Ask Fish and Game: Archery Fishing

Q. Do I need an archery permit to bow-fish? A. No. Archery permits are only required for hunting. But a valid Idaho fishing license is required to fish with a bow. Fishing with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or mechanical device, excluding firearms, is permitted only in the taking of bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish - such as carp and suckers - and only in those waters during the season set for the taking of game fish. See the 2011-2012 Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure - Page 43 for archery fishing and Page 45 for the definition of nongame fish.