There is a variety of fishing trips around Sandpoint Idaho including fly fishing on the Kootenai River, charter fishing on the Lake Pend Oreille, and Priest Lake. When visiting the Idaho lake town of Sandpoint, one would not think there is such vast opportunity for fun outdoor activities. Sandpoint is a fun touristy town with a lot of culture.

The town is wedged between the beautiful Selkirk Mountain Range and the long US highway 95 bridge that heads north to Canada or south towards Coeur d’Alene. Sandpoint is usually known for the large Lake Pend Oreille, and great skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. There is a lot of activity for adventure seekers year round in town with many great local options for fine dining, wineries and breweries.

The summer highlight in town is the two week long music festival called the Festival at Sandpoint. This event has been running for 40 years and usually sells out quickly drawing big names like Red Hot Chili Peppers and REO Speedwagon.

Fly Fishing The Kootenai River

The Kootenai River is a short 30 minute drive from Sandpoint and offers a world-class trout fishery. The river flows from Montana through the Libby Dam setting up a great North Idaho fishing trip.

Access to the Kootenai River for fly fishing is nearly impossible by foot and limited roads offered with private access. We recommend reserving a licensed Idaho fishing guide that has access to these private roads. Your fishing guide will ensure a successful trip with a wealth of local fishing knowledge. A Kootenai River guided fly fishing trip starts below the Libby Dam in the deep and fast moving canyon section where you catch large rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout.

Enjoy the solitude of this Idaho gem fishing experience with your fishing guide from a drift boat that allows you to cover more of the Kootenai River throughout the day. This river is also the only home to native burbot in the state of Idaho. Also enjoy catching small mouth bass. As the fly fishing continues towards the town of Bonners Ferry, your guide will share many dry fly fishing techniques that will land smaller trout more consistently coming out of the canyon.

Take some Idaho time on the Kootenai’s river banks and enjoy a catered lunch that your fishing guide will prepare. Don’t forget to look around and enjoy the Idaho wildlife where you could see a range of animals from eagles to moose. You will be surrounded by the beautiful snow capped Selkirk Mountain Range throughout this fly fishing trip.

The Kootenai River fly fishing trip typically takes between 6 to 8 hours depending on the flow of the river. All skill levels of anglers are invited to reserve this trip with GuideTime from April through November. Families and corporate groups can also reserve this trip, making for some great team building, and family bonding.

Enjoy some beverages back in Sandpoint with your fishing guide, and share highlights of the day. We look forward to seeing you fly fishing on the Kootenai River soon.

Lake Pend Oreille Fishing Charter

Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho and the 38th largest lake in the United States and more than 1,150 feet deep. This beautiful dinosaur lake is surrounded by the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, Cabinet Mountains, and Selkirk Mountain Range providing picturesque Idaho scenery. Much of the terrain around the lake is treacherous, and only accessible by boat. There are many hidden bays with excellent fishing opportunities. You are physically limited by how much of Lake Pend Oreille you can see from downtown Sandpoint. You can access the public beach to try your hand at shore fishing, but for the best experience, we recommend reserving a guided fishing charter.

Jordan, an Idaho native with tons of local fishing knowledge will pick you up on the charter boat from downtown Sandpoint and take you to where he knows the fish are waiting to be caught. The boat is outfitted with a cozy cabin, captain style seating, and down riggers for trolling. All of the fishing gear will be provided. You can also spin fish for a more active fishing experience.

There is a variety of fish in Lake Pend Oreille including huge rainbow trout, land locked chinook salmon, and walleye. The Idaho state record for the largest rainbow trout was pulled out of Lake Pend Oreille in 2019.

This fishing charter is 4 hours long, and is perfect for individual anglers, families, and groups up to 6. Jordan will ensure a successful day with many fish in the net and photos taken leaving Idaho memories for a lifetime! This fishing charter is available to all skill levels of anglers year round.

Priest Lake Fishing Charter

Priest Lake is quite remote in North Idaho and is about a 45 minute drive from Sandpoint. The lake is known for recreational activities including camping, hiking, boating, and fishing. Priest Lake is like something from a world in the past with the most crystal clear pebble bottom water you have ever seen.

At the entrance to lake from the south end, there is access to hiking trails and a public beach with a boat launch making for the perfect family picnic during the summer. Recreational fishing is an opportunity if you have knowledge of the conditions and know where the fish are. The fishing is more consistent at the north end of the lake throughout the spring and summer months.

For an Idaho experience unlike any other, we recommend reserving a fishing charter boat with a licensed Idaho fishing guide.
Within Priest Lake’s 23,000 acres of freshwater, anglers can catch smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and kokanee salmon. This fishing trip typically lasts 6 to 8 hours.

Everything is included with this fishing trip. All you and the family need to is hop in the truck with your guide in Sandpoint or you can meet at the south end of Priest Lake. The Priest Lake fishing trip can be reserved year round with beginner to expert anglers.