CDA RIVER CHAIN LAKES

In Florida there is a chain of Islands called the Florida Keys. The Inland NW has no competing chain of Islands, but there is a spectacular chain of lakes with beautiful vistas, clear lakes and rivers full of fish and surrounded by wildlife, beautiful lake channels, and a boaters paradise. It is an assortment of lakes and rivers unlike any other place in the world and is the premier jewel of the Inland NW. Another unique feature of this area is the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene which runs through the chain lakes system and beyond. (click here for more info  http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/trailofthecoeurdalenes.aspx or here http://friendsofcdatrails.org/)

To access the chain lakes you can start in Harrison Idaho or at the Cataldo Old Mission park and boat launch facility, and/or access the lakes via 3 boat launches and 2 parks without boat launches and river via the 7 boat launches along the river (info about the Old Mission go to Coeur d’Alene River section). From Old Mission you may hit a few shallow areas on your way down the river but for this article we will start in the Harrison Idaho public marina.

The boat you use on your trip to the chain lakes will impact what lakes you can access. All but 2 lakes have low laying bridges of about 4-5’ above the water (depending on the time of year and water height). Most of the channels are 10-20’ wide so for the average trailerable run about width or length should not be an issue. But the height and draft of your boat will be an issue in some of the channels and as we discuss each lakes channel the issues will become clear.

For those cruising up the river with a trailerable keelboat (I use a trailerable keelboat as an example since they are not over 26’ long, have a swing keel, and easily stepped masts of 15’-30’ tall. Keelboats with fixed keels [other than shoal draft] and are over 26’ are not suitable for the Coeur d’Alene River and Chain Lakes) who wish to access the chain lakes via the channels, with the mast up and keel retracted, the only two lakes that you will possibly be able to access are the Killarney Lake and maybe Swan. Swan Lake only has about one foot of water when leaving the channel into the lake, and both lake channels have no bridges.

In a trailerable keelboat or Hobie Island with pedal drive I think I could make it all the way either direction (depending on river current speed) from Harrison to the Old mission and vise versa in 2-3 days, maybe one day if I make no stops and go non stop from dawn to dusk. With a power boat non stop one way or the other it’s a good half day trip at legal cruising speed with most average runabouts.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in name of the Lake or river in Idaho and you will see the lakes and river easily. Also use it for road info to access the lakes and river.

HARRISON, IDAHO – Deep Draft Boats/Keelboat

The city of Harrison is your access to the mouth of the Coeur d’Alene River (Southwest end of the river) & South East end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Starting in Harrison the boat launch facility can accommodate almost any street legal trailerable power boat or trailerable keelboat (depending on your fixed keel depth and water level you could launch from this boat launch). The public dock facilities at the Harrison Marina are excellent and maintained by Kootenai County Parks & Water Ways with restrooms, running water (running water is only available in Harrison, the Old Mission, and at the exit 34 junction), and the ONLY pumpout on the Coeur d’Alene River. There is also a private marina at this location with restaurant and one gas pump. It is best to fuel up before getting to Harrison as fuel is not always available at this one pump. There certainly is no diesel fuel available. The nearest gas station is at exit 34 on I90 & HWY 3 junction or in St. Marries some 30 miles away. In addition there is a city run RV and camp ground down by the private marina. The town of Harrison during the summer particularly has several wonderful restaurants, a grocery store, and lots of festivals. Go to http://www.harrisonidaho.org/index.cfm to learn more about this city and its annual activities.

During my trip to the chain lakes I accessed the lakes via a 20’ pontoon boat with 50 hp outboard and a Hobie Island sail yak. I spent 5 days checking out the chain lakes and even via a power boat 5 days was a bit quick to spend any significant amount of time playing on these lakes. If your time is limited I suggest you pick just one or two lakes to visit and then make a few more trips to hit all the lakes. I might add that accessing all 11 chain lakes via a 20’ pontoon boat is not possible from the Coeur d’Alene River since 3 of the lake channels prohibit or limit you from entering the lakes depending on your boat type and 3 other lakes have no navigate-able channels from the river. With a Canoe or Kayak you can access 8 of the lakes that have navigate-able channels from the river. There is a debate among locals whether all 11 lakes should be called the Chain lakes or just 7 of the lakes that can be accessed via channels directly from the river. All 11 lakes are very close to the river and all have creeks and or channels that go directly into the river. For my report I have kept it simple by including all 11 as chain lakes - I am sure the debate among locals will go on forever.

Directions: To get to Harrison from either the city of Coeur d’Alene or Missoula MT. take I90 and take either Exit 22 onto Hwy 97 to Harrison or take Exit 34 onto HWY 3 then turn right onto HWY 97 west to Harrison. Harrison Chamber of Commerce http://www.harrisonidaho.org/index.cfm  Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Harrison, Idaho.

Boat Launch: http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/HarrisonDocks.asp

Anderson Lake (720 acres) – Mid Draft Boats

Starting from Harrison and going up stream (NE) on the Coeur d’Alene River the first channel and lake you will come to is Anderson Lake, which is the largest of the chain lakes at 720 acres. The channel is fairly easy to find because it is right after the HWY 97 bridge (the first bridge you will come to. There is also a boat launch next to this bridge) on the right (E.). This channel entrance has a small bridge with the name of the lake on it. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene bike trail runs the full length of the river chain lake system on the east side; thus, any lake on this side of the river has a bike bridge over the channel. The channel height limit due to the bridge is about 5’ high and 10’ wide (all measurements are estimates so don’t quote me) with a depth of about 4’-6’. Very tight fits for some mid draft boats. When exiting into a lake (all the channels) be sure to make a physical reference as once you leave a channel into a lake it can be hard to find it again due to how the channel exit area blends in with its surroundings.

Once in Anderson Lake you will find it quite large and fun to water ski and fish on. There are a few houses on the east side of the lake and a good depth in the middle. Like all the chain lakes the shore line is covered in vegetation and surrounded by wild life and full of fish. There is no public facility on this lake. To get to the lake via road drive on HWY 97 and turn on E. Bell Rd, and the turn on S. Anderson Lake Rd and find a place along the road like the shore fishermen do and access the lake via hand launch.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Anderson Lake, Idaho and select #2 for the correct lake on mapquest.

Thompson Lake (260 acres) – Mid Draft Boats

The next lake on our way up the river is Thompson Lake. The channel to this lake is marked by a sign with the name of the lake at a boat launch (no restroom, running water, or dock), which is right at the entrance to the lake. The entrance to the lake is on the left (NE.) side of the river. The bridge clearance is about 4 feet high with width of about 6 feet, and water depth of 4 or so feet. There are also several power lines running across this channel. Again remember once you exit this channel into the lake make sure you make a visual reference as once you leave the channel its very hard to find as it blends in so well with its surroundings. I was expecting this lake to be totally un-navigate-able due to water weeds, etc. but I found the lake on the E. end where the channel enters was free of weeds in its deepest point and to the S. there is a nice defined channel along the lily pads. This is NOT a lake you should water ski/tub on. Room for water skiing or tubing would be very restricted and certainly would disturb the abundant wild life, so go to this lake to view the wild life or go fishing. I viewed the most wildlife on my trip at this lake such as wild turkey, deer, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and fish jumping. To access this lake via road drive on HWY 97 and turn on E. Blue Lake Rd, and continue on this road until you come to the boat launch or see open water and a nice place to park along the road like the shore fishermen do and access the lake via hand launch.

Maps: Since you can not find Thompson Lake by type in the words on mapquest, type instead Anderson Lake, Idaho on www.mapquest.com and select #2 this will take you to Anderson Lake of course and right across the river from this lake you will see Thompson Lake.

Blue Lake (200 acres) – Mid Draft Boats

Blue lake is our next lake to visit and is about 300 acres. The shoreline of this lake is totally private. The channel to this lake is well defined by an old rail road car used as a bridge with beefy boarded sides that go into the water with a height above the water of 8 ft or so. Overall it’s a deep channel (about 6 ft) except when you are entering the lake as it gets a bit shallower (about 3’ ft). At times the channel can become very narrow (about 6’) so when getting ready to enter or exit you will need to work with other boats in taking turns entering and leaving the channel. The exit of this channel is very close to a large hill to the NW. The shore line of this lake is totally private but of course the water is public and this lake appears to be a very nice lake to water ski/tube on and of course like all the chain lakes it’s a good fishing lake. There is no public facility on this lake. This lake has some high hills along the W, N, S side of the lake, very beautiful. To access this lake via road IF OPEN from Harrison via HWY 97, then E. Blue Lake Rd, and then right onto N. Brewster Rd. This road runs along E. shore of the lake and even though there are no boat launches you could launch your sail yak or small dinghy into the lake via this road next to or near the bridge again if the road is open.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Blue Lake, Idaho and select #7 for the correct lake on mapquest.

Black Lake (400) – Mid Draft Boats

Our next lake is Black Lake at 308 acres with a depth of 10-30 ft. The channel to this lake can be potentially hard to find as it blends in well with its surroundings. Sorry there is just no feature that stands out to mark the channel to this lake, however when coming from Harrison you will know you have passed the channel when you start to see a ranch with a series of white fences on your right (E.) or vise versus pass the white fences. Once in the channel you will have to pass under a bike bridge (4’ high, 8’ wide, with water depth of about 4’) with a Black Lake sign on it. Very tight fit for some mid draft boats to get under this bridge. When exiting from the channel there is a telephone pole in the water which is a good feature to use to help you find the channel again on your way back out.

This lake has a deep and rocky shore line and with high hills almost all round the lake, quite stunning, and weeds on the east end. It also has the most homes around it out of all the chain lakes, yet this fact does not seem to distract from its beauty or wildlife; I saw my first beaver on this trip in the Black Lake channel. This is also an excellent fishing lake. It is also a nice lake to water ski/tube on but please stay in the middle of the lake so your boat wake does not annoy the lake side residents. There is a public dock on the east end of the lake with no boat launch, restroom, or running water so you can launch a kayak or small dinghy from the dock but you will have to paddle some distance to get through the grass and lily pads, there is limited amount of space to park (2-3 vehicles without trailer). To access the lake and public dock from HWY 3, turn onto Black Lake Rd. and follow the signs to the Black Lake Boat Launch.

Maps: Since you can not find Black Lake by type in the words on mapquest, type instead Swan Lake, Idaho on www.mapquest.com and select #4 this will take you to Swan Lake of course and then pan down and to the left a little (Southwest) to locate Black Lake. Public Dock: http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/BlackLake.asp Notice: Black Lake Marina is not longer open to the public.

Swan Lake (400 acres) – Dinghies

Just a few hundred feet up the river from the Black Lake channel entrance is the Swan Lake entrance, marked by two telephone poles with bird perches on each side of the channel entrance. The channel is wide (10’-15’) and deep as you enter (6’), but don’t let appearances fool you as once you begin to exit the channel into the lake you’ll find the water depth will only be about a foot deep with no well defined channel into the deep part of the lake. Due to this fact Swan Lake is not suitable for powerboats with drafts beyond this depth and you surely do no want to be sucking up weeds and mud into your motor uptakes (there’s lots of this stuff to suck up when entering the lake). However canoes, kayaks, small fishing boats, dinghy sailboats, and other shallow draft crafts are suitable for this lake. Swan Lake is 400 acres. You will have to travel several hundred feet through the shallow area of the lake before getting to the main body of the lake with an average depth of 5-20’. There is also Swan Island which is probably about an acre of land and is open to the public with no dock facility, running water, or restrooms but has two picnic tables and primitive trail. This is one of my favorite lakes for sailing as it seems to be situated in an ideal location for wind coming up from Harrison, yet also has mountains to the N which create an evening thermal wind. Plus its a popular fishing lake. There is no public boat launch on this lake.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Swan Lake, Idaho and select #4 for the correct lake on mapquest.

The next channel we enter after Swan Lake is the entrance to both Medicine and Cave Lakes. The entrance to this channel is right after you pass a large independent hill right next to the river (only such hill on the river) and there is also an area next to the channel entrance that is used for camping and launching of small boats (with a paved boat launch just about a hundred feet down stream, S. called Medimont Boat Launch) with no restroom, running water, or dock. This channel is deep (6’) and wide but like Swan Lake the channel has its limitations. The first obstacle you come to is a bike bridge with a limited area of 6’ high, 6’ wide (approximate) with depth of about 6’, after this bridge there is even a smaller bridge with a tunnel under it, with an opening of only about 4’ high, 6’ wide, and 3 foot water depth (the smallest such opening of all the chain lake bridges). Just before this bridge there are two smaller channels in view of the bridge which dead end into small ponds. When I went through this second bridge with my Hobie Adventure Island sail yak I had to of course drop my mast and fold in my outriggers. There is a shallow and primitive boat launch on this lake just after exiting the bridge tunnel with restroom but no running water (Rainy Hill Boat Launch). Medicine Lake is about 400 acres and is a popular fishing lake. Cave lake (see info below in next lake section) is accessed via this lake (Medicine Lake) via another bridge and short channel.

NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE SITE

Rainy Hill & Medimont Boat Launch - Toilets, primitive boat ramp. There is an additional boat launch on Medimont Road 1/2 mile further west right on the river and is a launch site only with no additional facilities. Last time I checked there is no fee at these two sites. Directions: 23 miles east of Coeur d'Alene on I-90, take exit 34 (Rose Lake), drive 11 miles on State Hwy 3, turn west and drive 1 mile to boating area. Altitude: 2100'

There is no BLM boating sites on this lake.

Directions: From HWY 3 take the E. Rainy Hill Rd. for about a mile and watch the sign for Rainy Hill boat launch (http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/33.html). This boat launch is on Medicine Lake and gives you boating access to Cave Lake to the west. Sometimes people will confuse Rainy Hill Boat Launch on Medicine Lake with Medimont Boat Launch. Medimont Boat launch is on the CdA River off of E. Rainy Hill Rd. http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/Medimont.asp Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Medicine Lake, Idaho and you will see the lake easily. Medicine lake is next to and larger than Cave lake.

Cave Lake (700 acres) – Dinghies via channel from Medicine Lake

(If you are only reading about this lake you must read the Medicine Lake section to know how to get to this lake from the Coeur d’Alene River).

After exiting the channel into Medicine Lake and as you pass the boat launch you look right (W.) you will see a bridge, this is the entrance into Medicine Lake. The channel is about 4-5 high, about 8 feet wide, and about 3-5’ deep depending on the time of year you visit. Like Anderson Lake it is one of the larger lakes and a really nice lake to enjoy the wind and open water on, a really nice sailing lake. There is no public facility on this lake but since the Medicine lake boat launch is so close to the entrance of this lake its best to access the lake from there. This lake is mostly in the open (no hills near by) with of lots lily pads and grass along its shoreline.

Directions: From HWY 3 take the E. Rainy Hill Rd. for about a mile and watch the sign for Rainy Hill boat launch. This boat launch is on Medicine Lake and gives you boating access to Cave Lake to the west via boating to the bridge channel to the West of this boat launch. Note that Rainy Hill Boat Launch (http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/33.html) as indicated gives you access to both Medicine and Cave lakes, and Medimont Boat Launch gives you access to the river not the lakes http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/Medimont.asp Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Cave Lake, Idaho and you will see the lake easily. Cave lake is next to and larger than Medicine lake.

Killarney Lake (500 acres) – Mid Draft Boats

Killarney Lake is the deepest of the chain lakes at about 100 ft. The channel to this lake is marked by a boat launch on the left (E.) side of the CdA River right at the entrance to the channel with the name of the lake on a very visible sign. This channel is long, wide (20’), and deep (6-10’) and in most cases wide enough for boats to pass each other safely (largest channel of the chain lakes). This lake also has two islands, one which is private (Hidden Island) on the southwest side. This islands western most shore is connected to a large wet land. To the N. is Popcorn Island (also known as Killarney Island). You may find it hard to find when you first enter the lake as it blends in well with its background. So head N. on the lake and you will find it. It’s a wooded dome shaped Island with one campsite on top and a dock on its N. shore with a sign that says, of course, Popcorn Island. It also has a nice trail that goes around it and some picnic areas. To the E. on this lake is a boat launch with dock (nice little channel that runs from the launch into deeper part of the lake), campsites, and restroom, very nice facilities (YES it has running water). There is another camping area with dock a short distance from the boat launch with no launch facility (see more info below). This lake is great for any water sport activity.

BLM BOAT LAUNCH & CAMP SITES (All facilities on this lake are ran by the BLM) - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_.html

Killarney Lake Boat Launch - Concrete boat ramp, docks, paved parking and 12 primitive camp units are situated on the shore of the Lake (no hook ups). Drinking water is available from a hand lift pump. Camp units, water and vault toilet are accessible. Snow is plowed in the winter for ice fishing access. The last time I checked Fees for using this site is $8/site, plus $1/each additional person over 5 persons. Open year around.  Directions: About 28 miles southeast of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. US-90 east from Coeur d'Alene for 19 miles to the Rose Lake/St. Maries exit. Follow State Highway 3 south for 4 miles and take Killarney Lake Road to the right for 3.5 miles.

Killarney Lake Picnic Site - This small site on the Shore of Killarney Lake has one picnic unit and two tent camping units. Access is by boat or a short foot path from the road. There is no drinking water. A pit toilet and one boat dock are provided. There is no fee to use this site the last time I checked and is open year-round. Directions: About 29 miles southeast of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. US-90 east from Coeur d'Alene for 19 miles to the Rose Lake/St. Maries exit. Follow State Highway 3 south for 4 miles and take Killarney Lake Road to the right for 4 miles.

Popcorn Island - This small, one-acre Island on the northern end of Killarney Lake is developed with a boat dock, vault toilets, one primitive camp unit and one picnic unit. No fees to use this site the last time I checked. Use season: May through September. Directions: About 28 miles southeast from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Boat access only, nearest launch site is Killarney Lake. From Coeur d'Alene take US-90 east for 19 miles to the Rose Lake/St. Maries exit, follow Highway 3 south for 4 miles and take Killarney Lake Road to the right for 3.5 miles.

There is no FOREST SERVICE sites/access on this lake.
 

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Killarney Lake, Idaho and you will see this lake easily. Boat Launch & Park info: http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/KillarneyLaunch.asp - Popcorn (Killarney) Island info http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/KillarneyIsland.asp

Lake Killarney Boat Launch - Not a very deep launch site so you really need a shallow draft boat to launch from this site.

The next lake up the river is Rose Lake at 390 acres. Rose Lake is not accessible from the river. There is a creek that runs from the lake into the CdA River but it is totally engulfed in weeds and only runs during early spring during high run off so this creek is not accessible to even canoes or kayaks. However Rose Lake has one of the nicest boat launch facilities with dock and restroom of all the chain lakes. (No running water, but just up the road at exit 34 junction there is water at the gas station). And just up the road from the boat launch is a primitive campground you can camp at (4 campsites with dock). There are a lot of lily pads and weeds all the way around this lake but once out in the middle of the lake there is a significant amount of open water. Rose Lake is known for it good sailing conditions and great fishing, a very popular fishing lake without the negative affects of led from past mining activities further up the river. By the locals it is preferred you not water ski/tube and jet ski on this lake. To get to Rose Lake from either I90 (exit 34) or from Harrison on HWY 3 turn NW onto south toward E. Watson Rd., turn left at Rose Lake sportsman access rd. to the boat launch. Going straight on E. Watson Rd. past the sportsman access rd. takes you to a primitive campground with dock on Rose Lake.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Rose Lake, Idaho and you will see lakes easily.

Bull Run Lake at 90 acres (when full) is right off HWY 3. From HWY 3 turn on S Bull Run Rd. (S.E.) and cross the bridge over the CdA River (next to the bridge is a boat launch with restroom, but no running water), then you go right (SW) and you will come to a park next to the Lake with restroom but no running water. This lake is mostly covered in lily pads and is shallow. I am told it will not dry up in late summer but may come close and was also told it’s a nice fishing lake and great to view wildlife at/from. There is no boat launch at the park next to this lake so you will need to walk up the gravel road (S. Bull Run Rd.) a little with you canoe or kayak to the S. and launch from this road. You will have to work your way through the weeds and then paddle through the lily pads to get to the open water.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Rose Lake, Idaho and then scroll down the map a little to the S.W. and you will see Bull Run Lakes across the Coeur d’Alene River easily.

Porter Lake which is really more like a pond than a lake and is immediately south of (below) Rose Lake at about 50 acres when full. It will not totally dry up in late summer early fall but will come darn close, so it’s not really good for any water sport activities. There is of course no public facility on this lake and so kayaks and canoes are the boats of choice for this pond. I guess you could access the pond from HWY 3 via pushing your way through the grass and paddling your way through the lily pads. It is almost totally covered in lily pads with some open water right in the middle.

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Rose Lake, Idaho and then scroll down the map under Rose Lake and you will see Porter Lake. I have found no information on this lake other than what I have submitted here.

COEUR d’ALENE RIVER - Mid Draft Boats

The Coeur d’Alene River (CdA River) from Harrison to Old Mission State Park can be accessed via 7 boat launch facilities. Harrison and the Old Mission have restrooms, docks and running water but the 5 launch sites in between have no running water or docks. These 5 launch sites may or may not have their potable toilet system available. I found the Old Mission State Park (the Mission was built between 1848-1853 and is the oldest standing building in Idaho. The Coeur d’Alene Indians and Jesuits considered the site for the Mission sacred) to have really nice boat launch, docks, and park with restrooms and running water and was surprised by how deep the water is at the boat launch. The launch is right at a big bend in the river, which has created a very deep pool so even in the summer you can launch from this site. However, in late summer and early fall you may be backing your trailer over a lot of rocks to get to the water so if you have a big shinny boat you may want to launch a little further down the river preferably in Harrison. Up stream from the Mission is where the rapids but there are no rapids down stream to Harrison. On the opposite end of the river at its outlet is the city of Harrison and marina for launching your boat (see beginning of this article/section for info about this marina and launch sight). Directions: To access the Old Mission boat launch take exit 39 off I-90 and follow the frontage road past the Mission entrance on (S. Mission Rd). Maps: A map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Old Mission State Park, Idaho and you will see the park and Coeur d’Alene River. http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/oldmission.aspx

You will pass under 4 bridges if you start in Harrison and go all the way to the Old Mission and vise versa. There are no official bridge recorded heights. I passed under every bridge with a 15’ mast on my Hobie Adventure Island sailboat but it appears to me all the bridges have about 20-30’ of clearance maybe more depending on water height. If you do travel up the river via a sailboat (trailerable) be prepared to lower your mast due the bridges depending on your mast height, I believe any power boat with a fly bridge will not have any issues getting under the bridges. Also pay attention to possible to over hanging trees branches along the river bank and power lines. I saw no power lines over the river but that does not mean there are none and sometimes power lines are run along the bottom of bridges, so be careful. I did see power lines passing over the Thompson Lake channel but there is also a bridge across this channel so you must take down your mast or Bimini, etc. and keep it down while in the channel. Again the channels to the chain lakes have their limitations as indicated previously and only Swan and Killarney Lakes have NO bridges over their channels. Again Swan lake channel exit is very shallow when exiting into the lake.

The CdA River from the Old Mission to Harrison is pretty much a deep slow moving channel with no rapids with its occasional shallow area (boating channel runs 5-30’ and is some spots up to 65'). So pay attention and travel at a safe speed. Total distance on the river from Harrison to the Old Mission is about 22 miles. The boat trip from Harrison to the Old Mission and vise versa is a gorgeous trip with beautiful vistas and wildlife all along the way; a trip you may want to make again and again, I know I will!

Click here for RIVER FLOW INFO http://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/current/?type=flow

COEUR D’ALENE RIVER AND CHAIN LAKES BOATING RULES/LAWS

Ok I wanted to makes a special not related to boating at unsafe speeds in any of the chain lake channels and Coeur d’Alene River because while I was kayaking in one of these channels I almost got ran over at a sharp turns in a channel. I was so surprised to see a boat going so fast (about 20 mph) in such a narrow channel and totally disregard any level safe boating sense. Also going too fast and creating a large wake in any of the channels causes’ significant erosion.

·   Speed Limit on Lakes: Day - 50 mph; Night - 20 mph.

·   Speed Limit on Rivers: Day - 35 mph; Night - 20 mph.

·   No Wake Zone (5 mph) on Lakes: Within 200' of shoreline, dock, pier, breakwater or person in the water.

·   No Wake Zone on Rivers: 100'.

·   No Wave Zone on Chain Lake Channels and tributaries

·   Adult supervision is required when an operator of a boat or other vessel is between the ages of 10 to 14 unless the motor is 15 horsepower or less.

·   Children aged 14 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when they are aboard a vessel 19' long or less when the vessel is underway or under power. This applies to manually propelled boats as well as motorboats.

Swimming on and eating fish from the Coeur d’Alene River CAUTION notice!

Up river on the Coeur d’Alene River is was known for years of mining and thus contaminants such as lead have traveled down the river for years and thus sportsmen accessing the river system and chain lakes should know about the potential health hazards.

If you are visiting the area once a year then your concerns related to lead and other contaminates impacting your health is low to no affect. Still the US Department of Health & Human Services along with other organizations have issued the following warnings and recommendation:

Official Quotes:

The Frequency of exposure to containments such as lead and other negative compounds in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin would probably be low, however the potential for health concerns is generally low as well.

The Concentration of contaminants, in most locations within the Coeur d’Alene River Basin, is not at levels which could represent a human health threat. However it is not recommended that you eat fish from the Chain Lakes area.

Precautions:

See the official Public Health Assessment of the Coeur d’Alene River basin at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/bunkerhillmining/bunkerhillpha032607.pdf

FISH & GAME MAPS AND FISHING INFO

Fish & Game Coeur d’Alene Chain Lakes Wilderness Management Area

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wma/cda/info.cfm

Fish and Game CdA River map and planner - http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/WaterInfo.aspx?qt=1&ID=0&WID=8495