What Round Lake Offers

Round Lake sits in the mountains east of Coeur d'Alene, about 30 miles from town on Forest Road 456. It's a small alpine lake—roughly 40 acres—that holds cutthroat trout and brook trout in cold, clear water. The lake sits at elevation, so the season runs shorter than lower-elevation waters in the region, typically opening in late May or early June and fishing well through September. The setting is quiet and undeveloped, with forest on all sides and no motorboats allowed.

The cutthroat here are native to the Coeur d'Alene drainage and run 8 to 12 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 14 inches. Brook trout are smaller, usually 6 to 10 inches, but they're aggressive and willing. The lake is shallow in places and deeper near the center, with a rocky bottom and some submerged logs that hold fish. Because the lake is small and the fish population isn't dense, you won't catch dozens in a day—but the fish you do catch are in a setting worth the drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Round Lake holds native cutthroat trout and brook trout in a small alpine setting about 30 miles east of Coeur d'Alene on Forest Road 456.
  • The season typically runs from late May through September, with water temperatures staying cold enough for trout throughout the summer.
  • Fish average 8 to 12 inches for cutthroat and 6 to 10 inches for brook trout, with the lake's small size meaning you'll catch fewer fish but in a quiet, undeveloped setting.
  • No motorboats are allowed, making this a fly-fishing and light-tackle destination where you can fish from shore or a float tube.

How to Reach Round Lake

From Coeur d'Alene, take Interstate 90 east toward Spokane. Exit at Mica (Exit 37) and head north on Highway 395 for about 8 miles. Turn east on Forest Road 456 and follow it into the mountains for roughly 20 miles. The road is gravel for the last portion and can be rough in early season or after heavy rain. A high-clearance vehicle helps, though a standard car can make it in dry conditions if you drive slowly.

The trailhead and parking area are small—space for maybe 4 or 5 vehicles. Arrive early on weekends, especially in July and August. The walk from the parking area to the lake is short, less than a quarter mile, and the trail is easy to follow. Bring water and snacks; there are no services at the lake or on the drive in.

Tackle and Technique for Cutthroat and Brook Trout

Fly fishing is the most effective method here. Use a 4-weight or 5-weight rod with a floating line and a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. Cutthroat respond well to small dry flies—Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Parachute Hatch patterns in sizes 14 to 18. In the morning and evening, fish the shallows near shore. During midday, when the sun is high, move to deeper water near the center of the lake or fish the edges where the bottom drops off.

Brook trout are less selective and will take nymphs readily. Small Pheasant Tail nymphs, Hare's Ear, and Copper Johns in sizes 16 to 18 work well. If you don't fly fish, light spinning tackle with small spinners (size 0 or 1) or spoons will catch both species. A float tube or small raft lets you reach deeper water and cover more of the lake, but shore fishing is productive if you work the edges methodically.

The lake is shallow enough that wading is possible in places, but the bottom is rocky and uneven. Felt-soled wading boots or wading shoes with good grip are worth bringing. The water stays cold year-round, so even in August, a wading belt and careful footing prevent accidents.

When to Fish Round Lake

Late May through June is the opening period, and the lake fishes well as soon as the ice clears. Water temperatures are cold, which keeps the trout active throughout the day. July and August bring warmer air temperatures, but the lake itself stays cold because of the elevation and depth. Fishing slows during the heat of midday in midsummer; focus on early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark).

September is excellent. The air cools, the crowds thin, and the trout feed actively in preparation for winter. The lake can fish well into October if the weather holds, though snow can close Forest Road 456 by late October or early November. Check road conditions before you drive; the Forest Service website for the Coeur d'Alene National Forest lists current closures.

Regulations and What to Bring

Idaho fishing regulations apply. You need a valid Idaho fishing license. Round Lake is open year-round for cutthroat and brook trout, but the road access closes seasonally due to snow. The daily limit is 5 fish per species, and there are no special restrictions on this lake. Check the current Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations before you go, as rules can change.

Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the drive out if you fish into evening. The road has no lights, and cell service is spotty or absent. A map or GPS unit helps, though the road is straightforward once you're on Forest Road 456. Bring layers—the elevation means it can be cool even in summer, especially in the morning and evening. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential. Mosquitoes can be heavy in early summer, particularly in June and early July.

Alternatives if Round Lake Is Crowded or Closed

If the road to Round Lake is closed due to snow or you find the parking area full, several other small alpine lakes in the same drainage offer similar fishing. Pend Oreille Lake, much larger and more developed, is closer to Coeur d'Alene and holds cutthroat and kokanee. The Coeur d'Alene River itself, accessible from multiple points near town, offers cutthroat and bull trout in a different setting—moving water instead of still water, but no drive into the mountains required.

If you want another small, quiet alpine lake with similar fish and fewer crowds, Priest Lake (about 40 miles north of Coeur d'Alene) has multiple smaller lakes in its basin. The drive is longer, but the fishing pressure is lighter and the scenery is equally good. Both Round Lake and Priest Lake's smaller waters are best in early summer or fall, when the weather is cool and the crowds are smallest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Round Lake in winter?

The lake is open year-round, but Forest Road 456 typically closes due to snow by late October or early November. The road reopens in late May or early June. Winter access is possible only if you hike in, which is a long trip from the nearest plowed road. Most anglers fish Round Lake from late May through September.

Do I need a float tube or can I fish from shore?

Shore fishing is productive, especially along the edges and near the inlet and outlet. A float tube or small raft lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but it's not required. If you bring a float tube, pack it in and out yourself—there are no rental services at the lake.

What's the difference between the cutthroat and brook trout here?

Cutthroat are native to this drainage and tend to be larger, averaging 8 to 12 inches. Brook trout are smaller (6 to 10 inches) but more aggressive and easier to catch. Both are good eating if you keep fish. The cutthroat are the more prized catch because they're native and less common in many waters.

Is the road to Round Lake passable in a regular car?

In dry conditions, yes, though it's slow going on the gravel section. After rain or in early season when the road is muddy, a high-clearance vehicle is safer. Check road conditions before you drive. If you're unsure about your vehicle, call the Coeur d'Alene National Forest office to ask about current conditions.

How crowded does Round Lake get?

It's quiet compared to lower-elevation lakes near Coeur d'Alene. The small parking area and remote location keep crowds small. Weekdays are nearly empty. Weekends in July and August can see 3 to 5 vehicles, but that's still light pressure. Early June and September are the best times if you want solitude.