Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is an alpine lake in the western United States in central Idaho. It is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in Custer County, south of Stanley.

Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake and the Sawtooth Range
Redfish Lake Redfish Lake
Location	Custer County, Idaho
Coordinates	44°7′N 114°56′W
Type	Glacial
Primary inflows	Redfish Lake Creek
Primary outflows	Redfish Lake Creek to Salmon River
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	4.5 mi (7.2 km)
Max. width	.72 mi (1.16 km)
Max. depth	387 ft (118 m)
Shore length^1	11 mi (18 km)
Surface elevation	6,547 ft (1,996 m)
^1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

It is named for the brilliant sockeye salmon that once returned from the Pacific Ocean in such massive quantities that the lake shimmered red during spawning season. Currently, only a small percentage of the wild sockeye succeed in making through the several hydroelectric dams along their route back to the lake to spawn. Sockeye must not be targeted while fishing and must immediately be released if they are caught.

The surface elevation of Redfish Lake is 6,547 feet (1,996 m) above sea level. The lake is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long and 0.72 miles (1.2 km) wide, with a maximum depth of 387 feet (118 m), and 11 miles (18 km) of shoreline. The actual trail around the lake is 17.5 miles (28 km) in length.

The average temperature of the lake ranges from freezing (32 °F (0 °C)) to a high of around 62 °F (17 °C) in late July & early August. The lake freezes over in winter, with ice thickness of 30–36 inches (75–90 cm).

The peaks which frame the lake at its south end are

• Mount Heyburn at 10,229 ft (3,118 m) to the west
• Grand Mogul at 9,733 feet (2,967 m).

Redfish Lake is approximately five miles (8 km) south of Stanley; a paved access road from State Highway 75 delivers motorists to the visitor area at the north shore of the lake.[1][2]

Redfish Lake, looking south

References

1. Visit Idaho.org - Redfish Lake
2. Redfish Lake.com - FAQ