Payette Lake is famous for its scenic shoreline marked by private homes, public beach access and the Payette National Forest. The miles of shoreline bordered by national forest will always keep Payette Lake the pristine gem of McCall.

The Payette Lake Protective League was formed in 2003 to project and preserve the lake environment and Payette Lake boating ordinances and environmental lake studies can be found on its website.

Boat Launches

Public access to Payette Lake is plentiful through State and City parks and launching your boat is easy compared to many other lakeside resorts and metropolitan areas - though there is a scarcity of long term moorage.

The City of McCall operates a public boat launch at the Mile High Marina with minimal waits and adequate parking for trailers. There is also a deep draft boat launch at Ponderosa Park and another launch for small craft off Warren Wagon Road near the west side of the day use area at North Beach. A good web link for information on boat launches, sailing and services on Payette Lake is at sailidaho.com.

Moorage

For day use, on the south shore of Payette Lake you are welcome to moor your boat at Shore Lodge and enjoy a nice meal or refreshments there. Short term moorage (less than two weeks) is available by reservation at Mile High Marina. In downtown McCall, May Marina has 90 slips (42 for sailboats) for seasonal reservation - and there is usually a waiting list.

At the northernmost point of Payette Lake, pull up on the white sands of North Beach-you'll find plenty of space to beach blanket bingo, swim the dogs or tube the kids from there.

Little Payette and Upper Payette Lakes

Little Payette Lake is mainly a hang out for float tubing fly anglers in search of big trout but it's also off the beaten path for low key still water paddling in your canoe or kayak. Both Little and Upper Payette Lakes offer a quiet refuge and a true bonanza for bird watching in the spring, summer and fall-from Sandhill Cranes to the Western Grebes, one of the most common species on the lake. The best access to Little Payette Lake - which has a boat launch - is from Lick Creek Road.