Fishing Seasons and Rules

Official seasons and rules for fishing in Idaho

2019 - 2021 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules

– Full booklet, pages 1-64, [PDF, 6.0 MB] – First Edition

The 2019 - 2021 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules booklet is available as a full download, or by section below.

2019-2021 Sections:

Contact Info, Table of Contents
– Pages 1-7, [PDF, 774 KB]
Region Maps and Special Rules Waters
- Panhandle
  – Pages 8-11, [PDF, 659 KB]
- Clearwater
  – Pages 12-15, [PDF, 672 KB]
- Southwest
  – Pages 16-20, [PDF, 434 KB]
- Magic Valley
  – Pages 21-26, [PDF, 1,100 KB]
- Southeast
  – Pages 27-30, [PDF, 397 KB]
- Upper Snake
  – Pages 31-35, [PDF, 664 KB]
- Salmon
  – Pages 36-38, [PDF, 340 KB]
Steelhead and Salmon Information

Steelhead anglers:

Steelhead seasons are modified from the printed 2019-2021 fishing brochures.
Steelhead Seasons and Rules (changes in effect)

Chinook anglers:

2019 fall seasons will begin 8/24/19

Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules

Coho anglers:

2019 fall seasons will begin 9/20/19

Coho Salmon Seasons and Rules

Steelhead and Salmon Information
Please note: Season information for steelhead has changed from printed brochures. This PDF reflect the printed brochure. – Pages 39-43, [PDF, 594 KB]
General Fishing Information
– Pages 44-55, [PDF, 815 KB]
Fish Identification
– Pages 56-59, [PDF, 397 KB]
Residency Requirements, Fees
– Pages 60-64, [PDF, 586 KB]

Notice:

Fees and rules may change. It is your responsibility to be aware of changes since these seasons and rules were printed. Please see the fee schedules in the License, Tag and Permit Fees section for current prices.

Other Rules Information

Idaho's Amphibians and Reptiles – Rules for collection, possession and permitting – [PDF, 650 KB]

News

F&G commission extends smaller steelhead bag limits for 2020 season for Snake and Salmon rivers

Monday, November 18, 2019 - 3:10 PM MST

Idaho Fish and Game Commission extended the current bag limits for steelhead fishing (one fish per day, three in possession) on portions of the Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon rivers for the 2020 spring steelhead season, which begins Jan. 1.

Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Seasons and Rules Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Fish and Game Commission Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
Late fall and winter can be productive for stream fishing

Friday, November 1, 2019 - 12:31 PM MDT

People may see anglers wading streams during frigid weather and wonder "what are they doing?" The short answer is, probably catching fish.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni)
Here are 14 reasons why you should fish during fall

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 2:11 PM MDT

For many Idahoans, feeling cool morning air and seeing hints of red and gold in the forest means it’s time to lace up the boots and grab a gun or bow for hunting season, but don’t overlook fall fishing. That cool weather means many fish are re-energized after their summer slumbers and ready to eat like bears fattening up for winter.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
F&G monitoring low steelhead return and commission may alter season

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 9:09 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game's fisheries staff continue to monitor steelhead returns over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, and the run appears to be smaller than earlier forecasted, which could prompt the Fish and Game Commission to alter the already-restricted season.

Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Seasons and Rules Fishing Seasons and Rules Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
New Fall Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Seasons and Limits

Thursday, August 22, 2019 - 4:25 PM MDT

Hi everybody, our commission met today to discuss and take action on fall Chinook Salmon and steelhead seasons and limits in Idaho. They have made some important decisions that I am sure many of you would like to know about.

Fishing Seasons and Rules Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules Steelhead Seasons and Rules Clearwater Region Chinook Salmon Fishing Steelhead Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
Here's where to go fishing in July and beyond

Monday, June 24, 2019 - 3:34 PM MDT

July is the kick-off for high country fishing, which is a great opportunity to get out and explore the backcountry.

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region
Striking a balance with Deadwood Reservoir kokanee

Friday, June 7, 2019 - 10:45 AM MDT

If anglers are planning on taking a trip to Deadwood to chase kokanee this summer, they are reminded when the 2019-21 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules were adopted in Nov. 2018, the bag limit was reduced to 15, and the possession limit was reduced to 45.

Fishing Wildlife Conservation and Management Fishing Seasons and Rules Sockeye Salmon or Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

2019-2021 fishing seasons and rules booklet cover

The Rules Brochures

Online rules brochures are created in PDF file format. They are produced to keep the online display as close as possible to the printed version.

Printed copies of the rules brochure can be picked up, without charge, at local license vendors or by calling 208-334-3700 to receive a copy by mail.

To view Idaho Fish and Game administrative rules and code, visit the Office of Administrative Rules on the Idaho Department of Administration website.

To advertise in future Idaho Fish and Game rules brochures, call: Rotary Offset Press: 1-253-216-1256.