LakeScope Reports Get the app

The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 2 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Cave Lake

Kootenai County, Idaho · about 730 acres (1.1 sq mi)

44°F water, calm this morning.

Water44°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today3 mphSE
Best bite2:30 pmto 4:30 pm

About Cave Lake

In Kootenai County, Idaho, Cave Lake covers about 730 acres.

It stretches about 1.5 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 5.8 miles. Its surface is about 2,130 ft above sea level. Saint Maries lies about 9.9 miles to the south. The closest city is Spokane Valley, about 32 miles away.

Size
About 730 acres (1.1 sq mi)
Shoreline
About 5.8 miles
End to end
About 1.5 miles
Elevation
About 2,130 ft
County
Kootenai County

The lake from above

1 0.5 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Friday Good

  • 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
  • 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph

Saturday Good

  • 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish to expect

Expect the usual Idaho mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 44°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Slow
    Crappie

    Cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

  • Slow
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.

  • Slow
    Catfish

    Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3

2 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

44°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Friday 62° / 41° 3 mph SE Mostly Sunny · 6% rain
Saturday 50° / 41° 6 mph SW Mostly Sunny · 69% rain
Sunday 50° / 39° 5 mph S Chance Light Rain · 86% rain

Sunrise 6:48 am · sunset 4:12 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Cave Lake

  • Saint Mariesabout 9.9 mi south
  • Plummerabout 15 mi southwest
  • Coeur d'Aleneabout 16 mi northwest
  • Pinehurstabout 17 mi east
  • Spokane Valleynearest city, about 32 mi northwest

Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Questions about Cave Lake

What fish are in Cave Lake?

Lakes like Cave Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Cave Lake?

We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.

How big is Cave Lake?

About 730 acres, with about 5.8 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Cave Lake?

Saint Maries is about 9.9 miles south; Plummer is about 15 miles southwest.

What is the water temperature at Cave Lake today?

The surface was about 44°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Cave Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

Lakes near Cave Lake

More about Idaho lakes