Probably the most coveted fish in the lake are the Gerrard rainbow, commonly called a kamloops trout. A world record 37-pounder was pulled from Pend Oreille in 1947. That was only half a dozen years after the big trout were transplanted here from British Columbia. With vast quantities of kokanee to eat, the Gerrard rainbow flourished in those early years, and trophy trout filled the nets of many fishermen.

Though a declining kokanee population has reduced the number of big fish pulled from the lake in recent years, there is still plenty of activity to keep anglers excited. In addition to the Gerard Rainbow two other prime species found in the lake are mackinaw and bull trout. In fact, Pend Oreille also holds the world record for bull trout. A 32-pounder was caught here in 1949.

Guide Don Houk and his mom Virginia Sturgis have been fishing Lake Pend Oreille for many years. Virginia actually invented a fly called a "Frisky Jenny" that has become one of the most popular lures for attracting kamloops. Don uses her flies along with floating trolling boards when fishing for the Gerard rainbows and switches to downriggers when going after the mackinaws.

Don Houk-Fishing Guide
"Catching a fish is just a bonus, the experience of being out here that's the fun part of it. If I had to pick one of the three big lakes in northern Idaho, Pend Oreille would be my choice. It's beautiful up here."