Idaho is a fly-fishing paradise. With more than 3,100 miles of wild and scenic rivers, 2,000 alpine lakes, and legendary steelhead runs on the Salmon and Clearwater rivers, the Gem State offers some of the best fishing in the American West. But before you hit the water, you need a valid Idaho fishing license.
This guide covers all license types, costs, add-on permits, and regulations you need to know for 2026.
Source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), updated for 2026 fishing season.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Idaho?
Anyone 14 years of age or older must have a valid Idaho fishing license to fish in the state’s waters.
Children Under 14
| Residency | License Required? | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho resident child | ❌ No | Has their own separate daily bag limit |
| Non-resident child | ❌ No (but must be with a licensed adult) | Catch counts toward the adult’s limit unless child buys their own license |
Free Fishing Day
Idaho’s annual Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 13, 2026 (second Saturday in June). On this day:
- No fishing license required for anyone
- All other regulations (bag limits, tackle restrictions) remain in effect
- IDFG often provides loaner rods and beginner instruction at locations statewide
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Idaho Fishing License
Step 1: Determine Your Residency Status
Idaho Resident: You must have been domiciled in Idaho for at least 6 consecutive months with the intent to make it your permanent home. A valid Idaho driver’s license or state ID is required as proof.
Military Personnel: Active-duty military and dependents stationed in Idaho can purchase resident licenses after 30 days of continuous residency with a Military Status and Residency Affidavit.
Non-Resident: Anyone who does not meet the Idaho residency requirements above.
Step 2: Choose Your License Type
Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Adult Fishing (18+) | $30.75 |
| Annual Junior Fishing (14–17) | $16.00 |
| 3-Year Adult Fishing | $73.75 |
| Daily Fishing (1st day) | $13.50 |
| Each additional consecutive day | $6.00 |
| Senior Fishing (65+) | $13.75 |
| Disabled American Veteran (DAV) | $5.75 |
| Military Furlough | $20.50 |
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Adult Fishing | $98.25 |
| Annual Junior Fishing (14–17) | $23.75 |
| 3-Year Junior Fishing (14–17) | $67.75 |
| Daily Fishing (1st day) | $22.75 |
| Each additional consecutive day | $7.00 |
Source: IDFG, current as of March 2026. All fees include the Access/Depredation fee.
Note on Price Lock: Idaho’s “Price Lock” program, which offered discounted fees to anglers who purchased a license every consecutive year since 2017, ended for new enrollments on March 5, 2025. Existing Price Lock members retain their discounted rates as long as they continue annual renewal without a gap.
Step 3: Add Required Permits
Salmon and Steelhead Permit
If you plan to fish for salmon or steelhead, you must purchase a separate permit in addition to your fishing license:
| Permit Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Salmon/Steelhead Permit | $15.25 | $28.25 |
| 3-Day Salmon/Steelhead License (NR only) | N/A | $44.75 |
Two-Pole Permit
Idaho allows only 1 fishing rod by default. To fish with 2 rods simultaneously, you need a Two-Pole Permit:
| Two-Pole Permit | Cost |
|---|---|
| All anglers (resident and non-resident) | $17.00 |
This is popular for stillwater trout fishing, ice fishing, and trolling.
Access/Depredation Fee
This fee is automatically included in all annual hunting, fishing, or trapping license fees. It funds wildlife damage management programs and public access.
Step 4: Purchase Your License
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
Visit GoOutdoorsIdaho.com — available 24/7. Print or save your license digitally.
Option 2: Mobile App
Download the Go Outdoors Idaho app (iOS/Android) — buy, store, and display licenses on your phone.
Option 3: By Phone
Call 1-800-554-8685 during business hours.
Option 4: In Person
- IDFG regional offices (Boise, Nampa, McCall, Salmon, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene)
- Authorized license vendors (Walmart, sporting goods stores, outfitters)
Step 5: Carry Your License
You must carry your fishing license and any permits on your person while fishing. Present them to any conservation officer upon request. Digital licenses on the Go Outdoors Idaho app are accepted.
Where to Fish in Idaho
Top Trout Waters
| Water | Location | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Henry’s Fork (Snake River) | Eastern ID | Rainbow trout, brown trout |
| Silver Creek | Sun Valley area | Rainbow, brown (catch-and-release) |
| South Fork Boise River | SW Idaho | Rainbow, brown, bull trout |
| St. Joe River | Northern ID | Westslope cutthroat |
| Priest Lake | Northern ID | Lake trout (mackinaw), cutthroat |
Top Steelhead & Salmon Waters
| Water | Location | Species | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon River | Central ID | Chinook salmon, steelhead | Sep–Apr (steelhead), Jun–Aug (salmon) |
| Clearwater River | North-Central ID | Steelhead, Chinook | Oct–Apr |
| Snake River (Hells Canyon) | Western ID | Steelhead, fall Chinook | Oct–Apr |
Warm and Coolwater Fisheries
| Water | Location | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Cascade | Central ID | Perch, smallmouth bass, coho |
| CJ Strike Reservoir | SW Idaho | Smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish |
| Lake Pend Oreille | Northern ID | Rainbow trout, kokanee, bull trout, lake trout |
| Brownlee Reservoir | Western ID | Crappie, smallmouth bass, channel catfish |
Idaho Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| General trout daily limit | 6 trout/char combined (varies by water) |
| Bass daily limit | 6 (varies by water) |
| Steelhead daily limit | 2 per day (where season is open) |
| Chinook salmon daily limit | Varies by season/water — check IDFG rules |
| Sturgeon | Catch-and-release only statewide |
| Rods allowed | 1 (2 with Two-Pole Permit) |
| Legal fishing hours | 24 hours/day unless posted otherwise |
| Lead tackle restrictions | Prohibited in some waters — check local rules |
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fishing without a valid license | Misdemeanor — fine up to $300 + court costs |
| Fishing for salmon/steelhead without a permit | Additional citation + fine |
| Exceeding bag limits | Misdemeanor — fine + potential license revocation |
| Sturgeon retention | Serious violation — fine up to $1,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Idaho fishing license?
Residents pay $30.75 for an annual adult fishing license. Non-residents pay $98.25. Daily licenses start at $13.50 (resident) or $22.75 (non-resident).
Do I need a separate license for salmon and steelhead?
Yes. In addition to your base fishing license, you need a Salmon/Steelhead Permit — $15.25 for residents, $28.25 for non-residents.
Is there a free fishing day in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho’s Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 13, 2026 (second Saturday in June). No license is required, but all other rules apply.
Can I fish with two rods in Idaho?
Not by default. Idaho allows only 1 rod unless you purchase a Two-Pole Permit for $17.00. This permit is available to both residents and non-residents.
What happened to Idaho’s Price Lock program?
The Price Lock program, which offered discounted license fees to anglers who purchased a license every consecutive year since 2017, ended for new enrollments on March 5, 2025. Existing members retain their discount as long as they renew annually without a gap.
Related Resources
Tribal Waters Fishing: Special Permits and Sovereign Nation Considerations
How Much Is a Fishing License in Idaho?
Steelhead Fishing License Requirements Across Pacific Northwest States
Senior Fishing Privileges: Age-Based Discounts Nationwide
Lifetime Fishing License ROI: When Does It Make Financial Sense?
