The Idaho fishing regulations are broken into several basic regions. Consult their full booklet for maps or our river guides special regulations that may apply to individual waters. Idaho has some great fishing opportunities for freshwater species. Their regulations concerning steelhead and salmon are subject to changes base on the current season and need for emergency closures.
Buy a License
Idaho Fishing License Costs
| Angling License Fees | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License – Adult | $25.75 | $98.25 |
| Annual Fishing License – (Junior 14-17 years) | $13.75 | $21.75 |
| Fishing License – 3 Years – Adult | $73.75 | $291.25 |
| Fishing License – 3 Years – Junior | $37.75 | $61.75 |
| Fishing Daily – First Day (add $6 for each consecutive day) | $11.50 | $12.75 |
| Salmon/Steelhead – 3-day (includes general fishing license) | NA | $37.50 |
| Disabled American Veterans Fishing – Resident Only | $5.00 | NA |
| Disabled Persons Fishing – Resident Only | $5.00 | NA |
| Military Furlough Fishing – Residents Only | $17.50 | NA |
Idaho Residency Requirements
Proof of residency is required to buy any resident license. A resident is anyone who has been domiciled in this state with a bona fide intent to make this their place of permanent abode, for a period of not less than 6 months immediately preceding the date of application for any license, tag or permit. A senior resident is anyone age 65 and older who has lived in the state at least 6 months immediately preceding the date of application for a senior license or tag.
A driver must prove residency with a valid Idaho driver’s license. Non-drivers may use other suitable proof of residency, such as:
- An Idaho Identification Card issued by the Department of Transportation.
- Two documents bearing his or her name and address, not issued by himself or herself, such as:
- rent receipts or mortgage statements for the previous six months
- home utility bills for the previous 6 months
- a notarized statement from an employer on business letterhead
- proof of voter registration dated 6 months prior
- in the case of a child under 18, identification from a parent.
- A previous year’s hunting, fishing or trapping license is not proof of residency.
A member of the military of the United States or of a foreign country, or a member of the Idaho National or Air National Guard, together with spouse and children under 18 residing in his or her household, on active duty and permanently stationed in Idaho for 30 days preceding application shall be eligible to buy a resident license, as long as such assignment continues.
Idaho residents, who are in the U.S. military and maintain Idaho as their official state of residence, together with spouse and children under 18 residing in his or her household, shall be eligible to buy a resident license. The service person himself or herself is eligible to buy a furlough license from any vendor while on leave. Other permits and validations must be attached as required. Please see the Options for Active Military Personnel section for more information.
Owning real property or paying property taxes within the state of Idaho is not a qualification for residency. No one can claim Idaho resident privileges while claiming resident privileges in another state, except military personnel.
Southeast Region Fishing Regulations and Limits
| Species | Daily Limits |
|---|---|
| Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown, lake, grayling, splake and trout hybrids) | 6, only 2 cutthroats in rivers |
| Brook Trout | 25 |
| Chinook Salmon | 2, none under 20 inches |
| Kokanee | 6 |
| Tiger Muskie | 2, none under 40 inches |
| Whitefish | 25 |
| Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | 6, none under 14 inches |
Magic Valley Region and General Limits:
| Species | Daily Limits |
|---|---|
| Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown, lake, grayling, splake and trout hybrids) | 6, only 2 cutthroats in rivers |
| Brook Trout | 25 |
| Kokanee | 6 |
| Tiger Muskie | 2, none under 40 inches |
| Whitefish | 25 |
| Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | 6, none under 12 inches |
| Walleye | 6 |
Upper Snake Region Fishing Regulations and Limits
| Species | Daily Limits |
|---|---|
| Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown, lake, grayling, splake and trout hybrids) | 6 |
| Brook Trout | 25 |
| Bull Trout | Catch and Release Only |
| Kokanee | 15 |
| Tiger Muskie | 2, none under 40 inches |
| Whitefish | 25 |
| Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | 6 |
Clearwater Region Fishing Regulations and General Limits
| Species | Daily Limits |
|---|---|
| Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown, lake, grayling, splake and trout hybrids) | 2 in rivers and streams, 6 in lakes |
| Brook Trout | 25 |
| Bull Trout | Catch and Release Only |
| Steelhead | Prohibited unless a specific season is open |
| Salmon | Prohibited unless a specific season is open |
| Kokanee | 6 |
| Tiger Muskie | 2, none under 40 inches |
| Whitefish | 25 |
| Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | 6 |
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