Elk Lake in the north-central part of Custer County is a lake in Idaho.
The recorded size of Elk Lake is missing; fish one short bank carefully before deciding whether a wider search makes sense.
Fish and Baits
Fish listed for Elk Lake include Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
During the start of a weather change near a firm-bottom flat with light wind, Cutthroat Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout have also been stocked here; that proves fish were released, but it does not promise that they are still common or easy to catch.
How to Read the Water
On a low-light period near a shallow shelf where food is present, use wind as a clue; a light push can carry food toward a bank, but hard wind may muddy it, so look for a clean edge near a point or protected pocket.
Season by Season
While using a short cover-to-depth check near the mouth of a pocket before changing areas, early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again.
A Simple Tackle Plan
On a low-light period near a windblown shore after a cold night, a light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control.
On a slow shoreline pass near a rocky edge where food is present, record the wind, water color, depth where fish were holding, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.