Fish Lake

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

If you love the outdoors, enjoy sleeping under the stars, and seek opportunities to connect with nature, you should try Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping. The BLM is a government agency that protects beautiful federal land throughout the United States. In addition to peaceful camping opportunities, the agency's sites are also popular destinations for a variety of other outdoor activities. Fish Lake, located within Northern Idaho's Widow Mountain Wilderness Study Area, is one BLM-administered location that's worth a visit.

Fish Lake is not only a peaceful body of water but also a scenic hiking trail that lies right beside the Idaho-Montana border. The area is a popular spot for primitive camping, hiking, and fishing. The site is also located within a short distance of the lush Lolo National Forest, and there are multiple other national forests within an hour's drive as well.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Fish Lake Trail

The Fish Lake Trail is a long out-and-back trail that leads right down to the Fish Lake BLM site. The somewhat challenging route features beautiful scenery and impressive views of the surrounding mountain peaks. You can bring your dogs on the hike as long as they stay leashed, and the best time to visit is between March and October.

Length: 8.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Blossom Lakes Trail

The Blossom Lakes Trail is one of numerous lovely hikes found within Lolo National Forest, which lies roughly 25 miles northeast of Fish Lake. In addition to being a quality hiking route, the out-and-back trail is also popular for horseback riding and backpacking. There are plenty of great camping opportunities found along the trail as well. The route will take you through lush greenery and near several placid lakes. If you plan on spending much time near the water or camping in the area, don't forget the bug spray!

Length: 5.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Maclay Flat Nature Trail

Another excellent trail in Lolo National Forest is the Maclay Flat Nature Trail. The scenic loop trail is short and easy to traverse, featuring a level, surfaced path and breathtaking mountain views. There are benches found along the route, and the trail is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility equipment. You can hike the trail, run it, or just take a pleasant, leisurely walk surrounded by the serenity of nature. You can bring your pups with you, and they can be off-leash in some areas.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

Visitors to the Fish Lake area will have plenty of quality opportunities to do some angling. Of course, the primary option is casting a line in Fish Lake itself, which is regularly stocked with both rainbow and cutthroat trout. Another option is the nearby St. Joe River, which is inhabited by mountain whitefish, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, and brook trout. The river also caters to several types of boating. There's a boat launch at the Shadowy St. Joe Campground, and certain sections of the river are perfect for advanced whitewater rafting.

Climbing

There aren't too many established climbing areas near Fish Lake, but there is the Lolo Climbing Area, which is located near Lolo Hot Springs, MT. The area features routes for bouldering, sports climbing, and trad climbing. Within the Lolo Climbing Area, the most popular sections are Elk Rock, Heap, and Tor Rock, which offer a variety of difficulty levels for both experienced and inexperienced climbers.

Wildlife Viewing

Much of the area surrounding Fish Lake consists of dense forests, and those woodlands are home to many different species of wildlife. While you're fishing or relaxing by the lake, you may spot a moose, elk, or mule deer come by to have a drink. You may even catch a glimpse of cougars, timberwolves, black bears, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, or mountain goats while you hike and explore the site. The area is also inhabited by golden eagles, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, herons, and thirty different varieties of ducks.

Picnicking

The Fish Lake area serves as a serene setting to enjoy a picnic. You likely won't have access to any tables at the BLM site, so you'll need to bring along your own setup. Many visitors choose to stake out spots right on the shores of the lake, as having a picnic next to the water always makes for a memorable experience. Plus, you'll be surrounded by the lush forest scenery while you eat.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you want to partake in RV camping, you'll have to do so at least a few miles outside of the Fish Lake BLM site. Because the site is located within a wilderness study area, no motorized vehicles are permitted. However, if you stay outside the boundaries of the wilderness, you're more than welcome to enjoy primitive RV camping in the surrounding forests. There aren't any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site, but there are several convenient campgrounds nearby where RV camping is permitted, such as Powell Campground and Wendover Campground.

Free Camping

If you want to participate in Bureau of Land Management free camping near Fish Lake, you'll have numerous options. The entire area is filled with lush forests, creeks, and small lakes, which means you shouldn't have any trouble finding a quiet, peaceful spot to set up your dispersed campsite. A search for "BLM camping near me" will also help you find additional options.

RV Rentals Near Fish Lake Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Fish Lake BLM trip

If you're planning a trip to Fish Lake and intend on staying overnight, be sure to bring along everything you'll need. Not only is Fish Lake located in a remote part of Idaho, but it's also a good distance from any camping areas with amenities. That means you likely won't have any access to drinking water, food, or supplies of any kind without driving a significant distance to one of the nearby towns.

During your stay at the site, you should be prepared for the presence of bears. Both grizzlies and black bears are commonly seen in the area, so you should keep all of your food tightly sealed. Bringing along some bear spray wouldn't be a bad idea, either. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

You most likely won't come across any designated places to dispose of trash or waste around Fish Lake, so make sure to remove whatever you create when you leave. Please also make sure not to disturb the natural ecosystem by taking or disturbing anything you find on the land. You may encounter wildlife, and if you do, keep in mind that you're a guest in their home. Do not approach or confront them for any reason. Most of the campgrounds in the area feature fire pits, so please keep your campfires small and contained. If you decide to put up a primitive campsite of your own, please only do so on a durable surface of land. If you follow these guidelines, you'll be helping to keep the Fish Lake area clean, healthy, and beautiful.

Fish Lake Location

Fish Lake is located roughly 15 miles south of the town of Avery, ID. From Avery, hop onto Forest Road 301 southbound and follow it for approximately 13 miles. When you reach Forest Road 216, turn east and continue for about 1 mile until you get to Forest Service Road 1925. The trailhead to reach the BLM site lies at Forest Service Road 1925 at the Little North Fork of the Clearwater River crossing. Remember, there is no motorized vehicle access to the actual site.

Ready to visit Fish Lake? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.