Idaho is known for its blue-ribbon trout fishing streams, shimmering lakes and expansive reservoirs that tempt anglers with the promise of diverse, top-notch fishing.
From the hefty B-run steelhead of the Clearwater River to the abundant kokanee of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Idaho is an angler’s paradise. While this resource does not list all the locations for fishing in Idaho, it includes some favorites to help you plan your vacation.
Learn how to identify Idaho’s native trout and discover the gear you’ll need for a successful fishing trip.
Select the time of year you’re planning to drop a line to access seasonal fishing information.
Whether you’re wrangling Chinook salmon in the summer, luring brown trout in the fall or ice fishing for rainbow trout in the winter, these travel tips will help you plan where to go on your next fishing trip.
Learn about the fish in Idaho that make the Gem State a must-visit destination for anglers.
White sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in North America and can be found in Idaho’s Snake, lower Salmon and Kootenai rivers—some weighing up to 1,500 pounds! Considering their massive size, they live for a long time, too, with an average life span of 50–60 years. Harvest is not allowed for white sturgeons, but you may catch and release.
Idaho’s state fish is the cutthroat trout, with three types found in the Gem State: Yellowstone, westslope and Bonneville. The name “cutthroat” refers to the distinctive red coloration on the trout’s lower jaw.
As native rainbow trout, young steelheads migrate to the ocean and then return to Idaho’s freshwater as adults to spawn. These fish are classified into two groups, A-run and B-run, based on their size and how long they stay in the ocean. Average B-run steelheads weigh between 10 and 13 pounds and are 31–34 inches long.
Native to Bear Lake, located on the Idaho–Utah border, these small whitefish provide a unique opportunity for ice fishing during the winter, either with nets or lines.
While fishing in Idaho, stay safe, be courteous and do your part to keep the Gem State’s landscapes clean and pristine with these tips.
Invasive species like quagga mussels can attach themselves to hard surfaces, such as boats, kayaks and even gear (like boots or waders)—and can survive out of water for up to a week. Prevent the spread of these tiny invaders by thoroughly inspecting, draining and drying your boats, trailers and any other watercraft at USDA Inspection Stations. Do not reuse any live bait that has contacted infested water.
Renowned for its dry fly-fishing, Silver Creek is one of the most famous fly-fishing streams in the world.
The Idaho state record steelhead was 30.13 pounds and 44 inches, caught in the Clearwater River in 1973.
American Falls Reservoir has a well-deserved reputation for producing trophy trout, and claims several certified weight records already.
Eastern Idaho, considered the epicenter of top-notch trout fishing in the Rocky Mountains, is home to Henry’s Fork—a spring-fed stream known to most anglers as the greatest river in the world.
Share your Idaho fishing adventures with #VisitIdaho, and your photo might be featured!
