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Do You Need a Fishing License in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho requires a valid fishing license for anyone 14 or older to fish any public waters. Children under 14 fish free when accompanied by a licensed adult, but the adult's daily bag limit covers both.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) issues all licenses. Special permits are required for steelhead, salmon, and two-pole fishing, sold separately from the base license.
Idaho residency requires six months of continuous in-state residence before applying for resident rates.
How Much Does an Idaho Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Resident annual fishing license: $30.50. Non-resident annual: $112.75. Resident junior (ages 14-17): $13.75. Resident senior (65+): $13.75. Resident daily: $13.50 plus $7 each additional day.
Non-resident daily license is $23 for the first day and $7 each consecutive day, making short trips affordable. Three-day non-resident salmon/steelhead is $37.50.
Add-ons: Steelhead permit $13.75 resident / $36.25 non-resident. Salmon permit $13.75 resident / $36.25 non-resident. Two-pole permit $13.75 for all anglers.
Where to Buy an Idaho Fishing License
Online at idfg.idaho.gov is fastest. The license loads to your phone or prints at home, and you can buy permits the moment you land in Idaho.
Over 380 vendors sell licenses statewide, including Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, most Walmart locations, and small-town bait shops. Look for the IDFG license agent decal.
IDFG regional offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Jerome, Lewiston, McCall, Nampa, Pocatello, and Salmon also issue licenses during business hours.
Free Fishing Days in Idaho
Idaho's Free Fishing Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, June 13. No license is required to fish any public water that day, and all add-on permits are also waived.
IDFG hosts kids' fishing events in conjunction with Free Fishing Day at locations like Kelly Pond in Boise, Jensen Grove in Blackfoot, and McCoy Park in Twin Falls, with loaner tackle and free hot dogs.
Bag, possession, and size limits still apply. The day is a chance to try fishing without committing to a license.
Key Idaho Fishing Regulations You Need to Know
Trout daily limit is 6 statewide with regional exceptions; the Henrys Fork has slot limits and gear restrictions, and Silver Creek is fly-fishing-only with single barbless hooks.
Salmon and steelhead require season-specific permits and are subject to in-season closures via emergency rule. Always check the IDFG website before fishing the Salmon, Clearwater, or Snake.
Invasive species sticker is required for all watercraft including kayaks and float tubes. $7 for resident non-motorized, $30 for non-resident motorized.
Best Fishing Spots in Idaho
Henrys Fork of the Snake River near Island Park is a fly-fishing mecca for wild rainbows. Box Canyon and the Railroad Ranch section produce trophy fish from June through October.
Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho holds the state record for kamloops rainbow and produces lake trout over 30 pounds. Lake Coeur d'Alene offers excellent smallmouth and chinook salmon.
The Salmon River runs steelhead October through April and chinook in June. Brownlee Reservoir on the Snake is a top crappie and smallmouth destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resident annual is $30.50, non-resident annual is $112.75. Daily licenses start at $13.50 for residents and $23 for non-residents (first day), with $7 add-on days.
Yes. You need a steelhead permit in addition to a fishing license: $13.75 for residents, $36.25 for non-residents. Salmon and two-pole permits are also sold separately.
Saturday, June 13, 2026. No license or permits required to fish any public Idaho water that day, though all bag and size limits still apply.
No. Children under 14 fish free with a licensed adult, but they share the adult's daily bag limit. Junior licenses for ages 14-17 cost $13.75.
Online at idfg.idaho.gov, at any IDFG regional office, or from 380+ vendors including Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, Walmart, and local bait shops statewide.
Six trout daily statewide with regional exceptions. Many blue-ribbon waters like Silver Creek and Henrys Fork have stricter limits, slot rules, or fly-fishing-only regulations.