Hayden Lake

About Hayden Lake

Hayden Lake, a prominent North Idaho fishery, spans seven miles long and one to two miles wide, with an irregular 40-mile shoreline. Its clear waters and timbered shores are set against panoramic mountains rising to nearly 6,000 feet in the Bitterroot Range. The lake maintains a normal elevation of 2,239 feet, with depths reaching 185 feet and an average depth of 100 feet. Public access is primarily through three boat ramps: Honeysuckle Beach on the east side, Sportsman’s Park on the north end, and Tobler’s Marina. Honeysuckle Beach offers a public launch, swimming area, and picnic spots. Sportsman’s Park provides campsites, handicapped facilities, and ample parking, making trailer maneuvering easy. A full-service marina is available for rentals, fuel, and supplies. While most of the shoreline is privately owned, these public areas offer limited shore access. Hayden Lake supports a diverse fishery including bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, bullhead catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Kokanee typically average 11–15 inches, with some exceeding 17 inches. Target these in deeper open water, especially in the early morning before boat traffic increases. Troll small spoons, spinners, or hoochies behind dodgers, using downriggers or lead-core line to reach depths of 40–80 feet in summer. Match their forage with small pink, orange, or white lures, adding scent to improve strikes. Adjust depth seasonally, fishing shallower in spring and fall. Northern pike, usually 24–36 inches with some over 40 inches, favor weedy bays, drop-offs, and points. Cast large spoons, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, or jerkbaits for pike. Troll big crankbaits along weed edges, focusing on shallow bays in spring and early summer. Use flashy, aggressive lures, and consider larger lures or dead bait for trophy fish. Fish for pike during cooler parts of the day when they are more active.