Ask Fish and Game: Winter Stream Season

Q. When does the winter stream season end? A. The winter stream season ends March 31 - except in the Panhandle Region, where it runs through May 22. Until then trout fishing is catch-and-release only, but whitefish and brook trout may be harvested in streams open during the winter stream season. Except that whitefish in the Big Lost River are protected and may not be harvested at any time. Fishing gear or bait restrictions that apply to a river or stream section during the general season, also apply during the winter stream season. See regional exceptions in the Idaho 2008-2009 Fishing Seasons and Rules for waters open to winter stream fishing. Fish may be taken in the many rivers and streams open to fishing all year; other streams closed for the winter, open to fishing May 23 for the Memorial Day weekend.