Payette Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Payette Lake |
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Panoramic view of southern shore in McCall
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 Payette Lake
Location in the United States
Payette Lake
Location in Idaho
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| Location | Valley County, Idaho, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 44°57′N 116°05′W / 44.95°N 116.09°W |
| Primary inflows | North Fork Payette River |
| Primary outflows | North Fork Payette River |
| Catchment area | 144 square miles (373 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
| Max. width | 2.25 miles (3.62 km) |
| Surface area | 4,986.7 acres (2,018.0 ha) |
| Average depth | 121 feet (36.8 m) |
| Water volume | 0.18 cubic miles (0.75 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 22 miles (36 km) |
| Surface elevation | 4,990 feet (1,520 m) |
| Settlements | McCall, Idaho |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Payette Lake is a large natural lake located in the western United States. It sits in west-central Idaho within Valley County. The pretty resort town of McCall rests right along its southern shore.
This chilly mountain body of water covers nearly 5,000 acres. Huge moving sheets of ice carved out the basin during ancient ice age times. Water fills the lake from the North Fork of the Payette River. This system forms a part of a larger drainage basin that flows onward into the Snake River.
Contents
Geography and Size of Payette Lake
Payette Lake sits high up in the mountains. Its surface reaches an elevation of 4,990 feet (1,520 m) above sea level.
The lake is very deep and holds a massive volume of clear water. It stretches around 6 miles long and over 2 miles wide. Its shoreline winds for about 22 miles around quiet coves and sandy spots. Forests cover the surrounding peaks, sending mountain rain and melting snow down toward the shore. A small control dam built in 1943 manages the outflow at the southwest corner. The water level usually reaches its peak height in July before dropping gradually by December. Downstream, the river empties into a large reservoir called Lake Cascade.
History of the Lake and McCall
Early Inhabitants and Gold Miners
Long before towns appeared, Native American groups lived around the lake for thousands of years. They hunted game, gathered plants, and fished in the clear waters.
In the 1830s, Euro-American fur trappers arrived to explore the rugged mountain valleys. Everything changed quickly in 1862 when prospectors discovered shiny gold in the surrounding river basins. Many miners rushed into the wilderness hoping to strike rich deposits. By the 1880s, permanent settlers established the townsite of McCall.
Growing into a Vacation Spot
Travelers found it much easier to visit after 1914. During that year, workers extended a new railroad line and better roads straight to McCall. The area soon transformed into a bustling year-round vacation spot for outdoor lovers.
Around this time, a grand resort called the Payette Lakes Club opened upon a hill overlooking the water. It hosted visitors who enjoyed music, lakeside relaxation, and cultural lectures known as Chautauqua gatherings. In 1920, the Idaho State Land Board began leasing vacation cabin lots along the lake. During the 1960s, outdoor fun expanded further with the creation of Ponderosa State Park and the nearby Brundage Mountain Ski Area.
Outdoor Fun and Wildlife at the Water
Fish Species in Payette Lake
Fishing is one of the most exciting activities at Payette Lake. Anglers visit from all over to cast lines from the shore or motor out in boats.
Many prize fish swim inside the cold water, including:
- Rainbow, cutthroat, and lake trout
- Kokanee salmon
- Tiger muskie and walleye
- Smallmouth bass and crappie
Water Sports and Boating
During sunny summer months, Payette Lake fills with families having fun. People enjoy swimming, sailing, wakeboarding, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding across the blue water. Marinas rent equipment so visitors can explore the lake and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
