Fishing
Fishing in Gem County
Find your favorite fishing hole and all the gear you need to catch the big ones.
Fishing is one of Idaho's favorite pastimes. Gem County has many large ponds, the Payette River, mountain water and reservoirs with a large variety of fish.
Most fishing areas are regularly stocked and fishing limits insure trophy-size fish abound.
Airport Pond Crappie, Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill & Largemouth Bass. Located by the Emmett Airport. From Hwy 52/16 junction, travel 1.6 miles west on Hwy 52 to Airport Road. Turn south on Airport Road and travel 1/2 mile to the pond turnoff (just before reaching the golf course). Turn west and travel 1/10 of a mile to Airport Pond.
Black Canyon Reservoir Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bullhead, Bluegill, Yellow Perch. Located on Hwy 52, NE of Emmett. Over 1,100 acres of mixed recreational use.
Ed's Pond Rainbow Trout, Bluegill. Located on Gem Island Sports Complex. Open dawn til dusk. From the Highway 52/16 junction, travel 1.4 miles north on Hwy 52/Washington Ave through Emmett. Just before reaching the Payette River bridge, turn west (left) on Carson Street and travel 2/10 of a mile to Boise Avenue. Turn north on Boise Avenue, bear left and cross the bridge into Gem Island Park. Follow the road to the lower end of the park and Ed's Pond. Bathrooms, dock and handicap access.
Ed's Pond was named for Rotarian, County Commissioner and local hero for youth, Ed Mansfield.
Payette River Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout. Running through Gem County, the 34 miles of the Payette River offers many opportunities for fishing from the bank, bridges or by water craft. Access can be found at Plaza Bridge, Washington Street Bridge and the Letha Bridge.
Sagehen Reservoir Located north of Ola, Idaho, Sagehen Reservoir offers fishing, camping and other outdoor activities.
Sawyer's Ponds Largemouth Bass, Bullhead, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout. Located two miles southwest of Emmett, 5 acres, off Salesyard Road. Owned by Idaho Fish & Game, there are three large ponds, a dock, handicap access boat ramp and restrooms.
Star Road Pond Largemouth Bass, Crappie. From Hwy 52/16 junction, travel 3.3 miles west on Hwy 52 to Star Lane. Turn south on Star Lane and travel 1.2 miles to the Star Lane Pond turnoff. Turn east and travel 2/10 of a mile to Star Pond.
Where to find your fishing equipment, license and bait
- 1308 S. South Washington Ave, Emmett
- (208) 365-4804
- Fishing & Hunting gear, full line
- Licenses
- Bait
ESE Gunsmiths
- 107 S. Commercial Ave, Emmett
- (208) 365-4272
- Licenses
- 212 W. Main Street, Emmett
- (208) 365-3864
- Fishing and hunting supplies
- Licenses
- Bait
Shell/Scogans Food Mart
- 1340 S. Washington Ave, Emmett
- (208) 365-5933
- Licenses
Wild Willy's
- 1900 N. Washington Av, Emmett
- (208) 365-2291
- Fishing and hunting supplies
- Licenses
- Bait
HELPFUL LINKS
- Idaho Fish & Game
- Fish Identification Chart (from Fish & Game)
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