What You'll Find at Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake sits at 6,400 feet in the Sawtooth Valley, about 5 miles south of Stanley. The lake holds two main species: Kokanee salmon (landlocked sockeye) and Redfish Lake cutthroat trout, a native subspecies found nowhere else. The cutthroat are the draw for most anglers—they're aggressive, colorful, and willing to take both flies and small lures in a setting that feels genuinely remote despite the lake's popularity.

The lake runs roughly 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, with depths reaching 150 feet in the main basin. Water temperature stays cold year-round; even in midsummer the surface rarely exceeds 60 degrees. That cold water keeps the fish active and the fishing consistent from June through September, with fall often producing the best dry-fly action as the cutthroat move shallow to feed before winter.

Access is straightforward: drive Highway 75 north from Stanley and turn east on Redfish Lake Road. The road ends at a parking area and boat launch. A paved trail runs along the north shore if you want to fish from shore, and several outfitters in Stanley rent boats and offer guided trips.

Key Takeaways

  • Redfish Lake cutthroat trout are native to this lake only and respond well to small dry flies, nymphs, and spinners in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range.
  • The lake is open year-round but most anglers fish June through September; water temperature and snow access make spring and fall the most reliable seasons.
  • A valid Idaho fishing license is required, and the lake has a daily catch limit of five cutthroat trout and five kokanee; check current regulations before you go.
  • Boat rental, guided services, and lodging are available in Stanley, 5 miles away, making a day trip or overnight stay feasible from most points in central Idaho.
  • The cutthroat spawn in tributary streams in late summer; fishing near inlet streams is restricted during spawning season to protect the population.

Cutthroat Trout: Behavior and Seasonal Patterns

Redfish Lake cutthroat are smaller than many high-mountain cutthroat populations—most run 8 to 12 inches, with fish over 14 inches considered excellent. They're not picky, but they do respond to presentation and timing. In early summer (June and early July), they often cruise the shallower margins and respond to small spinners or wet flies. As the water warms slightly through July and August, they move deeper during midday and feed more actively in early morning and evening.

Fall (September through early October) is when the fishing peaks. The water cools, the cutthroat move back to the shallows, and they feed aggressively on insects. Dry flies—small Adams, Pale Morning Duns, and Caddis patterns in sizes 16 to 20—produce steady action. Nymphs work year-round, particularly small Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails fished under an indicator in 15 to 30 feet of water.

The lake's inlet streams (Payette River and Fishhook Creek) are where cutthroat spawn in late August and September. Fishing is restricted in these streams during spawning season, but the restriction protects a population that was nearly lost to whirling disease in the 1990s. The lake's recovery is a conservation success, and respecting the closure is part of keeping it that way.

Kokanee Salmon and Summer Trolling

Kokanee salmon were introduced to Redfish Lake decades ago and now support a secondary fishery. These landlocked sockeye average 10 to 14 inches and school in the deeper water, typically 40 to 80 feet down. They're most active in summer (July and August) when the thermocline is established and the fish hold at consistent depths.

Trolling small spoons (Kastmasters, Krocodiles, and similar lures in silver or chartreuse, 1/4 to 3/8 ounce) is the standard approach. Troll slowly along the drop-offs on the east and west sides of the lake, or work the deeper basin in the center. A fish finder helps, but it's not essential—consistent trolling at the right depth will produce fish.

Kokanee are less selective than cutthroat but also less abundant in the catch. Most anglers targeting this lake focus on the cutthroat, and kokanee are a bonus when they're encountered. The daily limit is five kokanee, the same as cutthroat, so you can keep a mixed bag if you want.

Tackle and Technique for Fly and Spin Anglers

For fly fishing, a 4- to 5-weight rod works well for both dry flies and nymphs. The cutthroat aren't large, and the lake's wind can be fierce in afternoon, so a shorter rod (8 to 8.5 feet) is easier to manage than a longer one. Bring floating and intermediate sinking lines; you'll use the floater for dry-fly work and shallow nymphing, and the intermediate for deeper presentations when the fish move down in summer heat.

Spin anglers should bring light tackle: a 5.5- to 6-foot ultralight rod with 4- to 6-pound monofilament or braid. Small spinners (1/8 to 1/4 ounce), spoons, and inline spinners all work. Cast near the shoreline structure—fallen trees, rocky points, and inlet streams—and retrieve slowly. The cutthroat will follow a spinner a surprising distance, so don't rush the retrieve.

Waders are useful if you're fishing from shore, but not essential; the paved trail allows you to walk and cast without entering the water. If you're in a boat, bring a net rated for fish in the 8- to 14-inch range. The cutthroat's mouth is soft, and a net prevents lost fish and makes catch-and-release easier.

When to Fish and What to Expect

June is the opening month for most anglers, though the lake is technically open year-round. Early June can still have snow on the surrounding peaks, and the water is cold (45 to 50 degrees), but the cutthroat are hungry and willing. Expect morning and evening activity; midday can be slow. Afternoon wind is common, so plan to fish early and late.

July and August are the warmest months and the busiest. The lake fills with boats and shore anglers, especially on weekends. The fishing is still good, but you'll share the water. Midday can be slow as the fish move deep; focus on early morning and late evening, or fish deeper water with nymphs and sinking lines during the day.

September and early October offer the best overall fishing. The water cools, the crowds thin, and the cutthroat feed aggressively. Dry-fly fishing is excellent, and the weather is often stable. By late October, snow begins to accumulate at higher elevations, and the road can become difficult; most anglers stop coming by mid-October.

Regulations, Licenses, and Spawning Closures

A valid Idaho fishing license is required for anyone 14 and older. Licenses are available online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Stanley. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're just passing through.

The daily catch limit for Redfish Lake cutthroat is five fish per day. Kokanee have the same five-fish limit. There is no minimum size for either species. Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for cutthroat, since the population is still recovering; many anglers keep only what they'll eat.

Fishing is prohibited in the inlet streams (Payette River and Fishhook Creek) from August 1 through September 30 to protect spawning cutthroat. This closure is strictly enforced. The main lake remains open during this period, so you can still fish from the shore or boat, just not in the tributaries.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Redfish Lake is 5 miles south of Stanley on Highway 75. From Boise, it's roughly 160 miles northeast via Highway 21 and Highway 75—about 3.5 hours of driving. From the Salmon River area to the north, it's 60 miles south on Highway 75. The road is paved and well-maintained year-round, though winter snow can make it slow.

Stanley has several lodges, cabins, and a campground. Redfish Lake Lodge sits on the lake's north shore and offers rooms, boat rental, and a restaurant. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area operates a campground at the lake with 67 sites; it fills quickly on summer weekends. Private campgrounds and cabins are scattered around Stanley.

If you're making a day trip, plan to spend 6 to 8 hours on the water or shore. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection; the high elevation and reflective water intensify UV exposure. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring a light jacket even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Redfish Lake in winter?

The lake is technically open year-round, but winter fishing is rare. Snow and ice make access difficult from November through May, and the water temperature drops below 40 degrees. A few anglers fish through the ice in late winter, but most wait for the June opening.

Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?

Shore fishing is productive, especially along the paved trail on the north side and near the inlet streams (outside spawning season). A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but it's not required. Many anglers catch fish from shore every day.

What's the difference between Redfish Lake cutthroat and other cutthroat trout?

Redfish Lake cutthroat are a distinct subspecies found only in this lake. They're smaller than many other cutthroat populations and have a more delicate build. They're also more aggressive on small flies and spinners, making them fun to catch despite their modest size.

Is the fishing better in the morning or evening?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to dark) are most productive, especially in summer. Midday can be slow as the fish move deep. Fall and spring offer more consistent all-day fishing as water temperatures stay cooler.

What should I do if I hook a cutthroat I want to release?

Keep the fish in the water as much as possible and use a net to land it. Wet your hands before handling, and avoid touching the gills or eyes. Remove the hook gently, and if the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line rather than forcing the hook out. The cutthroat population depends on successful catch-and-release.