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

Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule

Monday, July 24, 2017 - 8:24 AM MDT

Personnel from Fish and Game's McCall and Nampa Hatcheries will be releasing more than 33,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during August. Location Week Stocked Number of Trout Boise River - above Glenwood Bridge August 7, 21 1,440/1,440 Boise River - below Glenwood Bridge August 7, 21 1,080/1,080

Southwest Region Fishing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
F&G hosts women's fly fishing clinic in Lewiston in August, September

Friday, July 21, 2017 - 12:26 PM MDT

The clinic is designed for beginning and novice fly fishers and includes casting lessons and time on a local river.

Fishing
Casting for the bulls: fishing for Idaho's bull trout

Friday, July 21, 2017 - 10:52 AM MDT

Idaho’s bull trout populations are generally in good shape and capable of supporting some great catch-and-release fishing.

Fishing Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Water Quality Health Advisory issued for Little Camas Reservoir: Blue-Green Algae Related

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 4:33 PM MDT

An algae bloom health advisory was issued by the Central Health District on July 18, 2017. High concentrations of a toxin producing algae were documented; however, actual toxin levels were still relatively low. An advisory was issued on the basis of past hazards and the likelihood of toxins present in the near future.

Magic Valley Region Fishing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Trout stocking resumes on the South Fork of the Payette River

Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 4:37 PM MDT

The fish will be stocked around four locations, including Mountain View Campground, the section of river across from Lowman fire station, Helende Campground, and the Ten Mile Creek bridge about 12 miles east of Lowman.

Fishing Southwest Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Public meetings set to consider Priest Lake fishery management

Tuesday, July 4, 2017 - 4:31 PM MDT

Fishing has long been one of the main attractions on Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake. However, fishing at these scenic lakes has changed a great deal over time. Historically, the fishery was supported by three native sport fish, westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish. Fishing for cutthroat was the most popular throughout the early 20th century.

Panhandle Region Fishing Sockeye Salmon or Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
Public Health Advisory Listed on Mormon Reservoir: Blue-Green Algae Related

Thursday, June 29, 2017 - 2:16 PM MDT

Mormon Reservoir - A Public Health Advisory related to blue-green algae toxins has been issued on June 23, 2017. There were hopes the high water and cooler spring might stave off a repeat of 2016, but it appears as though conditions are such that a hazardous algae bloom in Mormon Reservoir has warranted a Public Health Advisory issued by South Central Public Health Dis

Magic Valley Region Fishing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)