10 reasons to go fishing during spring break

Fishing is fun

It’s as simple as that, and fishing is an activity that kids and adults can enjoy together. Kids under the age of 14 do not need a fishing license. Adults can buy a day license or an annual license through the gooutdoorsidaho.com app and start fishing immediately. 

It’s simple and inexpensive

A basic fishing set up is very reasonably priced, and all the tackle you need to get started is a hook and worm with a weight or bobber attached. If you’re new to fishing and want to teach your kids, check out Fish and Game’s Learn to Fish webpage. Fish and Game also has a free rod loaner program at many state parks around Idaho. 

There’s probably a place to fish close by 

Idaho is rich with places to go fishing. Most Idaho communities have a lake, reservoir or pond nearby, or in town, which are probably stocked with some kind of fish. To find out fishing spots near you, see Fish and Game's Fishing Planner.

Fish and Game ramps up its trout stocking in March

As weather starts to warm and more waters become available, Fish and Game staff travels around the state stocking catchable-sized rainbow trout. About 60,000 trout will be stocked in March, and you can see where on the fish stocking webpage.

Fishing is also a fun day trip

Maybe you live in parts of Idaho still buried in snow, which is not uncommon in March. Finding some open water to fish is usually a reasonable distance away for a day trip, which makes fishing a good excuse to get out of town for a day, or even a weekend. Getting outdoors is always healthy, and you can mix it with a hike, boating, camping, and other fun activities. 

You may get a meal out of the deal

Fish are tasty. Take a few home because a fish fry is a great way to conclude a day of fishing. As a bonus, fish caught in cold water tend to taste better, and no, it’s not an old wives’ tale. Algae blooms that can happen in warmer water may affect the taste of fish, but colder water has less algae.

Fishing is a lifetime activity

We understand kids are busy and have a lot going in their lives, but fishing is something they can do their whole lives, and eventually pass on to their children. It’s also an activity that can be done as a group outing or a solo adventure. There are also 40 different game fish species in Idaho, and many different ways to catch them, so you’re constantly learning and evolving as an angler.  

Fishing is a year-round sport

It’s a safe bet that someone, somewhere in Idaho is fishing on every day of the year. Fish don’t hibernate, so there’s always something to be caught, and as a general rule, fishing improves with warmer spring weather and ramps up until the dog days of summer arrive. 

Fish live in cool places

Even if the fish don’t cooperate and it’s a tough day of fishing, odds are good you’re in a really cool location where you can do other things, or just appreciate nature and your surroundings. Which leads us to….

Fishing is not all about catching fish

That may sound contradictory, but it’s true. Going fishing is stepping into the natural world where a child can discover a lot more than fish. Water is a magnet for all kinds of wildlife including shorebirds and waterfowl, water-based mammals such as beavers, otters, minks and muskrats. You may also encounter amphibians, such as frogs, or crustaceans like crawdads. If kids would rather explore than fish, let them. It’s all part of the fishing experience.