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

Weekly Salmon Fishing Update – May 18, 2022

Thursday, May 19, 2022 - 9:42 AM MDT

Welcome to our weekly Chinook Salmon Fishing Update. Throughout the next several months we will provide updates on changes to seasons and rules and share data from dam counts, creel surveys, and hatchery returns to help anglers plan their salmon fishing trips.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Fishing Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules Chinook Salmon
Take Me Fishing! trailer is headed to a pond near you in the Panhandle and elsewhere in the state

Friday, May 13, 2022 - 12:52 PM MDT

Anyone looking to try fishing for free is invited to visit one of the fishing trailer events hosted by Panhandle Fish and Game staff during May and June. These events are a great way to get the family outdoors and learn a new skill.

"Take Me Fishing” Trailers Panhandle Region Learn to Fish Family Fishing Waters Fishing
Dworshak Reservoir tops state record bass once again

Friday, May 13, 2022 - 11:48 AM MDT

Congratulations to Travis Wendt of Lewiston, Idaho on landing Idaho's latest state record fish. Travis hooked the massive 23.5-inch smallmouth bass while fishing Dworshak Reservoir on May 10th.

Record Fish in Idaho Clearwater Region Fishing
Over 38,000 rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in May

Thursday, May 12, 2022 - 4:05 PM MDT

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the fish are biting! It's time to grab your fishing gear and enjoy the nice weather! Over 38,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout are headed to the Panhandle Region in May.

Fish Stocking and Schedules Fish Stocking Forecasts Family Fishing Waters Fishing Alpine Lake Fishing Panhandle Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
F&G hosting "Fish Idaho Fest - McCall" on June 10

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 - 1:19 PM MDT

If you are interested in learning about and getting more involved with fisheries and aquatic resources management in the McCall area, and having some fun while you are at it, mark your calendars for June 10, 2022 and join Idaho Fish and Game and our various partners for “Fish Idaho Fest - McCall.”

Southwest Region Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
Anglers are reminded of boating restrictions at some Preston area reservoirs

Friday, May 6, 2022 - 5:44 PM MDT

Before you head out to your favorite reservoir in the Southeast Region for some fishing fun, take note. Fish and Game may have removed some motor restrictions for anglers... but that doesn't mean the local water managers don't have their own rules to follow! Know before you go!

Southeast Region Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
Looking for walleye in Lake Pend Oreille? We've got you covered!

Thursday, May 5, 2022 - 3:57 PM MDT

Idaho Department of Fish and Game biologists track acoustic-tagged walleye to learn more about their movements and to help anglers effectively target walleye and participate in the Lake Pend Oreille angler incentive program.

Panhandle Region Lake Pend Oreille Fisheries Fishing Walleye (Sander vitreus)