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

10 reasons to keep fishing (or learn to fish) during late summer

1 hour 24 min ago

Savvy anglers know there are many reasons to fish this time of year, and if you’re a beginner, reasons to start fishing, or expanding on your knowledge if you’re a novice. Here are 10 reasons why fishing is great during summer, and into fall.

Fishing Learn to Fish Fishing Seasons and Rules
Fish salvage issued on Big Lost River from Beck Diversion downstream to Moore Diversion

Tuesday, August 16, 2022 - 10:15 PM MDT

Effective Aug. 16 until Sept. 15, 2022 fish from the Big Lost River downstream of the Beck Diversion to the Moore Diversion may be taken by any method except firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current, all size and number limits are suspended.

Upper Snake Region Fishing
Spring/summer Chinook seasons to close statewide Aug. 7 at the end of fishing hours

Thursday, August 4, 2022 - 2:54 PM MDT

Anglers are reminded that all remaining Chinook salmon fisheries on the Snake, Clearwater, South Fork Clearwater, North Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Clearwater and Upper Salmon rivers will close at the end of fishing hours on Sunday, Aug. 7 which is the date set by the Fish and Game Commission to close spring/summer Chinook fisheries.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules Fishing Chinook Salmon
Tis the season for high mountain lake fishing adventures!

Thursday, August 4, 2022 - 8:43 AM MDT

When the snow on the mountain tops has melted, access to high mountain lakes is quite varied and provides a unique opportunity to choose your own fishing adventure.

Panhandle Region Alpine Lake Fishing Fishing Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
These 10 Idaho ‘Great Lakes’ provide anglers plenty of spacious fishing opportunities long into summer

Tuesday, August 2, 2022 - 12:24 PM MDT

Idaho’s Great Lakes can be found all around the state, so whether you want a daytrip, weekend outing or late-summer vacation, there’s likely one fairly close. These lakes and reservoirs are just the tip of the iceberg. These 10 lakes and reservoirs are among the biggest and best.

Fishing Family Fishing Waters Learn to Fish
More trout are on their way to Panhandle waters this August

Tuesday, August 2, 2022 - 8:52 AM MDT

If you're looking for a good excuse to enjoy the sunshine and your favorite drink while soaking a line, look no further. More fish are on their way to the Panhandle in August!

Fish Stocking and Schedules Fish Stocking Forecasts Family Fishing Waters Fishing Panhandle Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Statewide trout stocking highlights for August 2022

Monday, August 1, 2022 - 8:48 AM MDT

We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most notable stocking highlights coming to your local fishery this month.

Fishing Fish Stocking and Schedules Learn to Fish