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

Fish and Game adds Kokanee to Mosquito Flat Reservoir near Challis

Wednesday, November 7, 2018 - 8:37 AM MST

Idaho Fish and Game added 13,000 sterile kokanee to Mosquito Flat Reservoir, providing anglers a new fishing opportunity.

Salmon Region Fishing
Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 4:53 PM MDT

Personnel from Fish and Game's Nampa Hatchery will be releasing more than 15,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at the following locations during November. 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

Southwest Region Fishing Fish Stocking Family Fishing Waters Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Anglers in southern Idaho concerned about lighter colored kokanee meat

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 2:20 PM MDT

Fish Stocking Fishing Magic Valley Region Southwest Region Sockeye Salmon or Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Transplant gives smallmouth bass a jumpstart in the Lower Payette River

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 - 3:33 PM MDT

As of October 3, Fish and Game crews transferred 850 smallmouths to the lower Payette River. The goal is to transfer 1,000 smallmouths with the hope that many of these fish will spawn next spring and contribute to rebuilding this important and popular fishery.

Southwest Region Fishing Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni)
Youth steelhead clinic Oct 25 & 27 in Lewiston

Monday, September 24, 2018 - 11:03 AM MDT

Young anglers ages 8-14 are invited to participate in the annual steelhead clinic held on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, Oct. 27 from 8am -1pm. Both events will be held at the Idaho Fish and Game regional office on 16th street in Lewiston.

Clearwater Region Steelhead Fishing Fishing Learn to Fish Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
Little Camas Reservoir is open to salvage fishing

Thursday, September 20, 2018 - 2:57 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game on Thursday, Sept. 20 opened Little Camas Reservoir in Elmore County to salvage fishing because of low water conditions.

Fishing Magic Valley Region Southwest Region
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)