Nile Lake

Located 6½ miles southwest of Ione, about 300 yards east of Highway SR-20 in the Colville National Forest at 3190 feet elevation, Nile Lake is open year-round.  Wild Eastern Brook Trout are prolific, although small in size.  Stocked Rainbow Trout are also available.  Competing Pumpkinseed Sunfish cause problems with trout growth and survival.

Small boats can be launched from shore.  Common Loons are regularly observed on the lake - please exercise caution not to disturb them if boating while Loons are present.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Shoreline access is limited.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Pend Oreille
Acreage: 22.20 ac.
Elevation: 3185 ft.
Center: 48.656945, -117.472586
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Catchable fish plants

Release Location: NILE LK (PEND)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Apr 19, 2018 Rainbow 1,200 3 FORD HATCHERY

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos

Image
Nile Lake
Photo by WDFW