📍 Cocolalla, Idaho, Idaho

CocolallaLake

Cocolalla Lake: A Premier Fishing Destination in Idaho

3Species

Lake / reservoirWater type

YesKid friendly

Cocolalla, IdahoNearby town

Overview

Cocolalla Lake, situated in Bonner County, Idaho, spans approximately 815 acres and is nestled within the Pend Oreille River watershed. This picturesque lake offers anglers a diverse fishing experience, featuring species such as rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, brown trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) actively manages the lake, conducting regular stocking programs to enhance fish populations and provide ample opportunities for both novice and seasoned anglers. Access to Cocolalla Lake is facilitated by an IDFG-maintained fishing and boating access site located on the north end of the lake, accessible via N. Cocolalla Loop Road off Highway 95. This site features a boat ramp, dock, and accessible restroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. The lake's rich history includes community events such as the Annual Spartan Fishing Tournament, organized by the Priest River Lamanna High School junior class, which took place on May 2, 2026, and featured Cocolalla Lake among its venues.

Fish species

Discover what swims here. Tap a species to explore its Species Quest guide.

Swipe to explore 3 species

Channel Catfish

Cutthroat trout

Rainbow Trout

Know your water

803.7 acresSurface area

45 ftMaximum depth

26 ftAverage depth

Water clarity in Cocolalla Lake is moderate, with visibility typically ranging from 3...Water clarityRead full details

Water clarity in Cocolalla Lake is moderate, with visibility typically ranging from 3 to 6 feet, influenced by seasonal algae blooms and sediment.

Cocolalla Lake features a mix of submerged structures, including submerged logs and a...Bottom compositionRead full details

Cocolalla Lake features a mix of submerged structures, including submerged logs and aquatic vegetation, providing diverse habitats for fish species.

Where to fish

Promising areas

Anglers often find success near submerged structures, aquatic vegetation, and the inlets and outlet of the lake, where fish congregate.

Habitat & structure

The lake offers a variety of habitats, including submerged logs and aquatic vegetation, supporting diverse fish species.

Getting on the water

North end of Cocolalla Lake via N. Cocolalla Loop Road off of Highway 95.

Did you know?

✦ Cocolalla Lake is stocked with both rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout, providing diverse fishing opportunities.

✦ The lake is also home to brown trout and brook trout, which now reproduce naturally in streams around the lake.

✦ Channel catfish are stocked in Cocolalla Lake, adding to its diverse fish population.

Location & map

Open in Google Maps ↗

Best time to fish

Fishing tips & conditions

Access, regulations & planning

Regulations and access can change. Verify current rules before fishing.

Public access & launching

Rules and restrictions

Records & notable catches

FAQs

What fish species are available for fishing at Cocolalla Lake?

Cocolalla Lake offers a diverse range of fish species, including rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, brown trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish.

How can I access Cocolalla Lake for fishing?

Access to Cocolalla Lake is provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game on the north end of the lake, accessible via N. Cocolalla Loop Road off Highway 95. The site features a boat ramp, dock, and accessible restroom facilities.

Are there any fishing tournaments held at Cocolalla Lake?

Yes, the Priest River Lamanna High School junior class organized the Annual Spartan Fishing Tournament on May 2, 2026, which included Cocolalla Lake among its venues.

What are the fishing regulations at Cocolalla Lake?

Fishing at Cocolalla Lake is governed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Panhandle Region regulations. The lake is open year-round, and fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundaries of any fish weir or trap. Specific bag limits apply to various species; for example, the trout limit is 6 fish per day, all species combined.

What facilities are available at the fishing access site on Cocolalla Lake?

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains a fishing and boating access site on the north end of Cocolalla Lake, accessible via N. Cocolalla Loop Road off Highway 95. This site includes a boat ramp, dock, and accessible restroom facilities.

How often is Cocolalla Lake stocked with fish?

Cocolalla Lake is regularly stocked with fish by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Recent stockings include over 6,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout in 2019 and more than 3,200 in May 2020. The stocking schedule typically resumes in early May each year.