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Idaho Fish and Game

Learning to Fish on the river

Learn to Fish

Find basic tips, places to go, health benefits, and more to get you out on the water.

Why Fish?  

Fishing offers a trifecta of benefits: it's an enjoyable pastime, promotes physical and mental well-being through outdoor activity and vitamin D exposure, and seamlessly integrates with other outdoor pursuits like kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and camping. So, cast a line and reel in the rewards of this enriching activity! 

How to Fish

Fishing in Idaho can be suitable for a wide range of skill levels. From spin fishing at your community pond to Steelhead fishing on the bank of a major river, here are some resources to help you catch more fish!  

New to fishing? Check the links below to get you started or brush up on your skills.  

Are you more of a hands-on learner? Check out our YouTube videos and follow along with your pole in hand! 


Fish Identification

It’s important to know what you are fishing for and catching to be sure we are following the Fishing Rules and Regulations and protecting vulnerable species.  

Anadromous Fish, meaning ocean going, have separate rules to follow, check the following links if you are interested in fishing for these fish or in the waters they inhabit.  

Where to Fish

Looking for an easy way to locate fishing spots? Check the links below for information on where to go fishing.

State Park Rod Loaner Program  

Idaho Fish and Game and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to offer 15 locations across the State of Idaho to rent fishing poles and tackle for free!  

The loaner poles are located within 15 different Idaho State Parks. A fishing license is required to fish with the loaner poles.  

Free Fishing Day

On the second Saturday, every June, Idaho Fish and Game hosts a free fishing day where no license is required to fish anywhere in the State!  

  • Scheduled Free Fishing Days:
    • June 14th, 2025
    • June 13th, 2026
    • June 12th, 2027  
  • Free Fishing Day

Idaho Fish and Game also operates “Take Me Fishing” Trailers in all 7 regions. Contact your regional office to get information on any public trailer events they have planned. When registered at a trailer event, you do not need a license to fish!  

What you need to Fish

In Idaho, all you need to fish is a license, a place to go and some gear!  Read more about fishing licenses and permits below.  

Fishing Licenses
Adults
  • Any person 14 and older, Resident or Non-Resident, needs a fishing license to be able to fish. Free Fishing Day is the only exception to this rule.  
Youth
  • If a child is an Idaho Resident and is under 14-years of age, they do not need a fishing license.
  • A Nonresident child who is younger than 14 does not need a license however, they must be accompanied by the holder of a valid Idaho fishing license, and harvested fish must be included in the license holder’s limit. A nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit, if desired.  

Fishing License Purchase Options

Seasons and Rules

Our Seasons and Rules Booklet is organized by location, this will cover general fishing rules along with special rules for select bodies of water. Be sure to become familiar with the rules for your area before you wet a line.  

Resource

Idaho Fishing 2025-2027 Seasons and Rules

– Full regulations, Full brochure, pages 1-80 Page(s) [PDF, 7.51 MB] Download Document
pdf preview

Permits

Salmon/ Steelhead Permits:
  • These permits are required if you plan to catch or keep any Salmon or Steelhead, you can buy them at the same place you purchase a license. We now offer E-Tagging for Salmon and Steelhead on our GoOutdoorsIdaho.com app as well.  
Educational Fishing Permits: 
  • For schools looking to put on a fishing event, Idaho Fish and Game offers an Educational Fishing Permit. Complete the Application Form and take it to your Regional Fish and Game office for approval. One current fishing license holder is required for the permit to be valid.  

Old man on the bank 

 

2025-2027 Seasons & Rules

2025 Fishing Seasons and Rules cover