Do you love to fish? Are you an Idaho resident or traveling from out of state?
Idaho is a great place to fish, with plenty of streams, rivers, and lakes full of Trout, salmon, and bass. You need a fishing license to fish in Idaho legally, and we can help you get one and explain the Idaho fishing license costs.
A valid fishing license is required for all anglers 14 years or older. With an Idaho fishing license, you can fish anywhere in the state without purchasing a separate permit for each body of water.
Keep reading to find out the Idaho fishing license costs and how to purchase your Idaho Fishing License today!
Idaho Fishing License Costs
An Idaho fishing license costs between $5.75 to $176.75 for Idaho residents. For out-of-state Idaho fishing licenses, you can expect to pay between $22.75 to $788.50 for a fishing license.
With such varying prices for different situations, it’s best to refer to the charts below to find the Idaho fishing license that best suits your situation.
Annual Fishing Licenses in Idaho (Residents)
| Age | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult (17+) | $30.50 |
| Adult (17+) 3-Year License | $73.75 |
| Adult or Junior Daily Pass | $13.50 (+$6.00 for each consecutive day) |
| Junior (14-17 Years Old) | $16.00 |
| Junior (14-17 Years Old) | $37.75 |
Lifetime Fishing Licenses in Idaho (Residents)
| Age | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adults (Ages 2-50) | $841.75 |
| Infants (Age 0-1) | $601.75 |
| Seniors (Ages 51+) | $481.75 |
Idaho Out of State Fishing License (Non-residents)
For any out-of-state anglers above 14, refer to the charts below to find the costs of a non-resident Idaho Fishing license.
| Age | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult (17+) | $108.00 |
| Adult (17+) 3-Year License | $320.50 |
| Adult and Junior Daily Pass | $22.75 (Add $7 for each consecutive day) |
| Junior (Ages 14-17) | $23.75 |
| Junior (Ages 14-17) 3-Year License | $67.75 |
Where To Purchase an Idaho Fishing License
Idaho residents and out-of-state anglers have different options for purchasing fishing licenses. There are four options with links below:
- Idaho Fishing License Vendors
- Idaho Fishing License Online
- By Phone: 1-800-554-8685
- Idaho Fish and Game Offices
Common Fish Species in Idaho
Idaho is home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the country. It is important to note that Idaho has many protected fish species and is not considered game fish. Here is a complete list of protected fishing species in Idaho.
Here are a few of the most popular fish to catch in Idaho:
- Brown Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Lake Trout
- Burbot
- Salmon
- Steelhead
- Bass
- Cisco
- Sunfish
- Northern Pike
- Crappie
- Walleye
- Tiger Muskie
- Sturgeon
Best Fishing Spots in Idaho
Idaho is home to world-class fishing throughout the state, from reservoirs to remote, winding rivers. Below are some of Idaho’s most popular fishing spots, broken down by region.
Northwest Region
Priest Lake – Opened to fishing all year, this lake is home to several large species, including cutthroat Trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. Visitors can also expect whitefish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, and northern pike.
Lake Coeur d’Alene – Stretching over 25 miles, this lake is a great spot for several large species, including cutthroat Trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon.
Lake Pend Oreille – Idaho’s largest lake! Being the biggest also means being famous, for a good reason. This lake hosts most of the native fish species you would expect, but more than a dozen non-native species have been recorded being caught in this lake.
Northeast Region
Henrys Lake – This high mountain lake on the state border is a great spot for several large species, including cutthroat Trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, and kokanee salmon.
Island Park Reservoir – This reservoir is abundant with whitefish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, and northern pike.
Southwest Region
C.J. Strike Reservoir – The C.J. Strike Reservoir is home to an abundance of warm and cold water species. This reservoir is easily accessible for both bank fishing and fishing from a vessel.
Brownlee Reservoir – This reservoir is open for fishing year-round and is known to produce Bass, Trout, Salmon, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Tiger Muskie, Whitefish, and other freshwater species.
Boise River – The Boise River offers endless opportunities for Trout fishing with wild Trout and a stock hatchery with both Brown and Rainbow Trout.
Southeast Region
Bear Lake – This lake is where the Idaho state record Cutthroat Trout was caught, weighing in at 19 pounds. Fishing from a boat is the best way to go during the winter and spring.
Henrys Fork – This river is home to some of the best Trout fishing in the world. Henry’s Fork also provides world-class kayaking and plenty of secluded camping spots.
Additional Info
Can you fish with live bait in Idaho?
The answer to this question came as a surprise to me while I was doing my research.
The answer is NO; you cannot use live bait (if it can swim) while fishing in Idaho waters. However, non-swimming live baits like blood worms, wax worms, grubs, and so on can be used as bait in Idaho.
Can you buy Idaho fishing license online?
You can buy an Idaho fishing license online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.
Final Thoughts
Idaho is a great state for fishing, whether you’re looking to fish for big game or enjoy a quiet day on the river. There are many different types of fish to be caught in Idaho and plenty of spots. Be sure to get your fishing license before heading out, and know the Idaho fishing regulations for the area you are fishing in.
For guidance on finding the right fishing gear for your next trip, check out the pages below:
