Nestled in the heart of Idaho’s central mountains, McCall has long been a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. However, for a period in the early 2000s, the crown jewel of the region—Payette Lake—faced a quiet crisis. The lake’s once-famed «monsters» were thinning, with 30-inch lake trout described as looking like «snakes» due to a lack of food. Today, that narrative has shifted dramatically. Thanks to aggressive conservation efforts and a rebounding ecosystem, McCall has reclaimed its status as a premier destination for world-class «big fish».

While local folklore whispers of «Sharlie,» a serpentine monster said to dwell in the depths, the real giants of Payette Lake are the Mackinaw (lake trout). These massive predators, some reaching more than 40 inches and weighing over 30 pounds, have inhabited the lake for over 50 years. Recent success stories highlight this recovery: in June 2025, angler Aaron Goettsche set a new catch-and-release state record with a monstrous 42-inch lake trout caught solo while trolling. This record follows other massive catches, including a 41.5-inch trophy landed in recent years.

The return of these healthy giants is no accident. Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) identified that the lake trout population had grown too large for its primary prey, kokanee salmon. To restore balance, biologists removed thousands of smaller lake trout to reduce competition while simultaneously ramping up kokanee stocking—releasing over 1.8 million fingerlings between 2020 and 2023. This strategy has been a resounding success; with a stable food source, the remaining large trout are «fat and healthy» once again.

Beyond the deep waters of Payette Lake, the «McCall Complex» offers diverse opportunities for every type of angler:

• Payette Lake: The primary destination for trophy Mackinaw and kokanee. Trolling or jigging at depths of 35 to 120 feet is the standard approach.
• Little Payette Lake: Famous for its world-record-setting tiger muskie (the 2013 record stood at over 52 inches and 44 pounds) and phenomenal smallmouth bass fishing.
• Upper Payette Lake: A smaller, more tranquil spot regularly stocked with rainbow trout, ideal for bank fishing or float tubes.

For those chasing the «big one,» timing and technique are critical. Peak kokanee season runs from May through July, while lake trout remain active from the spring ice-out through late fall. Professional guides like Fish and Fur Outfitters and Fly Fish McCall specialize in navigating these waters, using high-tech sonar to track fish through thermoclines and rocky underwater ridges.

As of May 2026, IDFG continues its statewide stocking efforts, ensuring that even budding anglers have plenty of action at local ponds and https://bigfishmccall.com/ reservoirs like Horsethief or Cascade. Whether you are seeking a record-breaking Mackinaw or a quiet afternoon with the family, McCall’s waters have never been more alive.

Are you looking for current fishing reports or specific gear recommendations for a trophy lake trout trip this season?