Ask Fish and Game: Ice Fishing

Q. Can I use a two-pole permit for ice fishing in Idaho? A. A two-pole permit does not allow anglers to double the number of lines they can use when ice fishing. In most of the state, there are no restrictions on the number of holes an ice angler can drill, except they can't be more than 10 inches in diameter. An angler can fish with up to five poles or lines at a time, and up to five hooks per line, but a two-pole validation does not allow more than five lines while ice fishing. All lines must be attended by the angler. One exception is on Bear Lake, where a two-pole permit allows anglers to use two poles - even when ice fishing - and there is no limit on hole size for dip-netting cisco. Another exception is on Daniels, Springfield, Treasureton and Twenty-Four Mile reservoirs, where only one rod is allowed for ice-fishing. Check fishing rules book for exceptions.