Idaho offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities thanks to its various game fish species and thousands of lakes and rivers. To ensure sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations, the Department of Fish and Game has established specific Idaho fishing season and bag limits across different regions of the state.
It’s essential to understand the licensing requirements and regulations before casting your line. Here, we summarize the key fishing seasons and bag limits for different regions and fish species in Idaho.
Idaho Fishing Season and Limits
In Idaho, most waters are open to fishing year-round, providing ample opportunities for anglers. However, certain water bodies have special regulations. It is better to check with the local office for any special rules.
Magic Valley Region
Fishing Season: All waters open all year, except for special rule waters.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Limit of 6, none under 12 inches.
- Brook Trout: Limit of 25.
- Bull Trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Kokanee: Limit of 6.
- Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only, must be released upon landing.
- Tiger Muskie: Limit of 2, none under 40 inches.
- Trout: Limit of 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout in rivers and streams.
- Walleye: Limit of 6.
- Whitefish: Limit of 25.
Southeast Region
Fishing Season: All waters open all year, except for special rule waters.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Limit of 6, none under 14 inches.
- Brook Trout: Limit of 25.
- Cisco (Bear Lake only): Limit of 30.
- Kokanee: Limit of 6.
- Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only, must be released upon landing.
- Tiger Muskie: Limit of 2, none under 40 inches.
- Trout: Limit of 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout in rivers and streams.
- Whitefish: Limit of 25.
Upper Snake Region
Fishing Season: All waters open all year, except for special rule waters.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): No bag, length, or possession limits.
- Brook Trout: Limit of 25.
- Bull Trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Kokanee: Limit of 15.
- Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only, must be released upon landing.
- Tiger Muskie: Limit of 2, none under 40 inches.
- Trout: Limit of 6, all species combined.
- Walleye: No bag, length, or possession limits.
- Whitefish: Limit of 25.
Magic Valley Region
Fishing Season: All waters are open year-round unless specified under special rule waters.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Bag limit of 6, none under 12 inches.
- Brook Trout: Bag limit of 25.
- Bull Trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Kokanee Salmon: Bag limit of 6.
- Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only. Must remain in the water; use barbless hooks and sliding swivel devices.
- Tiger Muskie: Bag limit of 2None under 40 inches.
- Trout (includes Brown, Lake, Golden, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat, Rainbow, and hybrids): Bag limit of 6. Only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout in rivers and streams.
- Walleye: Bag limit of 6.
- Whitefish: Bag limit of 25.
Southeast Region
Fishing Season: All waters are open year-round unless specified under special rule waters.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Bag limit of 6. None under 14 inches
- Brook Trout: Bag limit of 25.
- Cisco (Bear Lake only): Bag limit of 30.
- Kokanee Salmon: Bag limit of 6.
- Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only
- Tiger Muskie: Bag limit of 2. None under 40 inches
- Trout (includes Brown, Lake, Cutthroat, Rainbow, and hybrids): Bag limit of 6. Only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout in rivers and streams
- Whitefish: Bag limit of 25.
Upper Snake Region
Fishing Season: All waters are open year-round unless specified under special rule waters.
Daily Bag Limits:
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): No bag limits. No size restriction.
- Brook Trout: Bag limit of 25.
- Bull Trout: Catch-and-release only
- Kokanee Salmon: Bag limit of 15.
- Sturgeon:Fishing: Catch-and-release only
- Tiger Muskie: Bag limit of 2. None under 40 inches
- Trout (includes Brown, Golden, Lake, Cutthroat, Rainbow, and hybrids): Bag limit of 6.
- Whitefish: Bag limit of 25.
Free Fishing Days
During free fishing season, you can go fishing on a specific day each year and no license is required to fish statewide.
The dates for free fishing are:
- June 14, 2025
- June 13, 2026
- June 12, 2027
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Idaho Fishing Licenses and Permits
In Idaho, no matter for residents or non-residents, children under 14 years old do not need a fishing license. However, those 14 and older must purchase one. Licenses can be obtained from vendors, Idaho Fish and Game offices, or online.
Except for the fishing license, to fish certain species, like salmon and steelhead, also require a special permit. If you wish to fish with two poles, you can purchase a two-pole permit.
The following are the costs for the Idaho fishing licenses for a quick reference:
Resident Licenses:
| License Type | Price |
| Sportsman’s Package – Combination License + Tags and Permits | $144.60 |
| Combination – Hunting and Fishing – Adult | $38.75 |
| Combination – Hunting and Fishing – Junior (14-17 yrs) | $19.00 |
| Combination – Hunting and Fishing – Senior (65+ yrs) | $13.75 |
| Combination Hunting and Fishing – Disabled American Veterans | $5.75 |
| Combination Hunting and Fishing – Disabled Persons | $5.75 |
| Combination Hunting and Fishing – Military Furlough | $20.50 |
| Fishing – Adult | $30.50 |
| Fishing – Daily (first day) | $13.50 |
| Fishing – Disabled American Veterans | $5.75 |
| Fishing – Disabled Persons | $5.75 |
| Fishing – Junior (14-17 yrs) | $16.00 |
| Fishing – Military Furlough | $20.50 |
| Fishing – Two-pole | $15.00 |
Nonresident Licenses:
| License Type | Price |
| Combination – Hunting and Fishing – Adult | $264.00 |
| Combination – Hunting and Fishing – Adult – 3 Year | $788.50 |
| Fishing – Adult | $108.00 |
| Fishing – Adult – 3 Year | $320.50 |
| Fishing – Daily (first day) | $22.75 |
| Fishing – Junior (14-17 yrs) | $23.75 |
| Fishing – Junior (14-17 yrs) – 3 Year | $67.75 |
| Salmon or Steelhead Permit | $28.25 |
| Fishing – Two-pole | $17.00 |
There is a “Resident Price-lock” price available for most of the licenses. It means that if you had a license in 2017 and kept purchasing one every year, you can buy the above fishing licenses at a discount.
Fishing Gear and Tackle Regulations
- Pole/Rod Limits: It is illegal to use more than one handline or pole unless you have a two-pole permit.
- Hook and Line Limits: You may use up to five hooks per line.
- Bow and Spear Fishing: This method is allowed only for bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish during the designated seasons.
- Hands-Free Fishing: Harvesting fish using only hands is illegal, except for crayfish and bullfrogs.
- Ice Fishing: Anglers can fish with a maximum of five lines through an opening in the ice, which cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter.
Fishing Bait and Trapping Regulations
- Live Bait: Using live fish, leeches, frogs, salamanders, or shrimp as bait is illegal, except live crayfish caught from the same water. Artificial lures cannot be used with any bait in artificial flies and lures-only waters.
- Chumming: The use of substances that are not attached to a hook is illegal in Idaho.
- Anglers can use up to five crayfish traps with a valid fishing license. You will need to get a Commercial Fishing Licenseif using more than five traps.
- Traps must meet specific size requirements, ensuring they are manageable and regulated.
Conclusion
Fishing in Idaho can be a relaxing and interesting experience, but following the rules and regulations is crucial for sustainability and legality. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, make sure you understand the state’s requirements and follow this Idaho fishing season guidelines to enjoy a rewarding fishing experience.
Last, remember not to do the following illegal activities related to fishing, including:
- Fishing near fish weirs or traps.
- Failing to stop at check stations.
- Entering private land without permission for fishing.
- Using chemicals, poisons, or explosives for fishing.
- Wasting game fish or disturbing fish inappropriately.
- Tampering with traps or conducting unapproved fishing methods.
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- Green Weenie Fly 101: Tying And Fishing Tips
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