Idaho is an incredible place with amazing wilderness areas and crystal clear lakes fed by pristine streams and rivers. One of the best places to dive in Idaho is in the scenic Sawtooth Valley, where the southwestern end of Redfish Lake borders the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness, whose jagged, toothlike peaks tower over the lake. Whether you live in Idaho or one of the surrounding states, or if you're planning a visit and wonder where to dive, look no further than Redfish Lake. You'll be amazed by what you find here.
Astonishing Geology and Incredible Wildlife
Located near the town of Stanley, and also just a short distance from Ketchum, which is the gateway to Sun Valley, this glacier fed mountain lake attracts divers from all over the northwest. Situated at an altitude of 6,547 feet above sea level, the lake offers visibility ranging from 40 to 80 feet during the summer months and diving is permitted anywhere in the lake, which has been stocked with Sockeye and Chinook salmon, and which is also home to a few species of trout, suckerfish, turtles, crayfish, and other freshwater aquatic species.
Surrounded by a seemingly endless forest of ponderosa and lodge pole pine, the lake features a few prominent points of interest; one of these is Schoolhouse Rock, which is a massive boulder 14 feet in diameter that rises up from a depth of about 20 feet to within a few feet of the surface. There is a beach entry site located at Point Campground near the lodge; here, you'll find a navigational course and a buoyancy diamond that local scuba centers use for training. Further out, at a depth of 60 feet, you'll find a 20 foot boat with a cabin that was found sunken in another part of the lake, and which was towed to this site as an additional attraction.
At the southern end of Redfish Lake, you'll find a site known as "The Wall" which is a steep series of ledges leading to a depth of 100 feet. Another interesting site was caused when a rockslide sent hundreds of trees and boulders down to a depth of about 80 feet; this is a good place to find Bull Trout. Be very careful since there are snag hazards here.
All around the lake, you'll find beautiful rock formations where fish like to spend their time; if you encounter salmon; try not to disturb them since they are very shy. Watch out for overhead boat traffic as you explore, and be careful of lost fishing tackle. Besides some expensive fishing lures, you'll occasionally find other artifacts on the lake bottom, including old bottles and cans dating back to the early 1900's.
Topside, the wildlife is abundant. While wolves are rarely spotted, they do live in the area, as do whitetail and mule deer, elk, and other big game animals. Lynx and wolverines are sometimes spotted, as are lots of chipmunks and squirrels, songbirds, and birds of prey; if you're lucky, you might spot a bald eagle or a peregrine falcon!
There are plenty of great accommodations here; lodges and campgrounds are abundant. The lake is only diveable during the summer months; usually the best time to visit is between Memorial Day and late September. The water is cold year-round, and dry suits are a must for all but the hardiest of divers, as are dive computers that automatically adjust for altitude. There are plenty of topside activities to keep you busy between dives; hiking, horseback riding, and guided boat tours of the lake are all popular ways to pass the time. An interesting site to add to your bucket list, Redfish Lake is one of those places that you will always remember.