Priest Lake, located in the northern panhandle of Idaho, is a pristine 23,000-acre alpine lake offering exceptional fishing opportunities year-round. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery, this 80-mile shoreline lake sits nestled among forested mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop for anglers. Historically famous for its native cutthroat trout fishing in the early 1900s, Priest Lake's ecosystem has evolved over time with the introduction of lake trout (Mackinaw) in the 1925 and kokanee salmon in the late 1940s. Today, it primarily supports a lake trout fishery, though other species provide diverse angling experiences throughout its varied habitats, from deep underwater structures to protected bays and inlets.