Data collected by anglers helps biologists track catch rates, fish size and harvest trends
Anglers on Lake Pend Oreille continue to play an important role in helping Idaho Fish and Game monitor the lake’s trophy rainbow trout fishery. Through the Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program, anglers voluntarily record details about their fishing trips and the trout they catch.
The data they collect provides biologists with valuable insight into catch rates, fish size and harvest trends, helping Fish and Game track how the fishery is performing over time.
What was learned
Data collected through the program in 2025 continued to show encouraging signs for Lake Pend Oreille’s trophy rainbow trout fishery.
Anglers reported improved catch rates compared to previous years, with the average time needed to catch a rainbow trout dropping by roughly two hours during the fall fishing derbies. Trophy-sized rainbow trout (32 inches or larger) also remained a consistent part of the catch, making up about 13.5% of reported fish.
“Anglers on Lake Pend Oreille play a huge role in helping us understand how this fishery is performing,” said Jeff Strait, Fishery Research Biologist with Fish and Game. “The information they collect gives us valuable insight into catch rates and fish size, which helps us track trends and ensure the lake continues to produce trophy rainbow trout.”
Angler Science Program
The Angler Science Program relies on volunteer anglers who record details from their fishing trips in logbooks provided by Fish and Game. Anglers document information such as the number of hours fished, fish caught, fish length and whether the fish was kept or released. These records provide biologists with a consistent stream of real-world information that helps track trends in the fishery from year-to-year.
Some rainbow trout in Lake Pend Oreille also carry small identification tags that provide additional information to biologists. When anglers report tagged fish, Fish and Game can learn more about fish growth, survival and movement within the lake. Anglers who catch a tagged fish are encouraged to report the tag number and capture information to Fish and Game, helping biologists better understand the fishery.
Fish and Game appreciates the anglers who take the time to participate in the Angler Science Program each year. Their contributions provide valuable information that helps biologists monitor the fishery and make informed management decisions. Continued participation helps ensure Lake Pend Oreille remains one of the premier trophy rainbow trout fisheries in the country.
For questions or to learn more about the Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program, please contact the Panhandle Regional Office at (208) 769-1414.
Follow the Panhandle Region Facebook page for updates, news and fishing information throughout the season.
Source: Idaho Fish and Game press release