What Blackwell Island Offers

Blackwell Island sits in the middle of Lake Coeur d'Alene about three miles north of the city, and it's one of the most reliable spots on the lake for smallmouth bass and panfish. The island itself is a rocky outcrop with shallow water on the north side and deeper drop-offs to the south—the kind of structure that holds fish year-round. You can fish from a boat around the perimeter, and the island is close enough to shore that even anglers without a large vessel can reach it in a small skiff or pontoon.

The water around Blackwell tends to be clearer than other parts of the lake, which means fish can see your lure from farther away but also means they're more selective about what they'll strike. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, when water temperatures push smallmouth into the shallows to feed. Summer fishing is possible but slower, especially midday; early morning and evening produce better results.

Key Takeaways

  • Blackwell Island holds smallmouth bass and panfish year-round, with the best action in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
  • Fish the north side in shallower water during spring and fall, and move to the deeper south side during summer heat.
  • Crankbaits, soft plastics, and live crawfish all work well; adjust your lure size and color based on water clarity and light conditions.
  • You need a boat to reach the island, and the crossing is short enough that even small boats can make it safely in calm conditions.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) brings the most consistent bite around Blackwell. Smallmouth move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Work the rocky north side in 4 to 8 feet of water with crankbaits or soft plastics in natural colors—crawfish patterns and dark greens work well when the water is still cool and slightly stained from runoff.

Summer (June through August) slows the action considerably. Fish move deeper and tighter to structure. The south side of the island, where the bottom drops away quickly, becomes your best bet. Fish early and late in the day when light is low. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) remain active in the shallows during early morning, so if bass aren't cooperating, switch to small jigs or live minnows for consistent action.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for productivity. Water cools, and smallmouth feed heavily to prepare for winter. The north and west sides of the island hold fish as they move back into shallower water. Crankbaits and topwater lures produce strikes, especially on overcast days or in the hour before sunset.

Winter fishing is possible but requires patience. Fish move to the deepest water around the island, typically 20 to 30 feet. Jigging with live minnows or small soft plastics works better than casting. The lake rarely freezes solid enough for ice fishing, so you'll be in a boat year-round.

Tackle and Technique

Medium-power spinning rods with 6- to 8-pound test line work well for most situations around Blackwell. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range cover water quickly and let you locate active fish. Throw them parallel to the rocky shoreline and work them at a steady pace; smallmouth often hit on the pause or as the lure rises.

Soft plastics—4-inch worms, creature baits, and crawfish imitations—give you more control in deeper water and around heavy cover. Rig them on a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig head depending on depth and current. Work them slowly along the bottom, feeling for the subtle tap that means a fish has picked it up.

Live crawfish are deadly in spring and fall, especially if you can find them locally or bring them from another lake. Fish them on a simple slip sinker rig in 4 to 12 feet of water, and let them do the work. Panfish respond well to small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with live minnows or maggots; cast near the shallows and work vertically.

Getting There and Boat Requirements

Blackwell Island is accessible from the Coeur d'Alene Resort marina, the city beach launch, or Tubbs Hill boat launch on the west side of the lake. The crossing is roughly three miles from the city marina and shorter from Tubbs Hill. Any boat capable of handling open water—a 16-foot center console, pontoon, or even a well-maintained aluminum skiff—can make the trip safely in calm conditions.

Check the weather before heading out. Lake Coeur d'Alene can develop chop quickly when wind picks up, and the crossing to Blackwell Island leaves you exposed. On windy days, fish closer to shore or wait for calmer conditions. A GPS unit or smartphone map helps you navigate to the island, but it's visible from the city and hard to miss once you're on the water.

Regulations and Seasonal Closures

Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages Lake Coeur d'Alene. Smallmouth bass have a year-round season with a daily limit of five fish (check current regulations, as limits can change). Panfish have no closed season and typically allow 25 fish per day. A valid Idaho fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older.

Some areas of the lake have special restrictions—catch-and-release only zones or seasonal closures to protect spawning fish. Before you fish, check the current Idaho fishing guide or call the Coeur d'Alene office of Fish and Game to confirm what applies to Blackwell Island. Regulations can shift year to year based on population surveys and management goals.

What to Bring and Safety Considerations

Bring more water than you think you'll need; the sun reflects off the water and dehydration sneaks up fast. A hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses reduce glare and help you spot fish in the clear water. A small cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh and gives you a place to store snacks and water.

Wear a life jacket whenever you're in the boat, especially on the crossing to the island. The water is cold year-round—even in summer it rarely exceeds 70 degrees—and hypothermia can set in quickly if you end up in the water. Bring a first aid kit, a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to fish early or late, and a fully charged phone for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Blackwell Island?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (two hours before sunset to dark) produce the most consistent action, especially in summer. Overcast days are productive all day. Midday fishing is slow, particularly June through August, so plan your trip around low-light periods.

Can I fish Blackwell Island from shore?

No—the island sits too far from shore to wade or cast to from the beach. You need a boat to reach it. If you don't own one, several marinas in Coeur d'Alene rent boats by the day or half-day.

What size smallmouth typically live around Blackwell Island?

Most fish run 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish in the 15- to 17-inch range. Trophy smallmouth (18 inches and larger) are possible but uncommon. Panfish average 6 to 8 inches and are plentiful year-round.

Is the water around Blackwell Island safe to drink or swim in?

No. Lake Coeur d'Alene has a history of heavy metal contamination from mining upstream, and the water is not safe to drink untreated. Swimming is generally safe, but avoid swallowing water and rinse off afterward if you go in.

Do I need a guide to fish Blackwell Island?

No, but a guide can save you time if you're unfamiliar with the lake. Several outfitters in Coeur d'Alene offer guided trips. If you go on your own, start by fishing the north side in spring and fall—it's the most forgiving area for newcomers.