Outdoor Adventures

Chase Lake is a 174.2-acre Recommended Fishing Water in Bonner County, Idaho, with a small public access that is more useful than its low profile suggests. Idaho Fish and Game’s current access dataset marks the site active and lists an earthen ramp, dock, toilet, ADA fishing access and primitive camping. The lake’s special rules allow electric motors only and protect smaller largemouth bass. This guide covers the exact access point, facilities, fishing and limits verified September 20, 2026.

Chase Lake access at a glance

• Official status: Active Idaho Fish and Game fishing access
• Water: Chase Lake, 174.2 acres, Pend Oreille River drainage
• County / region: Bonner County / IDFG Panhandle Region
• Exact agency coordinates: 48.457510, -116.828476
• Launch: Earthen boat ramp
• Other listed facilities: Dock, toilet and ADA fishing access
• Camping: Access dataset notes primitive camping; Fishing Planner lists no developed campground
• Motor rule: Electric motors only
• Primary fish: Largemouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish and white crappie

Exact access point and public status

The official IDFG Fishing and Boating Access dataset record 6 places the active Chase Lake site at 48.45750983, -116.82847623. The map below uses those coordinates rounded to six decimals. Route to the coordinates rather than relying only on the lake name; there is a Chase State Fishing Lake in Kansas and other similarly named waters.

The record identifies the site as a fishing access in Bonner County and lists its status as active. That confirms public access through the IDFG system, but it does not promise that every approach, ramp condition or amenity will suit every vehicle. Download the route before leaving reliable service, follow posted signs and keep private drives clear.

Earthen ramp and dock: what to expect

IDFG describes the launch as an earthen ramp, not a paved marina ramp. The same current access record and the Chase Lake Fishing Planner list a dock. Prepare the boat and gear before occupying the ramp, inspect the launch edge before backing down, and avoid assuming a heavy trailer can use the site under every water or weather condition.

The official records do not publish a ramp grade, firm-surface width, water depth, parking-space count, fee, lighting or overnight-parking rule. Leave those details unknown until verified on site. A small boat, canoe or kayak may be easier to manage here than a large trailered rig, but visitors remain responsible for deciding whether current conditions fit their equipment.

Electric motors only

Chase Lake’s special fishing rules state electric motors only. Plan on paddling, rowing or using an electric motor. Do not interpret the existence of a boat ramp as permission to operate a gasoline outboard on the lake. Review the current rule again before launching because regulations can change through proclamations or emergency actions.

This restriction helps define the experience: Chase Lake is better suited to quiet fishing and small-craft use than high-speed boating. Check battery charge, carry a paddle and stay within a comfortable return range if wind builds.

Fishing species and practical tactics

IDFG recommends Chase Lake for bluegill, pumpkinseed and other sunfish; largemouth bass; yellow perch; and white crappie. Agency surveys documented brown bullhead, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch in 2008. Those observations verify species presence at that time, not current abundance or a guaranteed catch.

• Bass: Work weed edges, shaded shoreline cover and changes in depth with weed-resistant presentations.
• Perch and sunfish: Try small jigs, bait where legal and light tackle around vegetation or the dock without crowding other users.
• Crappie: Look for suspended fish and shoreline cover, especially during lower-light periods.
• Bullhead: The survey record documents brown bullhead even though bullhead is not on the planner’s recommended-game-fish list.

The Fishing Planner shows no stocking records for Chase Lake. Plan around its existing warmwater fishery rather than expecting a recent catchable-trout stocking event.

Special bass limit

The current 2025–2027 special rule sets a bass limit of six, but only two may be largemouth bass, and no largemouth bass under 16 inches may be kept. Measure fish before placing them in a livewell and confirm the species. The special rule replaces the general Panhandle bass provision where it is more restrictive.

Fishing is generally open all year unless a special rule says otherwise. Always check the live Idaho fishing rules and updates before a trip, carry the required license, and follow any posted site notices.

Toilet, ADA listing and primitive camping

The access dataset lists a toilet and ADA fishing access. It does not describe the toilet type, parking layout, route surface, grades, railing, transfer equipment or exact accessible shoreline feature. Visitors who require a particular accommodation should contact the IDFG Panhandle Regional Office before departure rather than assuming every part of the earthen access is accessible.

IDFG’s access notes say “Primitive camping,” while the Fishing Planner’s facility table says “Campground: No.” Read those entries together: the site may allow primitive camping, but it is not listed as a developed campground. The official sources do not publish campsite counts, reservations, potable water, fire rings, stay limits or an overnight-parking policy. Obey current signs, fire restrictions and site-specific instructions; bring water and pack out all waste.

Seasonal planning

• Spring: Expect cold water, soft ground and possible debris. Inspect the earthen ramp before committing a vehicle.
• Summer: Warmwater fishing is the main draw. Arrive early for cooler conditions and less pressure at the small access.
• Fall: Cooler air can hide dangerous water temperatures. Bring dry layers and allow daylight for retrieval.
• Winter: Do not assume the approach, ramp, toilet, dock or ice is maintained. Verify conditions locally and assess ice independently.

Safety and low-impact use

• Wear a properly fitted life jacket and dress for the water temperature.
• Carry a paddle even when using an electric motor.
• Inspect the earthen ramp for mud, drop-offs and traction before backing down.
• Keep the dock and ramp clear for other users.
• Check weather and wind before crossing the lake.
• Use an offline map and tell someone your return plan.
• Clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and fishing gear between waters.
• Stop at an open Idaho watercraft-inspection station when directed.

Nearby Idaho Panhandle alternatives

For another small Bonner County lake with a defined public launch, see the Cocolalla Lake boat-ramp guide. The Spirit Lake launch guide compares three access points and their parking limits. If a larger-river setting fits the trip better, the Clark Fork Driftyard guide covers a year-round ramp, seasonal road conditions and current river rules.

Chase Lake trip checklist

• Route to 48.457510, -116.828476.
• Plan for an earthen ramp and small access.
• Use paddles, oars or an electric motor only.
• Recheck the special bass size and harvest limits.
• Verify any needed accessibility feature before leaving.
• Treat camping as primitive and confirm current posted rules.
• Bring drinking water, life jackets, an offline map and a backup plan.

Chase Lake is a strong fit for anglers who want a quiet, specifically regulated Panhandle water with a verified ramp and dock. Its value comes from practical access and a documented warmwater fishery—not full-service facilities. Arrive prepared for an earthen launch, respect the electric-motor rule and leave unverified amenities out of the plan.