Bluegill and Crappie at the public dock.

If you are lucky enough to have a boat, concentrate on stripping your fly along weed beds. The Bluegill will be visible in the shallows near the lily pads while Crappie love structure, so look for fallen trees and weed beds. Also, Bass like to cruise around the entire lake eating anything that looks like a small bait fish.

Trestle Creek Recreational Area

A great upcoming Spring - Fall area to look at is Trestle Creek, which is one of the first places I fished when I moved to Ponderay. The rocky shorelines hold hundreds of small Smallmouth bass that will eat any woolly bugger or flash fly.

There is no need to try and make a long cast, for the bass are up against the bank. The only trouble is walking along the rocky bank. If you are one who has trouble walking on big rocks, I would look into the next fishing spot.

Hope Basin

If you are at Trestle creek, drive South on 200 until you go over a bridge. While you are driving over the bridge, you will see a boat launch to your left, and that is where you want to be. Park off the road within the white lines and cast anywhere in the cove. This is Hope Basin.

Here, smallmouth bass like to hang out throughout the cove and under the bridge. The ground is slightly sloped, but very stable and accessible for just about everyone. When the weeds grow up, Perch will move into the cove looking for your fly. Hope Basin will fish great when Lake Pend Oreille is at full pool which I expect to occur from mid-May - September.

To Better Beginnings...

Hopefully this list gives you a better idea of where you should be fishing as a beginner. Catching your first fish on the fly rod is a great accomplishment, and can be very addicting no matter the size. And if you still aren’t catching anything, we do sell worms at the store as well. So, get out there today and catch your new favorite hobby!