Spirit Lake: Trout and Kokanee, Six Holes on Twin at Dusk

June 13, 2026 – Spirit Lake Reflections

Up this morning around 5:00 a.m. and made the run over to Athol to pick up the Stealth Weld. From there we looped through Spirit Lake for a few supplies before launching at the public ramp. We were on the water by about 7:00 and headed north toward the island near the creek inlet.

The morning was nearly perfect—cool air, sunshine, and calm water that gradually gave way to a little overcast and a light afternoon breeze. One of those classic North Idaho mornings that simply feels good to be outside.

Fishing, however, was another story. We managed four hatchery rainbow trout and one fish that looked to be a native, along with a single kokanee. We rotated through a variety of lures, depths, and presentations, trying just about everything we could think of.

The kokanee fishing, in particular, continues to be disappointing. It’s hard not to wonder what has changed since 2024, when the fishery seemed much stronger. The last several outings have all followed the same pattern—plenty of effort but very little reward. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to pattern these fish, and I’m left scratching my head about where they’ve gone.

By 1:30 in the afternoon we were back at the dock loading the boat for the drive to Athol. Lunch at Sweet Lou’s hit the spot before heading back to Twin Lakes for a relaxing afternoon.

In the evening we climbed into the golf cart and played an easy six-hole loop, starting on 13 and finishing on 18. No pressure, no scorecard—just a pleasant way to end the day. Later, Jim wandered over from next door and we sat on the deck visiting for a while before settling in to watch another episode of Stick.

All in all, the fishing may not have lived up to expectations, but the day itself certainly did. Sometimes the memories come more from the places, the weather, and the people than from what ends up in the net.