Idaho’s fishing license system is more complex than most states because of its add-on permits for salmon, steelhead, and two-pole fishing. A base fishing license alone won’t cover everything — especially if you’re chasing anadromous species on the Salmon or Clearwater rivers.
This guide breaks down every fee, explains the Price Lock program, and helps you calculate your total cost for 2026.
Source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), updated for 2026 fishing season.
2026 Idaho Fishing License Fees at a Glance
Resident Fishing License Fees
| License Type | Standard Cost | Price Lock Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Adult Fishing (18+) | $30.75 | $25.75 |
| Annual Junior Fishing (14–17) | $16.00 | $13.75 |
| 3-Year Adult Fishing | $73.75 | N/A |
| Daily Fishing (1st day) | $13.50 | $11.50 |
| Each additional consecutive day | $6.00 | $5.00 |
| Senior Fishing (65+) | $13.75 | $11.75 |
| Disabled American Veteran (DAV) | $5.75 | $5.00 |
| Military Furlough | $20.50 | $17.50 |
*Price Lock: Discounted rates for anglers who have purchased a license every consecutive year since 2017. New Price Lock enrollments ended March 5, 2025.
Non-Resident Fishing License Fees
| 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 |
Add-On Permits (Required for Specific Activities)
| Permit | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon/Steelhead Permit (annual) | $15.25 | $28.25 |
| 3-Day Salmon/Steelhead (NR only) | N/A | $44.75 |
| Two-Pole Permit | $17.00 | $17.00 |
Access/Depredation Fee (Included in License)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Resident | $5.00 |
| Junior/Senior/DAV/Military Resident | $2.00 |
| Adult Non-Resident | $10.00 |
| Junior/DAV Non-Resident | $4.00 |
These fees are already included in the license prices listed above.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Scenario 1: Idaho Resident Trout Angler
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $30.75 |
| Total | $30.75 |
Scenario 2: Resident Steelhead Angler with Two Rods
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $30.75 |
| Salmon/Steelhead Permit | $15.25 |
| Two-Pole Permit | $17.00 |
| Total | $63.00 |
Scenario 3: Non-Resident on a 5-Day Steelhead Trip
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily Fishing License (1st day) | $22.75 |
| + 4 additional consecutive days | $28.00 |
| Salmon/Steelhead Permit | $28.25 |
| Total | $79.00 |
Scenario 4: Non-Resident Annual Pass (Best Value for Repeat Visitors)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $98.25 |
| Salmon/Steelhead Permit | $28.25 |
| Two-Pole Permit | $17.00 |
| Total | $143.50 |
How Idaho Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Resident Annual | Non-Resident Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $30.75 | $98.25 |
| Montana | $23.00 | $86.00 |
| Oregon | $44.00 | $98.50+ |
| Washington | $30.05 | $84.50 |
| Wyoming | $27.00 | $102.00 |
| Utah | $34.00 | $75.00 |
Idaho falls in the mid-range for Western states. The total cost climbs significantly when you add salmon/steelhead and two-pole permits.
Understanding Idaho’s Price Lock Program
The Price Lock program locked in lower license fees for anglers who:
- Purchased an Idaho fishing license every year since 2017, OR
- Purchased a qualifying 3-year license during that period
Key details for 2026:
- New enrollments ended March 5, 2025
- Existing Price Lock members retain their discounted rates
- If you skip a year, you permanently lose Price Lock pricing
- Price Lock saves roughly $5.00/year on an annual adult license
| License | Standard | Price Lock | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Annual Fishing | $30.75 | $25.75 | $5.00 |
| Junior Annual Fishing | $16.00 | $13.75 | $2.25 |
| Daily Fishing (1st day) | $13.50 | $11.50 | $2.00 |
| Senior Fishing | $13.75 | $11.75 | $2.00 |
Who Fishes Free in Idaho?
| Group | License Required? |
|---|---|
| Children under 14 (residents) | ❌ No — with own bag limit |
| Children under 14 (non-residents with licensed adult) | ❌ No — catch counts toward adult’s limit |
| Free Fishing Day (June 13, 2026) | ❌ No — everyone fishes free |
Idaho does not offer free licenses for seniors, disabled residents (except DAV at $5.75), or military beyond the discounted categories listed above.
Where to Buy
Online (24/7)
Visit GoOutdoorsIdaho.com — immediate digital license.
Mobile App
Go Outdoors Idaho app (iOS/Android).
By Phone
Call 1-800-554-8685 during business hours.
In Person
- IDFG regional offices across the state
- Authorized vendors (Walmart, sporting goods stores, outfitters, marinas)
How License Revenue Supports Idaho Fisheries
Idaho’s fishing license fees fund:
- Hatchery operations: 14 state fish hatcheries producing 30+ million fish annually
- Stream restoration: Habitat improvement in spawning tributaries
- Steelhead/salmon recovery: Monitoring and passage improvement on the Salmon and Clearwater systems
- Invasive species prevention: Watercraft inspection stations at border crossings
- Public access: Maintaining and expanding public fishing access points
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Idaho fishing license cost?
Residents pay $30.75 for an annual adult license ($25.75 with Price Lock). Non-residents pay $98.25. Daily licenses start at $13.50 (resident) or $22.75 (non-resident).
How much is a salmon/steelhead permit in Idaho?
Residents pay $15.25 annually. Non-residents pay $28.25 annually or $44.75 for a 3-day license. This permit is required in addition to your base fishing license.
Is the Price Lock program still available?
For existing members who have renewed every year since 2017: yes. New enrollments ended on March 5, 2025. If you’ve never had Price Lock, you pay the standard rate.
When is Idaho’s Free Fishing Day?
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — the second Saturday in June. No license needed, but all rules still apply.
Are there lifetime fishing licenses in Idaho?
Idaho does not currently offer a standalone lifetime fishing license. However, lifetime sportsman’s packages are available for infants, adults, and seniors — contact IDFG for details and pricing.
Related Resources
How Much Is a Fishing License in Oregon?
How to Get 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?
