Idaho is famous for its shimmering lakes, first-rate trout fishing streams, and vast reservoirs that entice avid anglers with the possibility of diverse fishing experience. The bodies of water of Idaho are famous for the abundant population of fish species such as brown trout, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, steelhead, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and pike or walleye. Come spring, summer, and fall, the much-covered king salmon (steelhead) thrives on several Idaho rivers. Anglers are advised to check the Snake River or any of the waterways one intends to visit for current fishing regulations.
It is easy enough to procure an Idaho fishing license as this can be done through the website of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. For those who prefer to buy their fishing license personally, they can do so at authorized fishing license vendors and the regional office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
- Idaho Fishing License & Tag Information
- Buy Your ID Fishing License Online
- Idaho Lifetime Fishing Licenses
- List of Idaho Fishing License Vendors
All fishing rules and regulations across the lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water in the United States were established to protect the fish population. Snake River fishing regulations adhere to the same rules to maintain a healthy fish population that will thrive for generations. In connection, there are state regulations in place for each fish species for further protection.
Anglers are encouraged to contribute not only to the protection and conservation of Idaho's waterways but also in the clean-up and other related activities spearheaded by conservations groups and local clubs. A true angler knows the importance of preserving natural resources, even looking for ways and means to contribute to the cause.
Obtaining an Idaho Fishing License
There are several ways for Idaho anglers to purchase their fishing licenses.
- At a Vendor - Below is a list of vendors to choose from
|
River 1 |
201 Hillside Dr Challis, Idaho 83226 United States |
(208) 774-2270 |
|
Gateway Mini Mart |
610 Hwy 93 N. Challis, Idaho 83226 United States |
(208) 819-1246 |
|
The Village Square True Value |
600 Hwy 93 S. Challis, Idaho 83226 United States |
(208) 879-2338 |
|
Bent Rod Outdoors |
1303 E. Hwy 93 Challis, Idaho 83226 United States |
(208) 879-2500 |
|
Jerry's Country Store |
Hwy 75 Lower Stanley Stanley, Idaho 83278 United States |
(208) 774-3566 |
|
Smiley Creek Lodge |
16546 N Hwy 75 Stanley, Idaho 83278 United States |
(208) 774-3547 |
|
Ridleys |
411 Deinhard Lane Mccall, Idaho 83638 United States |
(208) 634-8719 |
|
Stanley Fly Shop |
166 Niece Ave Stanley, Idaho 83864 United States |
(208) 721-7151 |
|
Mountain Village Resort |
Hwy 21/275 Eva Falls Stanley, Idaho 83278 United States |
(208) 774-3500 |
|
Albertson's Mccall |
132 E. Lake St. Mccall, Idaho 83638 United States |
(208) 634-8166 |
|
Corner Store |
410 Courthouse Dr Salmon, Idaho 83467 United States |
(208) 756-2113 |
|
Salmon River Fly |
402 Main St. Salmon, Idaho 83467 United States |
(208) 756-1939 |
|
93 Outdoor Sports |
517 S. Challis Salmon, Idaho 83467 United States |
(208) 756-3002 |
|
Murdoch's Ranch |
520 Shoup St. Salmon, Idaho 83467 United States |
(208) 756-1537 |
|
Stinker Stores 78 |
119 W Roseberry Rd Donnelly, Idaho 83615 United States |
(208) 325-8501 |
- By Phone - call the number 1-800-554-8685 to purchase your license.
- Visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game official website to purchase your license. Once you've made your purchase, you may print your licenses right away. https://idfg.huntfishidaho.net/login.
- Visit a Fish and Game regional office. Below is a list of the nine offices.
|
Panhandle Region |
2885 W. Kathleen Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 |
P: (208) 769-1414 |
F: (208) 769-1418 |
|
Clearwater Region |
3316 16th St. Lewiston, ID 83501 |
P: (208) 799-5010 |
F: (208) 799-5012 |
|
Southwest Region North McCall |
555 Deinhard Lane McCall, ID 83638 |
P: (208) 634-8137 |
F: (208) 634-1683 |
|
Southwest Region South - Nampa |
15950 N. Gate Blvd Nampa, ID 83687 |
P:(208) 465-8465 |
F: (208) 465-8467 |
|
Magic Valley Region |
324 South 417 East - Suite 1 Jerome, ID 83338 |
P: (208) 324-4359 |
F: (208) 324-1160 |
|
Southeast Region |
1345 Barton Road Pocatello, ID 83204 |
P: (208) 232-4703 |
F: (208) 233-6430 |
|
Upper Snake Region |
4279 Commerce Circle Idaho Falls, ID 83401 |
P: (208) 525-7290 |
F: (208) 523-7604 |
|
Salmon Region |
99 Hwy. 93 N. Salmon, ID 83467 |
P: (208) 756-2271 |
F: (208) 756-6274 |
|
Headquarters Office |
Mailing: P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707 Street: 600 S. Walnut, Boise, ID 83712 |
P: (208) 334-3700 |
F: (208) 334-2114 |
Who needs an Idaho Fishing License?
All individuals who are the age of 14 years old or older must have a valid general fishing license. For youth anglers, under 14, you do not need a fishing license. Here are the regulations for those who are under the age of 14.
- A resident child under 14 has its separate fishing limit
- A non-resident child under 14 is mandated to be with someone who has a valid fishing license, and the child's fish is included in the license holders' fishing limit. The non-resident child can purchase their license and have their limit.
Special fishing permits are needed for particular activities for both residents and non-residents such as:
- Fishing for salmon and steelhead
- Fishing with two poles
Types of Idaho Fishing Licenses and Costs
We've compiled the various types of fishing licenses, tags, and permits for both residents and non-residents for your reference.
Resident License Fees:
|
Items |
Costs |
Notes |
|
Combination - Adult Hunting and Fishing |
$38.75 |
-- |
|
Combination - Adult Hunting and Fishing - 3 Year |
$97 |
-- |
|
Combination - Junior Hunting and Fishing (14-17 Years Old) |
$19 |
-- |
|
Combination - Junior Hunting and Fishing (14-17 Years Old) - 3 Year |
$49 |
-- |
|
Combination - Senior Hunting and Fishing (65+ Years Old) |
$13.75 |
-- |
|
Combination - Senior Hunting and Fishing (65+ Years Old) - 3 Year |
$33.50 |
Must be a resident of Idaho for over six months to apply |
|
Combination - Sportsman Package |
$144.60 |
-- |
|
Disabled American Veterans - Fishing |
$5.75 |
For residents only. Must show a letter from the Veteran Affairs office indicating at least a 40% disability. |
|
Disabled American Veterans - Combination Hunting and Fishing |
$5.75 |
For residents only. Must show a letter from the Veteran Affairs office indicating at least a 40% disability. |
|
Disabled Persons - Fishing |
$5.75 |
For residents only - must prove with official documents of disability. |
|
Disabled Persons - Combination Hunting and Fishing |
$5.75 |
For residents only - must prove with official documents of disability. |
|
Disabled Persons - Combination Hunting and Fishing - 3 Year |
$11.50 |
For residents only. Must present a vendor a letter from SSI, SSDI, or Railroad Retirement Board to prove that the individual is disabled and economically disadvantaged or has a signed and completed Certification of Permanent Disability. |
|
Fishing - Adult |
$30.50 |
-- |
|
Fishing - Adult - 3 Year |
$73.75 |
-- |
|
Fishing - Daily (first day) |
$13.50 |
Each additional consecutive day will add $6. |
|
Fishing - Junior (14-17 years old) |
$13.75 |
-- |
|
Fishing - Junior (14-17 years old) - 3 Year |
$37.75 |
-- |
|
Military Furlough - Combination Hunting and Fishing |
$20.50 |
For residents who are in the U.S. military service and maintain residency in Idaho may purchase this license when on leave. |
Resident Permit Fees: To fish with two poles, it will cost $15.
Non-resident License Fees
|
Item |
Cost |
Notes |
|
Combination - Adult Hunting and Fishing |
$240 |
|
|
Combination - Adult Hunting and Fishing - 3 Year |
$716.50 |
|
|
Fishing - Adult |
$98.25 |
|
|
Fishing - Adult - 3 Year |
$291.25 |
|
|
Fishing Daily (first day) |
$15 |
Each additional consecutive day adds $7 |
|
Fishing Junior (14-17 years old) |
$21.75 |
Any non-resident youth who wants their fishing limit must buy a junior fishing license |
|
Fishing Junior (14-17 years old) - 3 Years |
$61.75 |
Any non-resident child who wants their fishing limit must buy a junior fishing license |
Idaho Fishing License Renewal
Every angler will need to re-purchase their license once the expiration date is past due. You can log in using the same account from the initial purchase.
Idaho Fish Size and Limits
The bag limit or the maximum number of fish that a person can catch per day. Here are a few standard rules in the state of Idaho:
- Brook Trout - unable able to exceed 25 per day
- Kokanee - may not exceed 25 per day
- Tiger muskie - 2 or less
- Walleye - 6 or less
- Cisco - 30 or less
- Bull Trout and Sturgeon must be caught and released
- During steelhead season, the possession limit is 9; the daily harvest is 3 and 20 for the entire season
For each region, there are specific guidelines to follow. Please follow these regional daily bag limits for each designated location in Idaho.
Daily Bag Limits for the Panhandle Region:
|
Bass |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Bull Trout |
The daily limit is 0 - must catch and release |
|
Burbot |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Chinook Salmon |
The daily limit is 2; none shall be equal or greater than 20 inches |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 15 |
|
Sturgeon |
Fishing for sturgeon in the Kootenai River is illegal |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is 2; none shall be greater or equal to 40 inches |
|
Trout |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Whitefish |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
All Other Fish Species |
No bag size or possession limit |
Daily Bag Limit for the Clearwater Region:
|
Bass |
In rivers and streams, no bag, size or possession limits. In lakes and reservoirs, the limit is 6, both species combined |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Bull Trout |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Salmon |
Prohibited unless correctly opened for that water |
|
Steelhead |
No longer than 20 inches in Snake River |
|
Sturgeon |
The daily limit is 0 and must be caught and released. |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is two and none under 40 inches. |
|
Trout |
In rivers and streams, the limit is two and must be under 40 inches. |
|
Whitefish |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Protected Non-Game Fish |
May not be possessed or harvested |
|
All Other Fish Species |
No bag, size or possession limit |
Daily Bag Limit for Southwest Region:
|
Bass |
Bass limit is 6, none under 12 inches |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Bull Trout |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Salmon |
Prohibited unless specifically opened for that water |
|
Steelhead |
Prohibited unless specifically opened for that water |
|
Sturgeon |
The daily limit is 0, catch and release |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is 2, none under than 40 inches |
|
Whitefish |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Protected Non-game fish |
May not be harvested or possessed |
|
Trout |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
All other fish species |
No size, bag or possession limit |
Daily Bag Limit for Magic Valley Region:
|
Bass |
Bass limit is 6, none under 12 inches |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25, harvest allowed during open season |
|
Bull Trout |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Sturgeon |
The daily limit is 0, must find and release and use barbless hooks |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is two and none under 40 inches |
|
Trout |
The daily limit is 6, in rivers and streams only 2 of the six trout can be cutthroat trout |
|
Walleye |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Protected Non-Game Fish |
May not be harvested or possessed |
|
All Other Fish Species |
No bag, size or possessed |
Daily Bag Limits for the Southeast Region:
|
Bass |
The daily limit is 6, none under 14 inches |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Cisco |
The daily limit is 30 |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Sturgeon |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is two and none under 40 inches |
|
Trout |
The daily limit is 6. In rivers and streams, only 2 of the six may be Cutthroat Trout |
|
Whitefish |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Protected Non-game fish |
May not be harvested or possessed |
|
All other fish species |
No bag, size or possession limit |
Daily Bag Limits for the Upper Snake Region:
|
Bass |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Bull Trout |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 15 |
|
Sturgeon |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release. Must use barbless hooks |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is 2, none under 40 inches |
|
Trout |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Whitefish |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Protected Non-Game Fish |
May not be harvested, or possessed |
|
All other fish species |
No bag, size or possession limit |
Daily Bag Limits for the Salmon Region:
|
Bass |
No limit |
|
Brook Trout |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Bull Trout |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Kokanee |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Salmon |
Prohibited unless specified by open water |
|
Steelhead |
Must be 20 inches or longer |
|
Sturgeon |
The daily limit is 0, must catch and release |
|
Tiger Muskie |
The daily limit is 2, none under 40 inches |
|
Trout |
The daily limit is 6 |
|
Whitefish |
The daily limit is 25 |
|
Protected Non-game fish |
May not be possessed or harvested |
|
All other fish species |
No bag, size or possession limit |
Steelhead spring season lasts from January to April or May. For more detailed information, please refer to the website of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/fish.
Top Fishing Spots in Idaho
When it comes to the best fishing spots, there is a multitude of reservoirs, lakes, dams, rivers, and streams to choose from. One of our favorites is the Brownlee Reservoir sitting on the western borders near Oregon. The body is roughly 13,000 acres and stretches over 50 miles long. Some of the popular game fish include panfish, largemouth bass, catfish, trout, and smallmouth bass.
If you are someone who loves an overall adventure, then Lake Cascade will be beautiful for you. It owns one of the most massive bodies of water sitting at 27,000 acres with fantastic camping opportunities as well as other recreational activities such as jet skiing and water skiing. But don't let that fool you because the fishing opportunities are even better. You can expect to find bluegills, crappies, perch, bass, salmon, and trout.