Fishing Island Park Reservoir

AKA: Island Park Lake

Popular Fish Species
Island Park Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
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Island Park Reservoir, ID

Popular Fish Species Island Park Reservoir, ID

Island Park Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Thanks to continued stockings, fishing for rainbow trout this year in Island Park Reservoir continues to be very productive. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing allows for year-round fishing. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Island Park Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Idaho Fish and Game helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Idaho, Island Park Reservoir delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Island Park Reservoir Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Island Park Reservoir continues to have a healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for larger fish in the lake. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry.

Island Park Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, kokanee salmon and yellow perch at Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.

Island Park Reservoir, located in eastern Idaho, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. This scenic reservoir, offers a serene setting and exceptional angling opportunities. Anglers are drawn to Island Park Reservoir for its diverse fish populations and the chance to catch some of Idaho's popular fish species.

Trout and salmon are the prize at Island Park Reservoir, which is a 7,300-acre lake surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, at Island Park, ID. Explore 64 miles of shoreline from a boat or fish from the bank during the spring and fall. Winter offers ice fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee near the dam, once the ice is safe. The elevation is 6,300 feet above sea level.

Primary fish species residing in Island Park Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Island Park Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lakeside Lodge and Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoons and kayaks
208 558-9770

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Buttermilk Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, in Buttermilk Campground, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Island Park Boating Site
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Island Park Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

West End Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off 466 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.