Redfish Lake, Glacial lake in Custer County, Idaho

Redfish Lake is a glacial lake nestled in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho, surrounded by steep mountain slopes and evergreen forests. The water is deep and fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, creating a landscape shaped by ancient glacial activity.

The lake's name comes from the sockeye salmon that once returned from the Pacific in such numbers that the water shimmered red during spawning season. Hydroelectric dams along their route now let only a small percentage of wild sockeye reach the lake. Anglers must release any sockeye caught.

The name comes from the sockeye salmon that once turned the lake red in spawning season. Anglers must release any sockeye caught. In summer the Redfish Lake Lodge runs a cross-lake ferry for hikers and sightseers, and the visitor center offers interpretive programs.

The lake has five campgrounds with varying facilities and multiple boat ramps for water activities, plus sandy swimming areas along the shore. Hiking trails connect the lake to the surrounding mountains and lead into the nearby wilderness, making it a good base for exploring the area.

The lake's name comes from the sockeye salmon that once returned from the Pacific in such numbers that the water shimmered red during spawning. Today only a small share of wild sockeye get past the hydroelectric dams on their route; any caught must be released at once.