Fishing Regulations in Idaho
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Idaho fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Idaho requires a fishing license for anyone 14 years and older. Residents and non-residents can purchase annual or short-term licenses online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. A salmon or steelhead permit is required in addition to the base license for those species. A two-pole permit allows fishing with two rods simultaneously.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rainbow-trout | 6 per day, 12 in possession | None (varies by water) | Year-round on most waters | Some waters have catch-and-release only or slot limits. Check specific water rules. |
| brown-trout | 6 per day, 12 in possession | None (varies by water) | Year-round on most waters | Some trophy waters have special regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 6 per day, 12 in possession | No minimum (varies by water) | Year-round | Snake River has specific bass regulations in certain sections. |
| largemouth-bass | 6 per day, 12 in possession | No minimum (varies by water) | Year-round | Check individual water body regulations for exceptions. |
| channel-catfish | 6 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Popular in Snake River reservoirs. |
Bag Limit: 6 per day, 12 in possession
Size Limit: None (varies by water)
Season: Year-round on most waters
Notes: Some waters have catch-and-release only or slot limits. Check specific water rules.
Bag Limit: 6 per day, 12 in possession
Size Limit: None (varies by water)
Season: Year-round on most waters
Notes: Some trophy waters have special regulations.
Bag Limit: 6 per day, 12 in possession
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Snake River has specific bass regulations in certain sections.
Bag Limit: 6 per day, 12 in possession
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Check individual water body regulations for exceptions.
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Popular in Snake River reservoirs.
Top Fishing Waters
Snake River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish
Salmon River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brook-trout, brown-trout
Lake Coeur d'Alene
lakeSpecies: smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, rainbow-trout, yellow-perch
Henry's Fork
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
Payette Lake
lakeSpecies: rainbow-trout, yellow-perch, crappie
Lake Pend Oreille
lakeSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch
South Fork Boise River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | 36 lbs 8 oz | 2007 | Pend Oreille River |
| Brown Trout | 30 lbs 1 oz | 2013 | Ashton Reservoir |
| Brook Trout | 7 lbs 14 oz | 1978 | Henrys Lake |
| Smallmouth Bass | 9 lbs 2 oz | 2001 | Dworshak Reservoir |
| Largemouth Bass | 10 lbs 15 oz | 1990 | Anderson Ranch Reservoir |
| Channel Catfish | 35 lbs 2 oz | 1989 | Snake River |
| Yellow Perch | 2 lbs 11 oz | 1969 | Lake Cascade |