Formed by glaciers and encircled by mountain peaks and deep green forests, Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho’s largest lake and, indeed, one of the largest inland lakes in North America. A renowned recreation and fishing mecca with a shoreline of 143 miles, its depth has been measured in excess of 1,170 feet. Anglers can try for kokanee salmon, Kamloops, rainbow, brown, brook and hybrid trout. It also has populations of large mouth bass, whitefish, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill and brown bullhead. The name came from the early French trappers, referring to the earlobe pendants worn by the local Indian tribe. Sandpoint is the largest city on Lake Pend Oreille, situated on the northwest shore at the Pend Oreille River.