Except as modified in Panhandle Region Special Rule Waters.
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Panhandle Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Panhandle Region except as modified in Panhandle Region Special Rule Waters. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
Bass limit is 6, both species combined
Brook Trout
Brook Trout limit is 25
Bull Trout
Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Burbot
Burbot limit is 6
Chinook Salmon (land-locked)
Chinook Salmon limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 15
Sturgeon
Fishing for or targeting sturgeon in the Kootenai River is illegal
Sturgeon limit is 0
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Troutincludes Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Splake, Arctic Grayling, trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
Trout limit is 6, all species combined
Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Check for potential fish consumption advisories.
Special Rule Waters for the Panhandle Region
For waters not listed below, for fishing season, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Panhandle Region.
Anderson Lake(includes the channel to the Coeur d’Alene River)
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 16 inches
Antelope Lake - Electric motors only
Avondale Lake - Electric motors only
Blue Lake(Priest River drainage) - Electric motors only
Blue Lake (Coeur d’Alene drainage; includes the channel to the Coeur d’Alene River)
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 16 inches
Bonner Lake - Electric motors only
Brush Lake - Electric motors only
Chase Lake - Electric motors only
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 16 inches
Clark Fork River
Section: Entire river upstream of a straight line extending north of county boat dock (near mouth of Johnson Creek) to Bear Paw Point (southwest tip of Denton Slough)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout catch-and-release December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
No limit on lake trout
Clark Fork River tributaries (includes Lightning Creek and tributaries)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout catch-and-release December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
No bait allowed Dec. 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
Clearwater River, Little North Fork and tributaries
Trout limit is 2
Coeur d’Alene Lake(includes Benewah and Chatcolet lakes, Coeur d’Alene River “Chain Lakes” and all tributaries to Coeur d’Alene Lake)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Lake Creek and tributaries, closed to fishing
Coeur d’Alene River and tributaries
Section: From the mouth to the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
Coeur d’Alene River, Little North Fork and tributaries
Section: From the mouth upstream to Laverne Creek
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
Section: From and including Laverne Creek upstream
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Coeur d’Alene River, North Fork and tributaries
Section: From the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork upstream to Yellow Dog Creek
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
Section: From and including Yellow Dog Creek upstream
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Coeur d’Alene River, South Fork and tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation - Contact the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Office
Dawson Lake - Electric motors only
Deep Creek and tributaries
Rainbow Trout catch-and-release December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
Freeman Lake - Electric motors only
Gamble (Gamlin) Lake - Electric motors only
Gold Creek(Pend Oreille Lake; includes North and South Gold creeks and tributaries) • Closed to fishing
Granite Creek and tributaries(Pend Oreille Lake)
Closed to fishing
Granite Lake - Electric motors only
Hayden Creek and tributaries
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Hayden Lake
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 20 inches
Crappie limit is 6, none under 10 inches
Jewel Lake - Electric motors only
Kelso Lake - Electric motors only
Kootenai River
Trout limit is 2, no Rainbow or Cutthroat Trout under 16 inches
Sturgeon - Fishing for or targeting sturgeon in the Kootenai River is illegal
Lake Pend Oreille (includes Sand, Strong, Riser, Bayview, and Mirror creeks and their tributaries)
No limit on the number of fishing rods per angler while fishing from a boat
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 16 inches
No limit on Lake Trout, Lake Trout can be possessed in the field or in transit with head removed
No harvest of Cutthroat Trout • Rainbow Trout limit is 2, only 1 over 20 inches
Lower Glidden Lake - Electric motors only
Mirror Lake - Electric motors only
Moyie River
Trout limit is 2
Pack River and tributariesfrom the railroad bridge near the mouth upstream; includes Grouse Creek and tributaries and Rapid Lightning Creek and tributaries)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout catch-and-release December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
No bait allowed December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend • Fishing closed 100 yards upstream and downstream of Grouse Creek Falls (on Grouse Creek)
Pend Oreille River (from Highway 95 bridge at Sandpoint downstream to IdahoWashington border, including tributaries and sloughs to the edge of flat water)
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 16 inches
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Perkins Lake - Electric motors only
Priest Lake and tributaries(including Thorofare)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout • Kokanee limit is 6
Priest River and tributaries(from its mouth to Priest Lake)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Robinson Lake - Electric motors only
Bass limit is 6, only 2 may be Largemouth Bass, no Largemouth Bass under 16 inches
Roman Nose Lake #3 - Electric motors only
Round Lake (Bonner County) - Electric motors only
St. Joe River and tributaries(except St. Maries River)
Section: From Coeur d’Alene Lake upstream to and including the North Fork St. Joe River
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
Section: From the North Fork St. Joe River upstream
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
St. Maries River and tributaries
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 2, no harvest of any trout with a red or orange slash below jaw
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2
Shepherd Lake - Electric motors only
Sinclair Lake - Electric motors only
Smith Lake - Electric motors only
Spirit Lake • Kokanee limit is 25
Spokane River and tributaries
Section: From state line upstream to Post Falls Dam
Trout limit is 2
Section: From Post Falls Dam upstream to Coeur d’Alene Lake
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Trestle Creek and tributaries
Closed to fishing
Upper Priest Lake and tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No limit on Lake Trout
Kokanee limit is 6
CLEARWATER REGION
Washington / Idaho Fishing In Boundary Waters
The Snake River between Idaho, Oregon, or Washington: The holder of a valid Idaho fishing license and salmon or steelhead permit may fish for those species provided the season is open in the Snake River where it forms the boundary between the states of Idaho and Oregon or Washington, subject to the fish and game laws of Idaho, but may not fish from the shoreline, including wading, and may not fish in sloughs or tributaries on the Oregon or Washington side. Any Oregon or Washington license holder has the same rights and restrictions with reference to the Idaho side. Any angler who fishes on the Snake River or any other water forming an Idaho boundary is entitled to have in possession only the limit allowed by one license regardless of the number of licenses in possession.
Special Restrictions – North Fork Clearwater River
General Fishing Season for the Clearwater Region
All Waters.
Except as modified in Clearwater Region Special Rule Waters
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Clearwater Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Clearwater Region except as modified in Clearwater Region Special Rule Waters. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
In rivers and streams, no bag, size or possession limits • In lakes and reservoirs, limit is 6, both species combined Brook Trout •
Brook Trout limit is 25
Bull Trout
Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 25
Salmon
Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures
Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found bellow
Sockeye Salmon limit is 0 and fishing for or targeting Sockeye Salmon is illegal
Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water
Steelhead(ocean-going)
Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than twenty (20) inches in length in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes and reservoirs), and the Clearwater River drainage (excluding that portion above Dworshak Dam, and lakes)
Seasons and limits for steelhead can be found below
Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water
Sturgeon
Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
Barbless hooks are required
Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required.
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
In rivers and streams, trout limit is 2, all species combined • In lakes, reservoirs, ditches and canals, trout limit is 6, all species combined Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25
Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific Lamprey and Sand Roller
May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Speciesincludes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Special Rule Waters for the Clearwater Region
For waters not listed below, see above for fishing season, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Clearwater Region.
Clearwater River
Section: From the mouth upstream to the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Fishing between posted boundaries 100 yards upstream and downstream from the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Ladder (near Cherry Lane Bridge) and extending into the river channel 50 yards is prohibited
Fishing from the shoreline or wading along the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is prohibited
Section: From the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino upstream to the confluence of the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater rivers
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
September 1 through April 30 - No motors allowed
Clearwater River, Middle Fork
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches • September 1 through April 30 - No motors allowed
Clearwater River, North Fork
Section: From the mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
When fishing from Ahsahka Highway 7 Bridge, it is illegal to take or attempt to take any fish downstream of the railroad bridge; fishing from the railroad bridge is prohibited
Fishing from any watercraft or wading is prohibited between the posted line approximately 150 yards upstream from the mouth of the North Fork Clearwater River and the Ahsahka Highway 7 Bridge
Fishing from the shoreline or wading along the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is prohibited
Section: From the upper end of flat water of Dworshak Reservoir upstream
Barbless hooks required
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no bait allowed except maggots
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 2, no Cutthroat Trout under 14 inches, no bait allowed
Clearwater River, South Fork
Cutthroat Trout limit is 0, catch and release only
Single-pointed barbless hooks are required while fishing for steelhead and salmon
Crooked Fork (tributary to Lochsa River)
Section: From the mouth to Brushy Fork
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Section: From Brushy Fork upstream - Clearwater Region general rules apply
Deer Creek Reservoir
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Tiger Trout, no Tiger Trout under 14 inches
Deyo Reservoir
Bass limit is 2, none under 16 inches
Dworshak Reservoir
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout, no Cutthroat Trout under 14 inches
Elk Creek and tributaries (tributary to Dworshak Reservoir)
Trout limit is 6, Brook Trout must be counted in trout limit
Elk Creek Reservoir
Trout limit is 6, Brook Trout must be counted in trout limit
Kelly Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Lochsa River
Section: From the mouth upstream to Wilderness Gateway Campground Motor Bridge, near Highway 12 milepost 122
Barbless hooks required
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no bait allowed except maggots
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches, no bait allowed
Section: From Wilderness Gateway Campground Motor Bridge upstream to the confluence of Colt Killed Creek and Crooked Fork Creek
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Mann Lake - Electric motors only
Bass limit is 2, none under 16 inches
Moose Creek Reservoir - Electric motors only
Salmon River
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Salmon River tributaries
Section: Those tributaries from the mouth of the Salmon River upstream to the Middle Fork Salmon River, except Little Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River.
Trout limit is 2
Section: Those tributaries upstream from the mouth of the Middle Fork Salmon River - See Salmon River tributaries, Special Rule Waters
Selway River
Section: From the mouth upstream to Selway Falls cable car
Barbless hooks required
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no bait allowed except maggots
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches, no bait allowed
Section: From Selway Falls cable car upstream to Selway Falls Bridge at Meadow Creek • Closed to fishing Section: From Selway Falls Bridge at Meadow Creek upstream • Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Snake River (ID/WA border upstream to Hells Canyon Dam)
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Spring Valley Reservoir - Electric motors only
Bass limit is 2, none under 16 inches
Winchester Lake - Electric motors only
SOUTHWEST REGION
General Fishing Season for the Southwest Region (includes McCall Sub-Region)
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Southwest Region Special Rule Waters
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Southwest Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Southwest Region except as modified in Southwest Region Special Rule Waters. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass(Largemouth and Smallmouth)
Bass limit is 6, both species combined
None under 12 inches
Brook Trout
Brook Trout limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 6
Salmon
Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures
Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found below
Sockeye Salmon limit is 0 and fishing for or targeting Sockeye Salmon is illegal
Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water
Steelhead(ocean-going)
Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than twenty (20) inches in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes and reservoirs). Between Hells Canyon Dam and Oxbow Dam and the Boise River from its mouth upstream to Barber Dam during steelhead seasons, steelhead are Rainbow Trout over twenty (20) inches in length with the adipose fin clipped (as evidenced by a healed scar)
Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water
Sturgeon
Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
Barbless hooks are required
Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required.
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Troutincludes Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, land-locked Chinook and Coho Salmon, trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
Trout limit is 6, all species combined
Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific Lamprey
May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Special Rule Waters for the Southwest Region
For waters not listed below, see above for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Southwest Region.
Ben Ross Reservoir
Bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Big Creek
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Boise Riverfrom the mouth upstream to Lucky Peak Dam (lower Boise River)
Section: From the downstream side of the East Parkcenter Bridge to the upstream side of the West Parkcenter Bridge
Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches
All other sections of the lower Boise River - Southwest Region general rules apply
Boise River, Middle Fork
Section: From the confluence of the North Fork upstream to Atlanta Dam
Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
All other sections of the Boise River, Middle Fork - Southwest Region general rules apply
Boise River, South Fork
Section: From Neal Bridge (Forest Road 189) upstream to Anderson Ranch Dam
No bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly or lure
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit 2, none under 20 inches
Section: Boise River, South Fork upstream of Anderson Ranch Dam; see Magic Valley Region rules
Brundage Reservoir and tributaries
Trout limit is 2, none over 14 inches
No bait allowed
Cascade Aquarium Pond
Closed to fishing
Chamberlain Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 2
Crane Falls Lake - Electric motors only
Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Deadwood Reservoir
Kokanee limit is 15
Deadwood Reservoir tributaries
Trout limit is 2
Kokanee limit is 15
Dick Knox Pond
Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Duck Valley Indian Reservationcontact the Duck Valley Indian Tribal Office
Lake Lowell
January 1 to June 30 - bass limit is 0, catch-andrelease
July 1 to December 31- bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Little Payette Lake
Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Kokanee limit is 25
Little Salmon River
Southwest Region general rules apply
Louie Lake (an alpine lake in the Boulder Creek drainage)
Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required McDevitt Pond
Trout limit is 2
Middle Fork Salmon River (see Salmon River, Middle Fork and tributaries)
M.K. Nature Center
Closed to fishing
Owyhee River and tributaries
Bass limit is 6, any size
Oxbow Reservoir(between Brownlee Dam and Oxbow Dam)
Bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Parkcenter Pond
Trout limit is 2
Payette River, North Fork
Section: From Payette Lake upstream, including tributaries
Kokanee limit is 0, catch-and-release
Section: From Smylie Bridge (Hartsell) to Payette Lake
December 1 to Friday of Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
All other sections of the Payette River, North Fork - Southwest Region general rules apply
Payette River, South Fork and tributaries (except the Middle Fork Payette drainage)
Trout limit is 2
Rapid River and tributaries (tributary to the Little Salmon River)
Trout limit is 2
Roosevelt Lake
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Sage Hen Reservoir tributaries
December 1 through June 15 - closed to fishing
June 16 through November 30 - trout limit is 2
Salmon River
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No bag, size or possession limits on bass
Salmon River tributaries
No bag, size or possession limits on bass Section: Those tributaries from the mouth of the Salmon River upstream to the mouth of the Middle Fork Salmon River (except Little Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River)
Trout limit is 2 Section: Those tributaries upstream of the mouth of Middle Fork Salmon River -See Salmon River tributaries, Special Rule Waters.
Salmon River, Middle Fork and tributaries (includes: Bear Valley, Big, Camas, Elk, Loon, Marsh, Sulphur creeks, and tributaries)
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
No bag, size or possession limits on bass
Salmon River, South Fork and tributaries(includes: Johnson Creek, East Fork South Fork Salmon River, Secesh River, Lake Creek, Summit Creek and tributaries)
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
No bag, size or possession limits on bass
Squaw Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 2
Stibnite Pond (Glory Hole)
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Warren Creek
Trout limit is 2
Weiser Community Pond
Trout limit is 2
Wilson Springs Ponds (all waters within the Wilson Springs access area including Wilson Drain)
Trout limit is 2
MAGIC VALLEY REGION
General Fishing Season for the Magic Valley Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in the Magic Valley Region Special Rule Waters
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Magic Valley Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Magic Valley Region except as modified in Magic Valley Region Special Rule Waters. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass(Largemouth and Smallmouth)
Bass limit is 6, both species combined
None under 12 inches
Brook Trout
Brook Trout limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 6
Sturgeon
Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
Barbless hooks are required
Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required.
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, land-locked Chinook and Coho Salmon, trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
Trout limit is 6, all species combined
In rivers and streams, only 2 of the 6 trout may be Cutthroat Trout
Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Walleye
Walleye limit is 6
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish includes Norhern Leatherside Chub, Shoshone Sculpin, Wood River Sculpin, and Bluehead Sucker (also know as Green Sucker)
May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Special Rule Waters for the Magic Valley Region
For waters not listed below, for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Magic Valley Region.
Anderson Ranch Reservoir
Kokanee limit is 15 per day
Baker Lake (an alpine lake in Blaine County)
Trout limit is 2
Bell Rapids (See Snake River)
Big Wood River
Section: From the Richfield Canal Diversion upstream to Magic Dam
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
March 31 – trout limit is 6
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Bass limit is 6, any size
Section: From the posted boundary about 700 yards east of Hot Springs Landing upstream to Glendale Road Bridge
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6
Section: From Glendale Road Bridge upstream to the Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 122.2
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Section: From Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 122.2 upstream to Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 136.2
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly or lure
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Section: From the Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 136.2 upstream to the headwaters of the Big Wood River
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6
All other sections of the Big Wood River – Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Big Wood River Tributaries (upstream of Magic Reservoir)
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6
Billingsley Creek
Section: From Tupper Grade upstream to Vader Grade
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 6, fly-fishing only, no bait allowed
All other sections of Billingsley Creek - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Boise River, South Fork (upstream of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, see Southwest Region for information downstream from Anderson Ranch Dam)
Section: From the mouth of Beaver Creek upstream to the mouth of Big Smoky Creek
Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches
No bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly or lure
All other sections of the Boise River, South Fork upstream Anderson Ranch Dam - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2
Hagerman Wildlife Management Area - No motors
Section: The four Anderson Ponds, the Bass Ponds, Goose Pond, and the West Highway Pond (Highway 30)
November 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
Section: Oster Lakes, Riley Pond, and the Settling Pond
November 1 through the last day of February – closed to fishing
Section: Riley Creek from the Falls upstream to the State Fish Hatchery Diversion
November 1 through the last day of February – closed to fishing
All other sections of Riley Creek - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Jarbidge River and tributaries
Trout limit is 2
Lake Walcott
Section: From the downstream side of the Gifford Springs boat fishing zone (western boundary in Minnidoka NWR) upstream to Eagle Rock
Bass limit is 2, any size
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout
Little Wood River
Section: From the downstream end of the Taylor “Bear Tracks” Williams State Recreation Area near Highway 93 milepost 190, to the upstream end of the Recreation Area near Highway 93 milepost 192.5, as posted
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Fly-fishing only, barbless hooks required
Section: From Baugh Creek upstream (including tributaries)
Trout limit is 2
All other sections of the Little Wood River - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Magic Reservoir (from Magic Dam to the posted boundary about 700 yards east of Hot Springs Landing)
Bass limit is 6, any size
Malad River
Section: From its mouth upstream to the Interstate 84 bridge at Malad Gorge
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and- release
Niagara Springs Creek
Section: From the Niagara Springs Steelhead Hatchery intake pool (above the lowest fall) upstream to the spring sources as posted
Closed to fishing
All other sections of Niagara Springs Creek - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area – except Snake River
Trout limit is 2
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir
Walleye limit is 6, only 1 over 20 inches
Silver Creek - No motors. All diversion ponds have the same rules as the connected stream.
Section: From its mouth upstream to Highway 93 - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Section: From Highway 93 upstream to the North Picabo Road bridge
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6
Section: From the North Picabo Road bridge upstream to the bridge near milepost 187.2 on Highway 20 west of Picabo
December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Section: From the bridge near milepost 187.2 on Highway 20 west of Picabo upstream to the road right- of-way fence on the west side of Kilpatrick Bridge
No fishing from rafts or boats; float tubes are allowed
April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through March 31 - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, fly-fishing only, no bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly
Section: From the road right-of-way on the west side of Kilpartick Bridge upstream to the confluence of Grove Creek and Stalker Creek
No fishing from rafts or boats; float tubes are allowed
December 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, fly-fishing only, no bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly
Silver Creek tributaries - No motors. All diversion ponds have the same rules as the connected stream
Section: All tributaries within the Nature Conservancy Silver Creek Preserve property
No fishing from rafts or boats; float tubes are allowed
December 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend—closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30—trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, fly-fishing only, no bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly
Section: All tributaries except those within the Nature Conservancy Silver Creek Preserve and posted Hayspur Fish Hatchery waters
December 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2
Section: The posted sections of Loving and Butte creeks on Hayspur Fish Hatchery property
December 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30—trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Snake River
Section: From Lower Salmon Falls Dam (Bell Rapids area) upstream to Upper Salmon Falls Dam (0.3 miles below Owsley Bridge)
January 1 through June 30 - bass limit is 0, catch- and-release
July 1 through December 31 - bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Section: From the downstream side of the Gifford Springs boat fishing zone (western boundary in Minnidoka NWR) upstream to Eagle Rock
Bass limit is 2, any size
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout
All other sections of the Snake River including reservoirs within the Magic Valley Region - Magic Valley Region general rules apply
Sublett Reservoir (see also Sublett Reservoir tributaries)
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 6
Sublett Reservoir tributaries
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 2
Trinity Lakes - No motors
Vineyard Creek
November 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through October 31 - trout limit is 2
Willow Creek (tributary to Camas Creek)
Trout limit is 2
SOUTHEAST REGION
General Fishing Season for the Southeast Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Southeast Region Special Rule Waters.
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Southwest Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Southeast Region except as modified in Southeast Region Special Rule Waters below. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
Bass limit is 6, both species combined
None under 14 inches
Brook Trout
Brook Trout limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout
Cisco (Bear Lake only)
Cisco limit is 30
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 6
Sturgeon
Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
Barbless hooks are required
Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required.
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout).
Trout limit is 6, all species combined
In rivers and streams, only 2 of the 6 trout may be Cutthroat Trout
Does not include Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish includes Northern Leatherside Chub, Bear Lake Sculpin, and Bluehead Sucker (also know as Green Sucker)
May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Special Rule Waters for the Southeast Region
For waters not listed below, for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Southeast Region.
American Falls Reservoir
Bass limit is 2, any size
Bear Lake
From the mouth of St. Charles Creek (Little Creek) for a radius of 300 yards into the lake is closed to fishing from April 16 through June 30
Not more than 2 baited hooks, flies, or lures per line
One line only when ice fishing. Two lines permitted when ice fishing with a two-pole permit
Trout limit is 2
Cisco limit is 30; dip-netting permitted January 1 through February 15. Dip nets may not exceed 18 inches in any dimension. Any size hole may be cut through the ice to catch cisco
Whitefish limit is 10
Bear River
Section: From the Utah state line upstream to Oneida Narrows Dam
Trout limit is 2, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Bass limit is 6, any size
Section: From the confluence with Oneida Narrows Reservoir upstream to the Wyoming state line
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Bear River tributaries (all tributaries including the Cub River and Thomas Fork Bear River)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Blackfoot Reservoir
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No size, bag, or possession limits on bass
Blackfoot River and tributaries
Section: From the confluence with the Snake River upstream to Blackfoot Dam (Government Dam) - Southeast Region general rules apply
Upstream from Blackfoot Reservoir (includes: Diamond Creek, Lanes Creek, Slug Creek and tributaries)
December 1 through June 30 - closed to fishing
July 1 through November 30 - trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout, no bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Chesterfield Reservoir
Trout limit is 2
Condie Reservoir
Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Daniels Reservoir
Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
One line only when ice fishing
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Deep Creek Reservoir
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout
No size, bag or possession limits on Bass
Fish Haven Creek
Section: From the confluence with Bear Lake upstream to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary
December 1 through June 30 - closed to fishing
July 1 through November 30 - Southeast Region general rules apply
Section: Fish Haven Creek upstream of the Caribou- Targhee National Forest boundary - Southeast Region general rules apply
First Creek (tributary to Deep Creek Reservoir)
December 1 through June 14 - closed to fishing
June 15 through November 30 - Southeast Region general rules apply
Fort Hall Indian Reservation - contact Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Office
Glendale Reservoir
Bass limit is 2, none under 16 inches
Little Blackfoot River and tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
McCoy Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Montpelier Reservoir - Electric motors only
Oneida Narrows Reservoir
Walleye limit is 6
Bass limit is 6, any size
Portneuf River
Section: From above the East Main Street bridge in Lava Hot Springs upstream to Chesterfield Reservoir
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no bait allowed, barbless hooksrequired
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Section: From the Fort Hall Indian Reservation boundary upstream to the East Main Street bridge in Lava Hot Springs
Southeast Region general rules apply
All sections within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation – contact Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Office.
St. Charles Creek
Section: St. Charles Creek (including both lower forks) upstream tothe Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary
December 1 through June 30 - closed to fishing
July 1 through November 30 - Southeast Region general rules apply
Section: St. Charles Creek upstream of Caribou- Targhee National Forest boundary - Southeast Region general rules apply
Snake River
Section: From the downstream side of the Gifford Springs boat fishing zone (western boundary in Minnidoka NWR) upstream to Eagle Rock
Bass limit is 2, any size
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout
Section: From Eagle Rock upstream to American Falls Dam
October 16 – Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend – October 15 – trout limit is 2
Section: From American Falls Reservoir upstream to Gem Lake dam
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout
Bass limit is 2, any size
Springfield Reservoir
Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
One line only when ice fishing
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Treasureton Reservoir
Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
No size, bag or possession limits on bass
One line only when ice fishing
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Twenty-Four Mile Reservoir - No motors
Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
One line only when ice fishing
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
UPPER SNAKE REGION
General Fishing Season for the Upper Snake Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Upper Snake Region Special Rule Waters.
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Upper Snake Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Upper Snake Region except as modified in Upper Snake Region Special Rule Waters. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
Bass limit is 6, both species combined
Brook Trout
Brook Trout limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 15
Sturgeon
Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
Barbless hooks are required
Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Brown Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Splake, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and trout hy- brids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
Trout limit is 6, all species combined Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25 – see Big Lost River exception
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish including Northern Leatherside Chub and Bluehead Sucker (also know as Green Sucker)
May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Special Rule Waters for the Upper Snake Region
For waters not listed below,for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Upper Snake Region.
Beaver Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Becker Pond (Ryder Park Pond)
2 fish any species
Big Lost River and tributaries
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release; whitefish limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6; whitefish limit is 0, catch-and-release
Dry Beds (Snake River)
Section: From the Highway 48 bridge upstream to the Great Feeder irrigation diversion headgate
May 1 through March 31 – Upper Snake Region general rules apply
April 1 through April 30 – it is legal to take fish with dip nets, by snagging or by hand – Upper Snake Region bag limits apply
Fall River and tributaries
Limit is 2 trout, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Fish Creek (Harriman State Park)
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Fly-fishing only
Golden Lake (Harriman State Park)
Closed to fishing
Henrys Fork (Snake River, North Fork) Section: South Fork Snake River/Henrys Fork confluence upstream to Vernon Bridge
Trout limit is 2, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Section: From Vernon Bridge upstream to Ashton Dam
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0; catch-and-release only
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Section: From Highway 20 bridge upstream to the posted boundary upstream of Riverside Campground
Trout limit is 2, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Section: From the posted boundary upstream of the Riverside Campground upstream to the lower Harriman State Park boundary
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Section: From the lower Harriman State Park boundary upstream to the upper Harriman State Park boundary (Harriman Ranch)
December 1 through June 14 – closed to fishing
June 15 through November 30 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, fly fishing only, barbless hooks required
Section: From the upper Harriman State Park boundary to Island Park Dam
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Section: From McCrea Bridge upstream to the Henrys Lake Outlet
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and- release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout, no Cutthroat Trout under 16 inches
Section: From Henrys Lake Outlet upstream to the head of Big Springs
Closed to fishing
All other sections of Henrys Fork including Ashton and Island Park Reservoirs – Upper Snake Region general rules apply
Henrys Fork tributaries (except Warm River, Fall River, and Thurmon Creek)
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and- release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Henrys Lake
Section: Those portions of the lake within the posted boundaries of Staley Springs and within 100 yards of Hatchery Creek
Closed to fishing
Remainder of Henrys Lake
February 15 through Friday before Memorial Day Weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and- release
Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through February 14 - trout limit is 2, Brook Trout counted in the trout limit
Fishing must cease after the 2-trout daily bag limit has been retained
Henrys Lake Outlet
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and- release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout, no Cutthroat Trout under 16 inches
Henrys Lake tributaries
July 1 through March 31 – no harvest of Cutthroat Trout; Brook Trout limit is 25, only 2 Brook Trout over 16 inches
April 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
Hatchery Creek – closed to fishing
Horseshoe Lake (Fremont County) - no motors
Trout limit is 2
Jim Moore Pond
Trout limit is 2
Little Lost River and tributaries
Trout limit is 2
Long Lake (an alpine lake in Custer County)
Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Market Lake Wildlife Management Area
March 1 through July 15 – no boats, rafts or float tubes
McCoy Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Medicine Lodge Creek and tributaries
Trout limit is 2, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Mud Lake (west of the posted boundary which runs north and south from McKenzie Point)
March 1 through July 15 – no boats, rafts or float tubes
Palisades Reservoir tributaries
Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No harvest of kokanee
Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through July 15 – no boats, rafts or float tubes
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – motorized watercraft prohibited
Additional closures to protect wildlife may be in effect. Call the Upper Snake Regional Office at 208-525-7290 for the latest information.
Silver Lake (Harriman State Park)
Closed to fishing
Snake River
Section: Gem Lake Dam to Osgood Diversion Dam
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout
Section: Osgood Diversion Dam upstream to the confluence of Henrys Fork (North and South Fork)
Trout limit is 2, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
South Fork Snake River
No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout limit is 2
No limit on Rainbow Trout or trout hybrids
South Fork Snake River tributaries
No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No limit on Rainbow Trout or trout hybrids
June 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
Teardrop Lake (Snow Creek Pond)
Trout limit is 2
Teton River
No limit on Rainbow Trout or hybrids
No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Teton River tributaries
No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No limit on Rainbow Trout or hybrids
June 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
Thurmon Creek(Harriman State Park)
Closed to fishing
Warm River and tributaries
Section: Within the posted boundaries from the state highway 47 bridge downstream (approx. 350 yards) to the next bridge near the mouth of Robinson Creek
Closed to fishing
All other sections of the Warm River
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend, trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Willow Creek
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Willow Creek tributaries
No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
No limit on Rainbow Trout or hybrids
June 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
SALMON REGION
General Fishing Season for the Salmon Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Salmon Region Special Rule Waters.
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Daily Bag Limits for the Salmon Region
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Salmon Region except as modified in Salmon Region Special Rule Waters. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass(Largemouth and Smallmouth)
No bag, size or possession limits
Brook Trout
Brook Trout limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Kokanee
Kokanee limit is 25
Salmon
Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures
Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found below
Sockeye Salmon limit is 0 and fishing for or targeting Sockeye Salmon is illegal
Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water
Steelhead(ocean-going)
Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than twenty (20) inches in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and ponds)
Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see steelhead seasons/limits)
Sturgeon
Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
Barbless hooks are required
Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required.
Tiger Muskie
Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Troutincludes Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sunapee Trout and trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
Trout limit is 6, all species combined
Chinook Salmon and steelhead placed in ponds are counted in the trout bag limit Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately
Whitefish
Whitefish limit is 25
Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fishincluding Pacific Lamprey
May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
No bag, size or possession limit
Special Rule Waters for the Salmon Region
For waters not listed below, for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Salmon Region.
East Fork Salmon River(see Salmon River, East Fork)
Herd Lake
Trout limit is 25
Jimmy Smith Lake
Trout limit is 25
Lake Creek and tributaries (above Williams Lake)
December 1 through June 30 - closed to fishing upstream from the posted boundary at Williams Lake
July 1 through November 30 - Salmon Region general rules apply
Lemhi River
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Lemhi River tributaries
Salmon Region general rules apply
Middle Fork Salmon River(see Salmon River, Middle Fork and tributaries)
North Fork Salmon River(see Salmon River, North Fork)
Pahsimeroi River
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Pahsimeroi River tributaries
Salmon Region general rules apply
Redfish Lake
January 1 through August 7 - Salmon Region general rules apply
August 8 through December 31 - kokanee limit is 0, catch-and-release
Salmon River
Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Salmon River tributaries
Section: Those tributaries from the mouth of the Salmon River upstream to the Middle Fork Salmon River, except Little Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River.
Trout limit is 2
Section: Those tributaries from the mouth of the Middle Fork Salmon River upstream (except: North Fork Salmon River, Lemhi, Pahsimeroi, East Fork Salmon River, and Yankee Fork Salmon River)
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - Salmon Region general rules apply
Salmon River, East Fork
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout Salmon River, East Fork tributaries • Salmon Region general rules apply
Salmon River, Middle Fork and all tributaries (includes: Bear Valley, Big, Camas, Elk, Loon, Marsh, Sulphur creeks, and tributaries)
Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Salmon River, North Fork
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Salmon River, North Fork tributaries
Salmon Region general rules apply
Salmon River, Yankee Fork and West Fork Yankee Fork
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Salmon River, Yankee Fork tributaries
Salmon Region general rules apply
Stanley Lake
Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Lake Trout
Wallace Lake
Trout limit is 2
Yankee Fork Salmon River Dredge Ponds
December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - closed to fishing
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - Salmon Region general rules apply
Yankee Fork Salmon River (see Salmon River, Yankee Fork)
ANADROMOUS STEELHEAD AND SALMON RULES AND INFORMATION
Anyone fishing for anadromous (ocean-run) salmon and/or steelhead, except those expressly exempt, must have a valid fishing license and salmon and/or steelhead permit(s) on their person. These license and permit requirements also apply when fishing for hatchery salmon or steelhead stocked by Idaho Fish and Game in the Boise River or Hells Canyon Reservoir.
Any person who does not qualify as a resident must purchase either a nonresident season fishing license and a fullseason salmon and/or steelhead permit or a nonresident 3-day salmon/steelhead license/permit.
Children (including nonresident children) under the age of 14 are exempt from purchasing salmon and steelhead permits. They may fish without permits if they are accompanied by a valid permit holder, provided that any fish caught must be recorded on the permit holder’s card and counted in the permit holder’s legal bag, possession and season limits. A resident child under 14 may purchase permits without a license so that they may catch their own limit(s) of salmon and/or steelhead.
Any nonresident under the age of 18 may purchase a junior nonresident fishing license and appropriate permit so they may catch their own limit of salmon or steelhead.
Methods of Take
Any angler, who has attained the bag, possession, or season limit on those waters with salmon or steelhead limits, must cease fishing for salmon or steelhead including catch-and-release fishing.
Only single-pointed barbless hooks are allowed when fishing for salmon or steelhead in the South Fork Clearwater River.
Only barbless hooks with a maximum 5/8 inch gap between shank and point may be used when fishing for salmon or steelhead in the Salmon and Clearwater river drainages and the Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam. Bending the barb(s) down to the shank of a single, double, or treble hook will meet this requirement.
Salmon and steelhead may be taken with barbed hooks in the Boise River and the Snake River between Hells Canyon and Oxbow dams.
No person shall kill or retain in possession any salmon or steelhead which has been hooked other than in the mouth or jaw. Any salmon or steelhead hooked other than in the mouth or jaw must be released. See snagging definition.
Please Note
Fishing for or targeting salmon or steelhead is prohibited unless a season is specifically opened for the species on that water.
Steelhead with an intact adipose fin cannot be reduced to possession and must be released.
Any anadromous (ocean-run) salmon or steelhead that is being reduced to possession must be killed immediately. Otherwise, the fish must be released upon landing.
All fish that are hooked, landed, and reduced to possession shall be counted in the limit of the person hooking the fish.
No person shall have in the field or in transit any salmon or steelhead from which the head or tail has been removed unless: 1) the angler is ashore and done fishing for the day; 2) the salmon or steelhead is properly recorded on the anglers permit; and 3) the fish is processed or packaged with the skin naturally attached to the flesh including a portion with a healed, clipped adipose fin scar or the adipose fin. The fish must be processed or packaged in a manner that the number of fish harvested can be readily determined. Processed salmon and steelhead cannot be transported by boat.
Steelhead harvest and angler participation are estimated by surveys conducted within three months after the season closes. You may be contacted and asked about your effort and success. Please save your permit until three months after the season has closed or until you Barbless hook are contacted by Idaho Fish and Game.
River Location Code Map
River Location Codes
Snake River
Snake River, downstream from Salmon River - 01
Snake River, from Salmon River to Hells Canyon Dam - 02
Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Oxbow Dam - 27
Clearwater River
Clearwater River, downstream from Orofino Bridge - 03
Clearwater River, upstream from Orofino Bridge - 04
North Fork Clearwater River - 05
Middle Fork Clearwater River - 06
South Fork Clearwater River - 07
Lochsa River - 08
Salmon River
Salmon River, downstream from Whitebird Creek - 10
Salmon River, Whitebird Creek to Little Salmon - 11
Salmon River, Little Salmon to Vinegar Creek - 12
Salmon River, Vinegar Creek to South Fork - 3
Salmon River, South Fork to Middle Fork - 14
Salmon River, Middle Fork to North Fork - 15
Salmon River, North Fork to Lemhi River - 16
Salmon River, Lemhi River to Pahsimeroi River - 17
Salmon River, Pahsimeroi River to East Fork - 18
Salmon River, upstream from the East Fork - 19
Other
Little Salmon River - 20
South Fork Salmon River - 21
Panther Creek - 24
Boise River - 28
Permit Validation
When an adult Chinook Salmon (24 or more inches in length), adult Coho Salmon (20 or more inches in length), or steelhead has been hooked, landed and reduced to possession (must be killed immediately), the angler hooking the fish must immediately: 1. Completely remove one numbered notch from their steelhead or salmon permit, depending on which species was caught. 2. Enter the month and day the fish was harvested. 3. Look up the number code from the River Location Code list and write it in the space provided.
For example: an adult fall Chinook Salmon kept from the Clearwater River downstream Orofino Bridge on September 6 would be entered as:
When a salmon or steelhead is released rather than reduced to possession, the angler should not make an entry on the permit.
Unless otherwise stipulated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission, jack Chinook Salmon (less than 24 inches in length) and jack Coho Salmon (less than 20 inches in length) are not included in an angler’s season limit and need not be entered on their permit. Anglers can record Coho Salmon and Chinook Salmon on the same permit.
Unclipped Adipose Fin
Steelhead with an unclipped adipose fin must be released. Fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon with an unclipped adipose fish can be kept. Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons are set annually and anglers should refer to season proclamations to determine if spring and summer Chinook Salmon with an unclipped adipose fin can be retained.
Clipped Adipose Fin
Hatchery steelhead or salmon may be kept if the adipose fin has been clipped as evidenced by a healed scar.
RELEASING WILD SALMON AND STEELHEAD
Please help ensure the survival of released wild salmon and steelhead by:
Using proper-sized gear and keeping fight time to a minimum
Not pulling fish onto rock, sand, or dirt banks—instead, use a net or "tail" the fish
Minimizing the time out of water • Not handling the fish by the gills
Reviving the fish by gently holding it in the water, if necessary
Anadromous Steelhead and Salmon Rules
Steelhead Seasons and Limits
River Section
Spring Season (20 fish per season) Possession limit 3-times daily bag limit
Fall Season (20 fish per season) Possession limit 3-times daily bag limit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Snake River
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Jul 1 - Aug 31 catch-and-release
Sep 1 - Dec 31 3 fish per day
Clearwater River - lower
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Jul 1 - Aug 31 catch-and-release
Sep 1 - Dec 31 2 fish per day
Clearwater River - upper*
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Jul 1 - Sep 9 catch-and-release
Sep 10 - Oct 14 2 fish per day
Oct 15 - Nov 9 catch-and-release
Nov 10 - Dec 31 2 fish per day
North Fork Clearwater River*
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Sep 1 - Dec 31 2 fish per day
South Fork Clearwater River*
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Jul 1 - Sep 9 catch-and-release
Sep 10 - Oct 14 2 fish per day
Oct 15 - Nov 9 catch-and-release
Nov 10 - Dec 31 2 fish per day
Salmon River - lower
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Aug 1 - Aug 31 catch-and-release
Sep 1 - Dec 31 3 fish per day
Salmon River - middle
Jan 1 - Mar 31 3 fish per day
Closed
Sep 1 - Dec 31 3 fish per day
Salmon River - upper
Jan 1 - Apr 30 3 fish per day
Closed
Sep 1 - Dec 31 3 fish per day
Little Salmon River
Jan 1 - May 15 3 fish per day
Closed
Sep 1 - Dec 31 3 fish per day
Hells Canyon Reservoir
Jan 1 - May 31 3 fish per day
Closed
Sep 1 - Dec 31 3 fish per day
Boise River
Open when steelhead are present 2 fish per day
River Boundary Descriptions
Snake River: from the ID/WA border upstream to Hells Canyon Dam
Clearwater River - lower: from the mouth upstream to the Memorial Bridge of U.S. Highway 12 at Lewiston
Clearwater River - upper: from the Memorial Bridge of U.S. Highway 12 at Lewiston upstream to Clear Creek on the Middle Fork Clearwater River
North Fork Clearwater River: from the mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam
South Fork Clearwater River: from the mouth upstream to the confluence of American and Red rivers
Salmon River - lower: from the mouth upstream to the Lake Creek Bridge (about 6 miles upstream from the mouth of the Little Salmon River)
Salmon River - middle: from the Lake Creek Bridge upstream to Long Tom Creek (3/4 mile upstream from the Middle Fork Salmon River)
Salmon River - upper: from Long Tom Creek (3/4 mile upstream from the Middle Fork Salmon River) upstream to posted boundary 100 yards downstream of Sawtooth Hatchery
Little Salmon River: from the mouth upstream to the U.S. Highway 95 bridge near Smokey Boulder Road
Hells Canyon Reservoir: from Hells Canyon Dam upstream to Oxbow Dam
Coho Salmon Seasons and Limits
River Section
Bag/Possession Limits Daily limit is 2 adult Coho Salmon (greater than or equal to 20 inches length), no limit on jacks (less than 20 inches length). Adipose clipped or unclipped fish may be kept. Possession limit is 3-times daily bag limit.
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Clearwater River: Mouth to confluence of South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater rivers North Fork Clearwater River: Mouth to Dworshak Dam Middle Fork Clearwater River: Mouth to Clear Creek South Fork Clearwater River: Mouth to Red River Snake River: ID/WA border to Hells Canyon Dam
Sep 1 - Dec 31
Fall Chinook Salmon Seasons and Limits
River Section
Bag/Possession Limits Daily limit is 3 adult fall Chinook Salmon (greater than or equal to 24 inches length), no limit on jacks (less than 24 inches length). Adipose clipped or unclipped fish may be kept. Possession limit is 3-times daily bag limit.
Aug
Sept
Oct
Clearwater River: Mouth to Memorial Bridge
Closed
Aug 18 - Oct 31
Clearwater River: Memorial Bridge to Orofino Bridge
Aug 18 - Oct 14
Closed Oct 15
Clearwater River: Orofino Bridge to South Fork Clearwater River
Aug 18 - Oct 31
North Fork Clearwater River: Mouth to Dworshak Dam
Closed
Sept 1 - Oct 31
Middle Fork Clearwater River: Mouth to Clear Creek South Fork Clearwater River: Mouth to Red River Snake River: ID/WA border to Hells Canyon Dam Salmon River: Mouth to Little Salmon River
Closed
Aug 18 - Oct 31
SPRING AND SUMMER CHINOOK SALMON SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS WILL BE SET ANNUALLY BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
NOTE: Salmon and steelhead seasons and bag limits may be changed by Commission or Director action. Please see idfg.idaho.gov, license vendors, or regional offices for changes to rules published in this document.
Reasons for Special Size and Bag Limits
Harvest restrictions help maintain the overall numbers and size of fish in a lake or stream, and also ensure “fair share” so every angler has a chance to catch or harvest fish. Restrictive harvest rules are sometimes used simply to provide a different type of fishing experience or to maximize the size of fish available.
Idaho Fish and Game manages recreational fisheries to provide a variety of experiences using different combinations of size, gear, and bag limits. The range of harvest rules includes:
General bag and size limits apply in typical harvest oriented fishing waters without gear or bait restrictions. Many of these waters are stocked with harvestable-sized hatchery trout.
Wild trout management focuses on sustaining naturallyreproducing wild populations without hatchery stocking. In certain instances, lower bag limits, size limits, or gear and bait restrictions may be applied to keep populations healthy.
Special size limits are used where the goal is to catch more and larger fish by giving up some harvest opportunity. A bag limit of 2 fish (trout or bass) and various size limits such as a 14 or 16–inch minimum or a 12 to 16–inch protected range are common.
Trophy fish or large trout management may require more restrictive limits. For example, this could include catchand-release rules or a bag limit of 2 fish (for both trout and bass) combined with length restrictions. Gear or bait restrictions may apply.
Special Cutthroat Trout rules are implemented across most of the state to protect our state fish. Cutthroat Trout are easily overfished, so various special rules are used to protect them from excess harvest. Many waters throughout the state have catch-and-release, restrictive bag or length limits, or other rules to protect Cutthroat Trout.
