Idaho Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations – Licencia de pesca

Idaho Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations
Idaho Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations

Idaho Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations

Idaho is famous for its shimmering lakes, world-class trout fishing streams and huge reservoirs that attract keen anglers with a variety of fishing experiences. Idaho’s waters are famous for the rich population of fish species such as brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon, steelhead, black bass, largemouth bass, and pike or pikeperch. In spring, summer, and fall, the heavily-covered steelhead thrives on several Idaho rivers. Anglers are advised to check the Snake River or any of the waterways they intend to visit for current fishing regulations.

Obtaining an Idaho fishing license is easy as it can be done through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website. Those who prefer to buy their fishing license in person can do so from authorized license sellers and from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Regional Office.

Idaho Fishing Licenses

All fishing rules and regulations in the lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water in the United States were created to protect fish populations. The fishing regulations at Snake River adhere to the same rules to maintain a healthy fish population that will thrive for generations. In connection with this, there are state regulations for further protection for every species of fish.

Anglers are encouraged to contribute not only to the protection and maintenance of Idaho’s waterways, but also to cleanup and other related activities led by conservation groups and local associations. A true angler knows the importance of conserving natural resources and even looks for ways and means to add to the cause.

Obtained a fishing license for Idaho

Anglers in Idaho have several options for obtaining their fishing licenses.

  • With One Provider – Below is a list of providers to choose from
River 1 201 Hillside Dr

Challis, Idaho 83226

United States

(208) 774-2270
Gateway Mini Mart610 Highway 93 N.

Challis, Idaho 83226

United States

(208) 819-1246
The real value of the village square600 Highway 93 S.

Challis, Idaho 83226

United States

(208) 879-2338
Bent tail outdoors1303 E. Highway 93

Challis, Idaho 83226

United States

(208) 879-2500
Jerry’s Country StoreHighway 75 Lower Stanley

Stanley, Idaho 83278

United States

(208) 774-3566
Smiley Creek Lodge16546 N Highway 75

Stanley, Idaho 83278

United States

(208) 774-3547
Ridleys411 Deinhardgasse

McCall, Idaho 83638

United States

(208) 634-8719
Stanley Fly Shop166 niece avenue

Stanley, Idaho 83864

United States

(208) 721-7151
Mountain Village ResortHighway 21/275 Eva Falls

Stanley, Idaho 83278

United States

(208) 774-3500
Albertson McCall132 E. See St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

United States

(208) 634-8166
corner store410 courthouse Dr.

Salmon, Idaho 83467

United States

(208) 756-2113
Salmon river fly402 Hauptstr.

Salmon, Idaho 83467

United States

(208) 756-1939
93 outdoor sports517 S. Challis

Salmon, Idaho 83467

United States

(208) 756-3002
Murdoch’s ranch520 Shop St.

Salmon, Idaho 83467

United States

(208) 756-1537
Stinker Stores 78119 W Roseberry Rd

Donnelly, Idaho 83615

United States

(208) 325-8501
  • By Phone – Call 1-800-554-8685 to purchase your license.
  • Visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game official website to purchase your license. After purchasing, you can print out your licenses immediately. https://idfg.huntfishidaho.net/login.
  • Visit a regional fish and game office. Below is a list of the nine offices.
Panhandle region2885 W. Kathleen Ave.

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

P: (208) 769-1414F: (208) 769-1418
Clearwater region3316 16th St.

Lewiston, ID 83501

P: (208) 799-5010F: (208) 799-5012
North McCall Southwest Region555 Deinhardgasse

McCall, ID 83638

P: (208) 634-8137F: (208) 634-1683
Southwest Region South – Nampa15950 N. Gate Boulevard

Nampa, ID 83687

P: (208) 465-8465F: (208) 465-8467
Magic Valley region324 South 417 East – Suite 1

Jerome, ID 83338

P: (208) 324-4359F: (208) 324-1160
Southeast region1345 Barton Road

Pocatello, ID 83204

P: (208) 232-4703F: (208) 233-6430
Upper snake region4279 commercial district

Idaho Falls, ID 83401

P: (208) 525-7290F: (208) 523-7604
Salmon region99 freeway. 93 N.

Salmon, ID 83467

P: (208) 756-2271F: (208) 756-6274
Headquarters office Postal delivery: PO Box 25, Boise, ID 83707

Street: 600 S. Walnut, Boise, ID 83712

P: (208) 334-3700F: (208) 334-2114

Who Needs an Idaho Fishing License?

All persons over the age of 14 must be in possession of a valid general fishing license. You do not need a fishing license for young anglers under 14 years of age. Here are the regulations for anyone under the age of 14.

  • A resident child under the age of 14 has their own catch limit
  • A non-resident child under the age of 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license, and the child’s fish is included in the license holder’s catch limit. The non-resident child can buy his driver’s license and has his limit.

Specialized fishing permits for both residents and non-residents are required for certain activities, such as:

  • Fishing for salmon and steelhead
  • Two rod fishing

Types of Idaho Fishing Licenses and Costs

We have compiled the different types of fishing licenses, tags and permits for both residents and non-residents for your information.

Resident license fees:

ProductscostsRemarks
Combination – hunting and fishing for adults$ 38.75
Combination – hunting and fishing for adults – 3 years$ 97
Combination – Junior Hunting and Fishing (14-17 years)$ 19
Combination – Junior Hunting and Fishing (14-17 years) – 3 years$ 49
Combination – Senior Hunting and Fishing (65+ years)$ 13.75
Combination – Senior Hunting and Fishing (65+ years) – 3 years$ 33.50You must have been an Idaho resident for more than six months to apply
Combination – athlete package$ 144.60
Disabled American Veterans – Fishing $ 5.75For residents only. A letter from the Veteran Affairs Office must be presented stating that there is at least a 40% disability.
American Disabled Veterans – Combination of Hunting and Fishing$ 5.75For residents only. A letter from the Veteran Affairs Office must be presented stating that there is at least a 40% disability.
Disabled – fishing $ 5.75For residents only – must be proven with official documents of disability.
Disabled people – combination of hunting and fishing$ 5.75For residents only – must be proven with official documents of disability.
Disabled people – combination hunting and fishing – 3 years$ 11.50For residents only. Must Present a letter to a seller from the SSI, SSDI, or Railroad Retirement Board to prove that the individual is disabled and economically disadvantaged, or has a signed and completed certificate of permanent disability.
Fishing – adults$ 30.50 each
Fishing – adults – 3 years$ 73.75
Fishing – Daily (first day) $ 13.50Each additional consecutive day adds $ 6.
Fishing – Junior (14-17 years)$ 13.75
Fishing – Junior (14-17 years) – 3 years $ 37.75
Military leave – combination of hunting and fishing$ 20.50 eachResidents who are in U.S. military service and who are resident in Idaho can purchase this license while on vacation.

Fees for the residence permit:

Fishing with two rods is $ 15.

License fees for non-residents

articlecostsRemarks
Combination – hunting and fishing for adults$ 240
Combination – hunting and fishing for adults – 3 years$ 716.50
Fishing – adults$ 98.25
Fishing – adults – 3 years$ 291.25
Fishing daily (first day)$ 15Each additional consecutive day adds $ 7. added
Fishing junior (14-17 years)$ 21.75Any non-resident youth who want their fishing limit must purchase a junior fishing license
Fishing junior (14-17 years) – 3 years $ 61.75Any non-resident child who wants their fishing limit must purchase a junior fishing license

Fishing license renewal in Idaho

Every angler has to buy his license again as soon as the expiry date has passed. You can sign in with the same account that you used when you first purchased.

Idaho fish size and limits

The pocket limit, or the maximum number of fish a person can catch per day. Here are a few standard rules in the state of Idaho:

  • Brown trout – cannot exceed 25 per day
  • Kokanee – cannot exceed 25 per day
  • Tiger Muskie – 2 or less
  • Pikeperch – 6 or less
  • Cisco – 30 or less
  • Bull trout and sturgeon must be caught and released
  • During the Steelhead season, the ball possession limit is 9; the daily harvest is 3 and 20 for the entire season

Each region has specific guidelines that must be followed. Please follow these regional daily baggage limits for each designated location in Idaho.

Daily baggage limits for the Panhandle region:

bassThe daily limit is 6
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25
Bull troutThe daily limit is 0 – must catch and let go
burbotThe daily limit is 6
Chinook salmonThe daily limit is 2; none can be equal to or larger than 20 inches
KokaneeThe daily limit is 15
sturgeonSturgeon fishing in the Kootenai River is illegal
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is 2; none can be greater than or equal to 40 inches
TroutThe daily limit is 6
whitefishThe daily limit is 25
All other fish species No pocket size or ownership restriction

Daily baggage limit for the Clearwater region:

bassIn rivers and streams, no restrictions on pockets, size, or possessions. In lakes and reservoirs the limit is 6, both types combined
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25
Bull troutThe daily limit is 0, you have to catch and let go
KokaneeThe daily limit is 25
salmonProhibited unless properly opened for that water
Steel headNo longer than 20 inches in the Snake River
sturgeonThe daily limit is 0 and must be caught and released again.
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is two and none below 40 inches.
TroutIn rivers and streams, the limit is two and must be less than 40 inches.
whitefishThe daily limit is 25
Protected non-wild fishMay not be owned or harvested
All other fish species No pocket, size or possession restrictions

Daily luggage limit for the southwest region:

bassBass limit is 6, none under 12 inches
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25
Bull troutThe daily limit is 0, you have to catch and let go
KokaneeThe daily limit is 6
salmonProhibited unless specifically opened for that water
Steel headProhibited unless specifically opened for that water
sturgeonThe daily limit is 0, catch and release
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is 2, none under 40 inches
whitefishThe daily limit is 25
Protected non-wild fishMay not be harvested or owned
TroutThe daily limit is 6
All other fish species No size, pocket or ownership restrictions

Daily baggage limit for the Magic Valley region:

bassBass limit is 6, none under 12 inches
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25, harvesting allowed during the open season
Bull troutThe daily limit is 0, you have to catch and let go
KokaneeThe daily limit is 6
sturgeonThe daily limit is 0, must find barbed hooks and release and use them
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is two and none below 40 inches
TroutThe daily limit is 6, in rivers and streams only 2 of the six trout can be neck trout
PikeperchThe daily limit is 6
Protected non-wild fishMay not be harvested or owned
All other fish species No pocket, size, or obsession

Daily baggage limits for the Southeast region:

bassThe daily limit is 6, none under 14 inches
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25
CiscoThe daily limit is 30
KokaneeThe daily limit is 6
sturgeonThe daily limit is 0, you have to catch and let go
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is two and none below 40 inches
TroutThe daily limit is 6. Only 2 of the six cutthroat trout are allowed in rivers and streams. being
whitefishThe daily limit is 25
Protected non-wild fishMay not be harvested or owned
All other fish species No pocket, size or possession restrictions

Daily baggage limits for the upper snake region:

bassThe daily limit is 6
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25
Bull troutThe daily limit is 0, you have to catch and let go
KokaneeThe daily limit is 15
sturgeonThe daily limit is 0, must catch and release. Must use barbless hooks
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is 2, none under 40 inches
TroutThe daily limit is 6
whitefishThe daily limit is 25
Protected non-wild fishMay not be harvested or owned
All other fish species No pocket, size or possession restrictions

Daily luggage limits for the salmon region:

bassNo limit
Brown troutThe daily limit is 25
Bull troutThe daily limit is 0, you have to catch and let go
KokaneeThe daily limit is 25
salmonProhibited unless indicated by open water
Steel headMust be 20 inches or longer
sturgeonThe daily limit is 0, must catch and let go
Tiger MuskieThe daily limit is 2, none under 40 inches
TroutThe daily limit is 6
whitefishThe daily limit is 25
Protected non-wild fishMay not be owned or harvested
All other fish species No pocket, size or possession restrictions

Steelhead’s spring season runs from January through April or May. For more information, see the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website at https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/fish.

Best fishing spots in Idaho

When it comes to the best fishing spots, there are a variety of reservoirs, lakes, dams, rivers, and creeks to choose from. One of our favorites is Brownlee Reservoir on the western border near Oregon. The body is approximately 13,000 hectares and stretches for 80 kilometers. Some of the popular game fish are panfish, largemouth bass, catfish, trout, and black bass.

If you love total adventure then Lake Cascade is beautiful for you. It has one of the largest bodies of water on 27,000 hectares with fantastic camping opportunities and other recreational activities such as jet skiing and water skiing. But don’t let that fool you, the fishing opportunities are even better. You Can Expect to Find Bluegills, Crappies, Perch, Perch, Salmon, and Trout.