Fishing

For anglers, Idaho is truly a land of opportunity and variety. From alpine valleys to lowland deserts, a dazzling array of waters await discovery.

Idaho is graced with 26,000 miles of streams and rivers, more than 3,000 natural lakes, and a quarter-million acres of ponds and reservoirs. Inhabiting those waters are 42 game fish species, from giant white sturgeon to wild trout, catfish to kokanee, and smallmouth bass to salmon and steelhead.

Most Idaho waters have year-round fishing seasons. However, many rivers and streams and some lakes have special rules and seasons. Pick up a fishing rules book, which outlines season dates, special regulations and bag limits, at all Idaho Fish and Game offices and most sporting goods stores statewide.

To fish in Idaho you need:

A fishing license.
Rules and regulations.
Proper gear.
A place to go.

News

Here's where trout are being stocked in SW Idaho in October

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - 8:55 AM MDT

Personnel from Fish and Game's Nampa Hatchery will be releasing more than 28,500 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during October. Local ponds are the primary focus of this stocking effort due to milder weather and correspondingly cooler water temperatures. LOCATION WEEK STOCKED NUMBER OF TROUT Arrowrock Reservoir October 1 8,550

Southwest Region Fishing Fish Stocking Fish Stocking Forecasts Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Check your licenses and tags for fading, and here's what to do if they're faded

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 - 2:05 PM MDT

Hunters and anglers who have poorly printed licenses and fading tags can get a replacement tag or license free of charge. Idaho Fish and Game is providing a couple ways for sportsmen and women to get new copies.

Licenses, tags, and permits Hunting Fishing
Attention Anglers: give your comments on proposed fishing rules and statewide fish management plan

Friday, September 7, 2018 - 11:26 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public comments on a new set of proposed fishing rules for 2019, and a new draft of its six-year, statewide Fisheries Management Plan. Idaho fishing seasons and rules are approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission every three years, and the commission is scheduled to set new rules in November. All public comments must be received by Oct. 7.

Fishing Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region Fishing Seasons and Rules
Draft Fisheries Management Plan 2019-2024 Comment Opportunity

Friday, September 7, 2018 - 10:30 AM MDT

The Department is asking for public comment on draft proposed changes to the 2019-2024 Fisheries Management Plan. This planning document describes the policy direction for the state’s fisheries program for the next six years from 2019 to 2024.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
2019-2021 Fisheries Seasons and Rules Proposals Open for Public Comment through October 7, 2018

Friday, September 7, 2018 - 10:26 AM MDT

Overview Fishing seasons in Idaho are established within administrative regions.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
Southwest Region - Draft Proposals for 2019-2021 Fishing Seasons and Rules

Friday, September 7, 2018 - 10:26 AM MDT

There are five total proposals: four daily bag limit changes and one Special Rule Waters change listed below. Please address the changes you'd like to in the appropriate space. General comments within the region can be listed above the Contact Information space.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Southwest Region
Magic Valley Region - Draft Proposals for 2019-2021 Fishing Seasons and Rules

Friday, September 7, 2018 - 10:26 AM MDT

There are three total proposals: one daily bag limit change and two Special Rule Waters changes listed below. Please address the changes you'd like to in the appropriate space. General comments within the region can be listed above the Contact Information space.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Magic Valley Region