Best Bass Lakes of 2012: Lake Coeur d’Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene is a 25,000-acre glacially formed reservoir that produces solid limits of 4-pounders without rest.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the Top 10, this 25,000-acre glacially formed reservoir produces solid limits of 4-pounders without rest. According to Elite Series pro Brandon Palaniuk, who hails from Rathdrum, Idaho, and fishes the best bass lakes in the country, there are very few bodies of water that equal its consistency. Forty to 50 fish days are common. And perhaps the neatest aspect of this lake is the diverse habitat it offers both bass and bass anglers. “Each part of the lake fishes differently and really helps anglers hone a bunch of different skills,” Palaniuk says.