What Goose Lake offers and when to fish it

Goose Lake sits in the mountains northeast of McCall at roughly 5,000 feet elevation, making it a reliable cold-water fishery when lower-elevation reservoirs warm up in midsummer. The lake holds rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, with rainbows running 10 to 14 inches on average and occasional fish pushing 16 inches. Kokanee are smaller—typically 8 to 11 inches—but they school predictably and provide fast action during their peak months.

The lake is most productive from late spring through early fall. May and June see good rainbow activity as the water warms from snowmelt. July and August bring kokanee into shallower water, especially in the early morning and late evening. September remains solid for rainbows as water cools again, and the crowds thin considerably. Winter access depends on snow; the road can close, so check current conditions with the McCall Ranger District before heading out in late fall or early spring.

Goose Lake is smaller than nearby Payette Lake, which means less boat traffic and more intimate fishing. The trade-off is fewer protected coves and less shoreline to explore, so you'll need to read the water and adjust quickly when one area goes quiet.

Key Takeaways

  • Rainbows and kokanee are the primary species; rainbows average 10 to 14 inches and bite best in May, June, and September.
  • Kokanee school in open water during summer and respond to small spoons, spinners, and flies fished at 20 to 40 feet deep.
  • The lake sits at 5,000 feet and stays cold enough for trout through summer, making it a good alternative when lower reservoirs warm up.
  • Access the lake via Forest Road 257 northeast of McCall; check road conditions with the McCall Ranger District before winter trips.
  • Trolling and casting from shore both work, but trolling covers more water and is more effective for locating kokanee schools.

Rainbow trout tactics and seasonal patterns

Rainbows at Goose Lake respond well to small spinners and spoons cast from shore or trolled slowly along drop-offs. In May and June, fish the shallower arms of the lake where creeks feed in; these areas warm first and concentrate feeding fish. Work the transitions between shallow flats and deeper water—usually 8 to 15 feet deep—where rainbows hunt for emerging insects and small baitfish.

By July, the main lake body becomes more productive than the arms. Rainbows move deeper to find cooler water, typically 20 to 35 feet down. If you're casting from shore, focus on rocky points and steep banks where the bottom drops quickly. A 1/4-ounce spoon in silver or gold, cast and retrieved with a steady, medium pace, draws strikes. If you're trolling, use the same spoon or a small crankbait (size 1 to 3) and troll the deeper edges of the lake at 1.5 to 2 miles per hour.

September and early October are excellent months. Water cools, rainbows return to shallower feeding zones, and the fishing resembles May and June conditions. This is when fly anglers have the most success; small nymphs and streamers fished near structure produce well. The lake is also less crowded, and the weather is often more stable than in spring.

Kokanee salmon and open-water trolling

Kokanee at Goose Lake are smaller than rainbows but abundant and aggressive. They school in open water during summer, typically 25 to 45 feet deep, and move shallower at dawn and dusk. Trolling is the most effective method because it lets you cover the water column and locate schools quickly. Use a small spoon (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) in silver, chartreuse, or orange, or a small spinner with a red or orange blade.

Troll slowly—1 to 1.5 miles per hour—and vary your depth by adjusting how much line you let out or by using a downrigger if your boat has one. Start at 30 feet and work up or down based on where you mark fish on your sounder. Early morning and the last two hours before dark are peak times; midday fishing is slower but still possible if you fish deeper. Kokanee are less aggressive in bright sun, so adjust your trolling speed to slightly faster (1.5 to 2 mph) and use brighter lures.

If you're fishing from shore, small spinners cast into open water and retrieved steadily can work, but you'll cover far less water than a boat. Shore fishing for kokanee is more productive in the early morning when they move shallow, and you'll have better luck if you can reach deeper water—a point or rocky outcrop that drops off steeply is ideal.

Access, facilities, and regulations

Goose Lake is reached via Forest Road 257, which branches northeast from McCall. The road is gravel and well-maintained in summer but can close in winter or after heavy snow. A small parking area and boat launch sit at the north end of the lake. There is no developed campground at Goose Lake itself, but several Forest Service campgrounds are nearby—Lick Creek and Hazard Lake are both within 15 minutes of the lake.

The lake has no services—no gas, no food, no rentals. Bring all supplies from McCall. A boat is not required; shore fishing is productive, especially along the rocky north and east banks. If you launch a boat, the ramp is basic but usable for small to medium-sized trailers. Jet skis are not allowed, which keeps the lake quiet.

Idaho fishing regulations apply. You need a current Idaho fishing license. Trout and kokanee are year-round species, but check the current Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations for any seasonal closures or special restrictions specific to Goose Lake, as rules can change. The general daily limit is five trout and five kokanee combined, but verify this before you fish.

Gear and tackle recommendations

For rainbows, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. A small tackle box with 1/8- to 1/4-ounce spoons in silver, gold, and white, plus a few small spinners (sizes 1 and 2), covers most situations. If you fly fish, a 5-weight rod with a floating line and a small selection of nymphs (Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail) and streamers (Woolly Buggers in black and olive) will work.

For kokanee, the same spinning setup works, but focus on smaller lures. A 1/8-ounce spoon or a size 1 spinner is ideal. Bring multiple colors—silver, chartreuse, and orange—because kokanee can be picky. If you troll, a second rod rigged the same way lets you cover two depths at once.

Bring polarized sunglasses to spot fish in shallow water and to reduce glare off the water. A net is useful for landing fish, especially kokanee, which can be slippery. If you're boating, a basic sounder helps locate kokanee schools, but it's not essential—many anglers find fish by trolling methodically and watching for rises.

Weather and water conditions

Goose Lake's elevation means weather can change quickly. Afternoon winds are common in summer, especially in July and August. Morning fishing is calmer and often more productive. If the wind picks up, move to the lee side of the lake or fish shallower water where wind has less effect on your presentation.

Water temperature varies by season. In May, the lake is still cold from snowmelt—often 45 to 50 degrees—and fish are active but concentrated in slightly warmer shallows. By July, the surface may reach 60 to 65 degrees, but deeper water stays cold. In September, the lake cools back to 50 to 55 degrees, and fish become more active throughout the day. Carry a water thermometer if you have one; it helps you understand where fish are likely to be.

Clarity is generally good. The lake is fed by mountain streams and has little sediment, so you can often see 10 to 15 feet down on a clear day. This means fish can see your lure clearly, so use natural colors in bright sun and brighter colors on overcast days or when fishing deeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Goose Lake?

No. Shore fishing is productive, especially along the rocky north and east banks and at the boat launch area. A boat lets you cover more water and reach deeper areas where kokanee school, but many anglers catch rainbows consistently from shore.

What's the best time of day to fish Goose Lake?

Early morning and the last two hours before dark are most productive for both rainbows and kokanee. Midday fishing is slower, especially in bright sun. If you can only fish midday, fish deeper water and use brighter lures.

Can I fish Goose Lake in winter?

The lake can freeze, and Forest Road 257 often closes in winter. Check road conditions with the McCall Ranger District before attempting a winter trip. If the road is open and the lake is not frozen, winter fishing is possible but less predictable than summer fishing.

What's the difference between the rainbows and kokanee here?

Rainbows are larger (10 to 14 inches average) and more aggressive on spinners and spoons cast from shore or trolled slowly. Kokanee are smaller (8 to 11 inches), school in open water, and require trolling or casting into deeper water to catch consistently.

How far is Goose Lake from McCall?

Goose Lake is roughly 15 to 20 minutes northeast of McCall via Forest Road 257. The drive is scenic but on gravel road, so allow extra time if conditions are wet or snowy.