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 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Payette Lake
Valley County, Idaho · 5,060 acres (7.9 sq mi)
39°F water, level steady, windy Friday (15 mph S).
About Payette Lake
Payette Lake spreads over 5,060 acres in Valley County, Idaho. Payette Lake, at McCall, was formed by glacial activity and is stocked with tiger muskie as a trophy fishery.
From end to end it runs about 5.6 miles with roughly 22 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 4,990 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 304 ft, with an average depth near 121 ft. McCall is right by the lake.
- Size
- 5,060 acres (7.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 304 ft (average 121 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 22 miles
- End to end
- About 5.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,990 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Valley County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Saturday Good
- 8:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 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 in Payette Lake
The fish here: trout, lake trout, kokanee salmon, muskie, walleye, crappie and smallmouth bass. At 39°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairTrout
Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- FairKokanee salmon
Near the surface in the cool water. Troll slowly.
- FairMuskie
Late season. Slow, big baits for big fish.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 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
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Steady over 7 days.
Latest reading .
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
Sunrise 7:39 am · sunset 5:17 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Payette Lake
- McCallon the shore
- Councilabout 20 mi southwest
- Cascadeabout 27 mi south
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Questions about Payette Lake
What fish are in Payette Lake?
Payette Lake holds trout, lake trout, kokanee salmon, muskie, walleye, crappie and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Payette Lake?
About 304 ft at the deepest point, about 121 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Payette Lake?
5,060 acres, with about 22 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Payette Lake?
McCall is on the shore; Council is about 20 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Payette Lake today?
The surface was about 39°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Payette Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
