Ask Fish and Game: Ice fishing rules

Q. I plan to extend my fishing season this year, and will try ice fishing for the first time. Are the ice fishing rules any different? A. Idaho's ice fishing rules are very simple, but there are a few differences. Be sure to review a copy of the current fishing seasons and rules brochure to find out about general statewide regulations, exceptions and any special rules. Remember, anglers must carry their licenses with them when fishing, summer or winter. Any angler may fish through the ice with up to five poles or lines and up to five hooks per line. There are some exceptions so please see the current fishing rules brochure for details. A two-pole validation does not allow more than five lines while ice fishing. All lines must be attended by the angler. For safety reasons, holes may be no larger than 10 inches in diameter - except on Bear Lake in Southeast Idaho where anglers may dip net cisco through any size hole. Anglers may use gaff hooks only to land fish through a hole cut or broken in the ice in waters that have no length restrictions or harvest closures for that species. Anglers who use any enclosure or shelter for ice fishing and plan to leave it unattended overnight, must have the owner's name, telephone number, and current address legibly marked on two opposing sides.