What You'll Find at Upper Payette Lake

Upper Payette Lake sits at 5,400 feet in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, about 30 miles northeast of McCall by way of Payette Lake and the North Fork Payette River drainage. The lake holds native cutthroat trout and brook trout in cold, clear water surrounded by lodgepole pine and granite ridges. It's smaller and higher than Payette Lake itself—roughly 40 acres—which means fewer people, shorter seasons, and water that stays cold enough for cutthroat through summer.

The cutthroat here are not large. Most run 8 to 12 inches, with occasional fish to 14 inches. What makes the lake worth the drive is the setting and the consistency: you can count on steady fishing from late June through September, and the fish respond to simple presentations because they see fewer anglers than their cousins in the main lake.

Key Takeaways

  • Upper Payette Lake opens when snow clears the access road, usually late June, and closes when the road becomes impassable in fall.
  • Cutthroat trout dominate the catch; small dry flies and spinners work better than large lures because the fish are not aggressive.
  • The lake has no developed campground, so plan to fish as a day trip from McCall or camp at nearby Forest Service sites along the North Fork.
  • Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the lake under general statewide regulations; check current rules before you go because special restrictions can change.

How to Reach Upper Payette Lake

From McCall, drive north on Highway 55 toward Cascade, then turn east on Forest Road 674 (the North Fork Payette River Road). The road follows the river and climbs steadily; it's gravel and narrow, passable in a standard vehicle when dry but rough after rain. The drive takes about 90 minutes from McCall. Cell service drops off after you leave town.

The road is typically open from late June through September. Winter snow closes it by November, and spring runoff can wash out sections. Before you go, call the McCall Ranger District at 208-634-0600 to confirm the road is open. The parking area at the lake is small—room for four or five vehicles—so arrive early on weekends or plan a weekday trip.

Fishing Methods and Tackle

Cutthroat in Upper Payette respond best to small offerings. Dry flies in sizes 14 to 18—Adams, Pale Morning Duns, and Elk Hair Caddis—work through the summer, especially in early morning and evening. If you see no rises, switch to a small nymph under a strike indicator or a soft-hackle wet fly. Spin anglers do well with 1/16-ounce spinners in silver or gold, cast near the shoreline and retrieved slowly.

The lake has shallow bays on the north and west sides where cutthroat hunt in 3 to 8 feet of water. The eastern shore drops off quickly into deeper, colder water where fish retreat during midday heat. Early and late in the day, work the shallows. At midday, either move to deeper water or take a break and return at dusk. The water is clear, so use light tippet—4X to 5X for flies, 4-pound test for spinning—and keep your shadow off the water.

Seasons and Weather Patterns

Upper Payette Lake's season is short. The access road opens when snow melts, usually around June 20, and closes when it becomes impassable, typically by mid-October. July and August are the most reliable months: water temperature peaks around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the weather is stable. June can be cold and windy; September and early October bring cooler nights and fewer insects, but also fewer anglers.

Afternoon wind is common, especially in July and August. Morning calm usually lasts until 10 a.m., so plan your best fishing for dawn and early morning. Bring layers: the elevation means temperature swings of 30 degrees between sun and shade are normal. Rain is possible any month, and afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in August. Start early and be off the water by mid-afternoon if storms are building.

Camping and Facilities

Upper Payette Lake itself has no developed campground or facilities. The parking area is a rough pullout with no water, toilets, or shade structures. Plan to fish as a day trip from McCall, or camp at one of the Forest Service sites along the North Fork Payette River Road on the way up. Secesh Lake Campground, about 15 miles below Upper Payette, has 25 sites, vault toilets, and water; it opens in late June and fills on weekends.

If you want to stay closer to McCall, Payette Lake has several developed campgrounds with full facilities, though they are busier and the main lake is warmer and more crowded. The trade-off is convenience versus solitude: Upper Payette requires more planning but delivers fewer people and better cutthroat fishing.

Regulations and Permits

Upper Payette Lake falls under Idaho Department of Fish and Game general statewide regulations. You need a current Idaho fishing license, available online at idfg.idaho.gov or at sporting goods stores in McCall. The lake is open year-round on paper, but the access road closure makes it practical only June through September.

Cutthroat trout have a daily limit of 8 fish with a 12-inch minimum size. Brook trout follow the same limit. Bait fishing is allowed, but flies and lures are more effective and leave fewer fish hooked and released. Check the current Idaho fishing guide before you go; special restrictions can apply to high-altitude lakes, and rules change annually. The McCall Ranger District office can also answer questions about current conditions and any temporary closures.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack water and food for the day; there are no services at the lake or on the road. Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish into dusk, and carry a map or download offline maps on your phone because cell service is unreliable. The parking area offers no shade, so sunscreen and a hat are essential. Bring bug spray for June and July, when mosquitoes can be heavy near the shoreline.

Check your vehicle before you leave McCall: the road is rough, and a flat tire or mechanical problem means a long walk out. Carry a spare tire, basic tools, and a first-aid kit. The nearest help is in McCall, 90 minutes away. If you are not comfortable driving rough forest roads, consider hiring a local guide or fishing Payette Lake instead, which has better road access and similar cutthroat populations, though with more company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Upper Payette Lake in winter?

The access road closes by November and does not reopen until late June, so winter fishing is not practical. The lake itself does not freeze solid, but reaching it requires snowmobile or backcountry skiing, which is beyond most anglers' scope.

What's the difference between Upper Payette and the main Payette Lake?

Upper Payette is smaller, higher, colder, and holds only cutthroat and brook trout. The main lake is larger, warmer, and has kokanee salmon and larger rainbow trout, but also more people. Upper Payette is better for solitude and native cutthroat; the main lake is better for variety and easier access.

Do I need a guide to fish Upper Payette Lake?

No. The lake is small and easy to fish from shore. A guide is not necessary unless you want local knowledge about current conditions or help with technique. The McCall area has several guide services if you prefer that option.

What should I do if the road is closed when I arrive?

Turn around and do not attempt to drive past a closed gate or washout. The road is steep and narrow; a stuck vehicle blocks access for others and requires expensive recovery. Call the McCall Ranger District before you leave home to confirm conditions.

Are there fish in Upper Payette year-round?

Yes, but the lake is only reachable June through September. Cutthroat and brook trout survive winter under the ice, but you cannot reach them without specialized winter travel skills.