What Redfish Lake Offers and When to Fish It

Redfish Lake is a glacial alpine lake in the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho, roughly 60 miles northeast of Boise. It sits at 6,500 feet elevation and holds Chinook salmon, kokanee salmon, and cutthroat trout. The lake is known for its cold, clear water and dramatic granite peaks — the setting draws as many sightseers as anglers, especially in summer.

The main fishing season runs from late May through September, with peak activity in June and July when the water temperature is coolest. Chinook salmon are the signature species here, though they are not abundant and regulations are strict. Kokanee salmon and cutthroat trout are more reliable targets. Winter access is limited; the road closes seasonally and the lake freezes solid.

Access is straightforward: the Redfish Lake Scenic Byway (Idaho Highway 75) runs directly to the lake, and a large Forest Service day-use area with parking, boat launch, and facilities sits on the north shore. The nearest town is Stanley, about 5 miles south, which has lodging, fuel, and supplies.

Key Takeaways

  • Chinook salmon are the primary draw but are tightly regulated — you may keep only one per day, and the season may close early if the catch limit is reached.
  • Kokanee salmon and cutthroat trout are more consistent targets and do not require special permits beyond a standard Idaho fishing license.
  • The lake sits at 6,500 feet elevation in a mountain setting; weather can change rapidly, and the road closes in winter.
  • Boat launch and day-use facilities are available at the Forest Service area on the north shore; overnight camping is at nearby Forest Service campgrounds.
  • Chinook fishing is most productive in June and July when water temperatures are lowest and fish are most active.

Chinook Salmon Regulations and Seasons

Chinook salmon in Redfish Lake are managed under strict harvest limits because the population is depressed. Idaho Fish and Game sets a daily bag limit of one Chinook per angler, and the season may close before the official end date if the catch quota is met. Check the current year's regulations on the Idaho Fish and Game website before you go; closure dates vary annually.

Chinook must be at least 24 inches long to keep. The season typically opens in late May and runs through September, but early closure is common. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed after the season closes, though few anglers pursue this in late season when water temperatures rise and fish stress easily.

Trolling is the standard method for Chinook here. Anglers use small spoons, spinners, or plugs in silver or white, working the deeper water in the center and north end of the lake. Early morning and late evening are most productive. Many anglers fish from boats, though shore fishing is possible from the day-use area and campgrounds.

Kokanee and Cutthroat Trout Fishing

Kokanee salmon are smaller than Chinook — typically 10 to 14 inches — and far more numerous. They school in deeper water during the day and move shallower at dawn and dusk. Trolling small spoons or jigging with vertical presentations works well. The daily bag limit is typically 25 kokanee, though this varies by year; check current regulations.

Cutthroat trout in Redfish Lake are native and protected under special regulations. Most must be released, but a small harvest is sometimes allowed; the rules change annually. Cutthroat respond to small spinners, flies, and live bait near structure and drop-offs. They are most active in early morning and late evening, and in cooler months when water temperatures drop.

Both species are best fished from a boat, though shore anglers can reach productive water from the day-use area. Jigging in 60 to 120 feet of water is effective for kokanee. Cutthroat tend to hold shallower, in 20 to 50 feet, especially near rocky points and submerged timber.

Access, Facilities, and Seasonal Conditions

The Redfish Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 75) is the only road access. It is paved and well-maintained from Stanley to the lake, a drive of about 5 miles. The Forest Service day-use area on the north shore has a paved boat launch, parking for roughly 50 vehicles, restrooms, and a picnic area. Day-use parking is free.

Overnight camping is available at three Forest Service campgrounds near the lake: Redfish Lake Campground (about 30 sites), Inlet Campground (about 8 sites), and Point Campground (about 11 sites). All three are first-come, first-served and fill quickly in July and August. Campground fees run roughly $20 to $25 per night, though this varies. Redfish Lake Resort, a private facility on the south shore, offers cabins and RV sites for higher rates.

The road typically closes in November and reopens in late April or early May, depending on snow. Winter access is not reliable. Summer weather is cool — daytime highs in July average around 75°F, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring layers and rain gear. The lake itself is cold year-round; water temperature in summer peaks around 60°F.

Boat Rentals and Guided Services

Redfish Lake Resort operates a boat rental concession at the south shore. They offer small motorboats, rowboats, and canoes by the hour or day. Motorboat rentals typically cost $50 to $80 per hour, though rates change seasonally. Reservations are recommended in summer. The resort also has a small tackle shop with basic supplies.

Guided fishing trips are available through outfitters based in Stanley. A half-day guided trip typically costs $300 to $400 for one or two anglers, and a full day runs $500 to $700. Guides know the seasonal patterns and can save time, especially for Chinook fishing. Search for "Redfish Lake fishing guides" or contact the Stanley Chamber of Commerce for current outfitter names and rates.

Tackle, Bait, and What to Bring

For Chinook trolling, bring a medium-action spinning or baitcasting rod rated for 6 to 10-pound line. Small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in silver, white, or chartreuse are standard. Kastmasters, Krocodiles, and Pixees are popular choices. Trolling speed is slow — roughly 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour — so a small electric trolling motor or oars work as well as a gas engine.

For kokanee and cutthroat, lighter tackle is effective: 4 to 6-pound line on a spinning rod, small spinners (size 0 to 2), and jigging spoons. Live bait is not commonly used here, though it is legal. Flies work for cutthroat in shallow water, especially small nymphs and streamers in black, brown, or olive.

Bring a fish finder if you have one; the lake is deep and fish location changes with water temperature and time of day. A depth finder cuts search time significantly. Also bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses — the high elevation and reflective water intensify UV exposure. A personal flotation device is required by law if you are in a boat.

Nearby Fishing and Recreation

The Sawtooth Valley holds several other lakes and streams within an hour's drive. Payette Lake, near McCall, is larger and warmer, with better populations of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The Salmon River, which flows through Stanley, holds native cutthroat and some Chinook in fall. Alturas Lake, south of Redfish, is smaller and less crowded, with cutthroat and kokanee.

Stanley itself is a hub for backcountry hiking, mountaineering, and camping. The Sawtooth Wilderness, directly east of the lake, has dozens of alpine lakes accessible by trail. Many anglers combine a day at Redfish with hiking or camping in the high country. The town has restaurants, a small grocery, and outfitter shops that rent gear and sell supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special permit to fish Redfish Lake?

No. A standard Idaho fishing license is all you need. Chinook salmon are regulated by daily bag limit and season closure, not by permit. Check the current Idaho Fish and Game regulations before you go, as rules change annually.

Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore at the day-use area and campgrounds, but a boat is more productive. Chinook and kokanee school in deep water, and trolling or jigging from a boat reaches them more consistently. Shore fishing works better for cutthroat in shallow water near structure.

What is the best time of year to catch Chinook?

June and July are most productive. Water temperatures are coolest then, and Chinook are most active. The season may close early if the catch quota is met, so plan your trip early in the season if Chinook are your target.

Is the road open year-round?

No. The Redfish Lake Scenic Byway typically closes in November and reopens in late April or early May. Winter access is not reliable. Call the Stanley Ranger District ahead of time if you are planning a trip in spring or fall.

Can I bring my own boat?

Yes. The Forest Service boat launch is open to all boats during the season. There is no launch fee. Boats must be inspected for invasive species before launching; the inspection station is at the day-use area.