Pure, clean water permeates the core of the Payette River Mountains Region in the summertime, creating a recreation paradise for you and me. A bevy of glacial lakes like Big Payette Lake and wunderkind man-made gems like Lake Cascade are the main attraction for water skiers and wake-boarders, jet skiers, anglers and canoeists in Central Idaho. Toss in more than 150 mountain lakes – many of them well-stocked with fish – and the folks who like to see tight lines on their fishing poles begin to salivate. Many other medium-sized lakes like Warm Lake and Sagehen Reservoir offer opportunities for water sports and fishing in a more secluded setting in mountain valleys.

Lakes

If you want to go boating on a lake, bring your own craft or rent one from a variety of businesses in Cascade and McCall. Water ski boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, jet skis, canoes and lake kayaks all are available for rent at competitive rates. At Tamarack Resort’s waterfront facility near Donnelly, people can hire local concessionaire Pro Peak Sports to take them water skiing or wake-boarding on a per-hour basis. No matter which lake activity you try, it’ll be guaranteed to get you wet and keep you cool.

Power boat rentals:

  • Adventure Company, McCall, 208-634-1613
  • Cheap Thrills Rentals, McCall, 208-634-7472
  • CYA Sports, Cascade, 208-382-4386
  • McCall Power Sport Rentals, 208-634-8200
  • Mile High Sports, 208-634-8605
  • Harry’s Dry Dock & Sports Marina, McCall, 208-634-8530
  • Tamarack Waterfront, www.tamarackidaho.com, 877-TAM-RESORT

Water Ski and wake board outfitter: