McCall, Idaho is a dream destination for anyone who loves real-world fishing. This beautiful mountain town is surrounded https://bigfishmccall.com/ by crystal-clear alpine lakes, rushing rivers, and massive reservoirs. Whether you want to relax on a dock or ride a boat into deep waters, McCall offers amazing fishing adventures for everyone.

You can find many great places to cast your line just a short drive from downtown:

• Payette Lake: This massive, deep lake sits right next to the town. It is famous for giant Lake Trout that live deep underwater. It is also a fantastic place to catch bright Kokanee Salmon and lively Rainbow Trout.
• Little Payette Lake: Located just east of the main lake, this quieter body of water is a legendary spot for catching trophy-sized Smallmouth Bass. It also holds rare Tiger Muskies for an extra challenge.
• North Fork of the Payette River: This beautiful river is a haven for fly fishing. Anglers can wade into the cool water to catch wild Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Mountain Whitefish.
• Rowland’s Pond: This peaceful, hidden pond is located just outside the main hustle of town. It has an easy shoreline and is regularly stocked with hatchery fish, making it the perfect spot for families and kids.

To keep the waters healthy, Idaho has specific rules for the different types of fish you can catch. Rainbow Trout are highly popular, and anglers can generally keep a combined total of six trout per day. The aggressive Smallmouth Bass also has a limit of six per day, and they must be at least 12 inches long to keep.

If you are fishing for Kokanee Salmon, the limit is also six per day, but you must practice catch-and-release if you are fishing for them in the North Fork river. Finally, if you happen to hook a rare Bull Trout anywhere in the region, you must immediately and gently release it back into the water to protect the species.

If you want some extra help finding the best spots, McCall has excellent local guide shops and outfitters right in town. Local experts can take you out on drift boats for fly fishing lessons or host high-energy lake charters to help you track down the biggest fish. Before you head out, make sure to purchase an official Idaho fishing license and grab a copy of the current state regulations.