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
– Pages 39-43, [PDF, 594 KB]
Steelhead anglers. Changes are in effect:
- A bag limit reduction is in effect...
- Learn more
These changes are not reflected in printed booklets or PDF.
- Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules
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

Top 10 tips when fishing with kids

Friday, May 17, 2019 - 9:17 AM MDT

Fishing can be a fun sport for kids and parents. Introducing young children to the sport, which may seem daunting for some, is actually easy with a little forethought.

Salmon Region Family Fishing Waters Fishing "Take Me Fishing” Trailers Fishing Seasons and Rules Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Anglers can buy a ready-to-use fishing license with their smartphones

Wednesday, May 15, 2019 - 3:37 PM MDT

If you have a smartphone and internet access, you can buy and download an fishing license and be ready to fish. If you already have an account on Fish and Game’s licensing system, you can visit https://idfg.huntfishidaho.net and login using your user name and the password associated with your account. If you haven't, you can follow these steps to buy a license.

Licenses, tags, and permits Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules
Grab your fishing rod and head to one these favorite spring spots

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 - 4:30 PM MDT

Anglers who want to get a jump on their fishing season in early spring can find places to catch fish throughout Idaho, and a surprising variety of them.

Fishing Fish Stocking Family Fishing Waters Fishing Seasons and Rules
Hagerman WMA is a great early season fishing destination

Monday, March 18, 2019 - 1:09 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game’s Hagerman Wildlife Management Area opened for fishing on March 1, and it provides lots of early season opportunities to catch rainbow trout and the Hagerman area's famed "banana trout."

Magic Valley Region Family Fishing Waters Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
New Kootenai River burbot fishery opens for anglers on Jan. 1

Friday, December 28, 2018 - 12:17 PM MST

Burbot fishing has been closed in Idaho since 1992 because of low populations, but a cooperative restoration effort in North Idaho has boosted burbot numbers and allows for some harvest while meeting conservation goals.

Panhandle Region Ice Fishing in Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules Burbot (Lota lota)
2019-2021 Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules Available

Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 6:19 AM MST

The 2019-2021 Idaho fishing seasons and rules booklets are available. Highlights include:

Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Steelhead Fishing Idaho Seasons and Rules

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.