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

Fall Fishing on the Big Lost River

Friday, October 11, 2019 - 2:50 PM MDT

Fishing
F&G provides millions of acres of access

Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 4:10 PM MDT

Hunting season is here, and a question commonly asked is “where can I go hunting?” Fish and Game helps answer that through its land access programs.

Hunting and Fishing Access Price Lock Hunting Fishing
Hatchery highlights for October: Notable fish stockings around the state

Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 12:59 PM MDT

Whether it is a large number of fish being stocked relative to the size of the water, a unique species, a new location, or a one-time-only stocking, hatchery staff point out stocking events of interest for anglers.

Fish Stocking and Schedules Fish Stocking Forecasts Fishing
Commission closes steelhead fishery in Clearwater River basin

Friday, September 20, 2019 - 9:20 AM MDT

On Friday, Sept. 20, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to close all fall steelhead seasons on the Clearwater River because the number of returning adult hatchery fish is less than the number needed for broodstock, and there is no surplus to provide a fishery. The closure is effective at midnight on Sept. 29, 2019.

Fishing Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Seasons and Rules Coho Salmon Fishing Coho Salmon Seasons and Rules
F&G stocks tiger muskies in two Southwest Region waters

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 2:11 PM MDT

A new, unique and toothy fishing opportunity awaits anglers in Southwest Idaho. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has stocked sterile tiger muskies in Lake Lowell and Black Canyon Reservoir for the first time ever. Tiger muskies are a sterile hybrid of true muskellunge (muskies) and northern pike.

Southwest Region Fishing Fish Stocking and Schedules Tiger Musky (Esox masquinongy x lucius)
Here are 14 reasons why you should fish during fall

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 2:11 PM MDT

For many Idahoans, feeling cool morning air and seeing hints of red and gold in the forest means it’s time to lace up the boots and grab a gun or bow for hunting season, but don’t overlook fall fishing. That cool weather means many fish are re-energized after their summer slumbers and ready to eat like bears fattening up for winter.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
F&G expands Chinook fishing in the Clearwater River system

Friday, August 30, 2019 - 3:54 PM MDT

On Friday, Aug. 30, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s fall Chinook fishery permit, and anglers should be aware of some changes to the structure of the season in the Clearwater River, as well as modifications to the daily and possession limits in all of the state’s fall Chinook fisheries.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)