Seasons & Limits
Panhandle Region

Fishing Season for the Panhandle Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Pages 16-17.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Panhandle Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Pages 16-17. 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 apply whenfishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
Burbot
- Burbot limit is 6
Chinook Salmon (land-locked)
- Chinook Salmon limit is 2, none under 24 inches
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 15
Northern Pike (Stocked illegally in this Region. May be harmful to existing fisheries.)
- No bag, length, or possession limits. Harvest is encouraged
Sturgeon
- Fishing for sturgeon in the Kootenai River is illegal
- Sturgeon caught incidentally must be released immediately
Tiger Muskie
- Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
- Trout limit is 6, all species combined
Bull Trout and Brook Trout are listed separately
Walleye (Stocked illegally in this Region. May be harmful to existing fisheries.)
- No bag, length, or possession limits. Harvest is encouraged
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 applywhen fishing for whitefish
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
- No bag, length, or possession limits
Please check for potential fish consumption advisories, see page 70.
Special Rule Waters
For waters not listed below, see Page 15 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 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 tributaries from the railroad bridge near the mouth upstream; includes Grouse Creek and tributaries and Rapid LightningCreek 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 Idaho- Washington 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, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout, no Cutthroat Trout under 16 inches
- No harvest of Cutthroat Trout in tributaries (including Thorofare)
- 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
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, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout, no Cutthroat Trout under 16 inches
- No harvest of Cutthroat Trout in tributaries
- No limit on Lake Trout
- Kokanee limit is 6
Clearwater Region

Fishing Season for the Clearwater Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Pages 21-22.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Clearwater Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Pages 21-22. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
- In rivers and streams, no bag, length or possession limits
- In lakes and reservoirs, 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 apply whenfishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 25
Salmon (ocean-run)
- 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 on page 54
- Sockeye Salmon fishing is prohibited. Defined as ocean-run Oncorhynchus nerka longer than 14 inches in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding above Mosquito Flat Dam), and the Clearwater River drainage (excluding that portion above Dworshak Dam and lakes)
- Fishing for salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water
Steelhead (ocean-run)
- Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than 20 inches 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)
- Fishing for steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see steelhead seasons/ limits on page 53)
Sturgeon
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required, see page 56
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
Bull Trout and Brook Trout are listed separately
Walleye (Stocked illegally in this Region. May be harmful to existing fisheries.)
- No bag, length, or possession limits. Harvest is encouraged
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 applywhen fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific Lamprey and Sand Roller
- May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
- No bag, length, or possession limits
Please check for potential fish consumption advisories, see page 70.
Washington/Idaho Fishing In Boundary Waters

Special Restrictions – North Fork Clearwater River

Special Rule Waters for the Clearwater Region
For waters not listed below, see Page 19 for fishing season, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Clearwater Region.
Clearwater River See map on page 20
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 CherryLane 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, Little North Fork and tributaries
- Trout limit is 2
Clearwater River, Middle Fork
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout – 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 See map on page 20
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 ofthe 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 20 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
Kelly Creek and tributaries
- Trout – 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 – 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 – 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, Little
- Clearwater Region general rules apply
- No bag, length, or possession limits on bass
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 (page 27).
- Trout limit is 2
Section: Those tributaries upstream from the mouth of the Middle Fork Salmon River – See Page 48, 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 – 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
All other sections of the Selway River – Clearwater Region general rules apply
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

Fishing Season for the Southwest Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Pages 27-29.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Southwest Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Pages 27-29. 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 applywhen fishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 6
Salmon (ocean-run)
- 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 on page 54
- Sockeye Salmon fishing is illegal. Defined as ocean-run Oncorhynchus nerka longer than 14 inches in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon Dam and the Salmon River drainage (excluding above Mosquito Flat Dam)
- Fishing for salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water
Steelhead (ocean-run)
- Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than 20 inches 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 20 inches with the adipose fin clipped (as evidenced by a healed scar)
- Fishing for steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see steelhead seasons/ limits on page 53)
Sturgeon
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required, see page 56
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
- Chinook Salmon and steelhead placed in ponds are counted in the trout bag limit
Bull Trout and Brook Trout are listed separately
Walleye (Stocked illegally in this Region. May be harmful to existing fisheries.)
- No bag, length, or possession limits, harvest is encouraged
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 applywhen 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, length, or possession limits
Southwest Region North - McCall

Special Rule Waters for the Southwest Region North – McCall
For waters not listed below, see Page 25 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 – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
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
Hells Canyon Reservoir
- Bass limit is 6, any size
Little Payette Lake
- Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
- Kokanee limit is 25
Louie Lake (an alpine lake in the Boulder Creek drainage)
- Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Oxbow Reservoir
(between Brownlee Dam and Oxbow Dam)
- Bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Payette River, North Fork
Section: From Payette Lake upstream, including tributaries
- Kokanee – catch-and-release
Section: From Smylie Bridge (Hartsell) to Payette Lake
- December 1 to Friday of Memorial Day weekend – trout – catch-and-release
All other sections of the Payette River, North Fork – Southwest Region general rules apply
Rapid River and tributaries
(tributary to the Little Salmon River)
- Trout limit is 2
Roosevelt Lake
- Trout – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
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, length, or possession limits on bass
Salmon River, Little
- Southwest Region general rules apply
- No bag, length, or possession limits on bass
Salmon River tributaries
All sections:
- No bag, length, 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 andSouth Fork Salmon River)
- Trout limit is 2
Section: Those tributaries upstream of the mouth of Middle Fork Salmon River – See Page 48, Salmon
River tributaries, Special Rule Waters.
Salmon River, South Fork and tributaries
(includes: Johnson Creek, East Fork South Fork Salmon River, Secesh River, Lake Creek, Summit Creek, and tributaries)
- Trout – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
- No bag, length, or possession limits on bass
Stibnite Pond (Glory Hole)
- Trout – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Warren Creek
- Trout limit is 2
Southwest Region South - Nampa

Special Rule Waters for the Southwest Region South – Nampa
For waters not listed below, see Page 25 for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Southwest Region.
Bear Valley Creek
- Trout – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Boise River from 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 (see page 64 for hook definitions)
- December 1 through March 31– trout – 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 (Page 33)
Caldwell Gravel Ponds
- Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Chief Eagle Eye Creek and tributaries
- Trout limit is 2
CJ Strike Reservoir (includes Bruneau Arm, and CJ Strike Dam to Loveridge Bridge at HW51)
- Bass limit is 6, no minimum length, only 1 over 16 inches
Crane Falls Lake - Electric motors only
- Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Deadwood Reservoir tributaries
- Trout limit is 2
- Kokanee limit is 6
Dick Knox Pond
- Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Duck Valley Indian Reservation contact the Duck Valley Indian Tribal Office
Lake Lowell
- January 1 to June 30 - bass – catch-and-release
- July 1 to December 31- bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
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
Parkcenter Pond
- Trout limit is 2
Payette River, South Fork and tributaries (except the Middle Fork Payette drainage)
- Trout limit is 2
Sage Hen Reservoir tributaries
- December 1 through June 15 - closed to fishing
- June 16 through November 30 - trout limit is 2
Salmon River, Middle Fork and tributaries (includes: Bear Valley, Big, Camas, Elk, Loon, Marsh, Sulphur creeks, and tributaries)
- Trout – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
- No bag, length, or possession limits on bass
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

Fishing Season for the Magic Valley Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Pages 33-35.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Magic Valley Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Pages 33-35. 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 apply whenfishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 6
Sturgeon
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel devic are required. See page 56
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
Bull Trout and Brook Trout 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 applywhen fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish includes Norhern Leatherside Chub, Shoshone Sculpin, Wood River Sculpin, and Bluehead Sucker (alsoknow as Green Sucker)
- May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
- No bag, length or possession limits

Special Rule Waters for 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
All sections:
- Bass – no bag, length, or possession limits
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
Section: From the posted boundary about 700 yards east of Hot Springs Landing upstream to Glendale Road Bridge
- December 1 through March 31– trout – 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 – 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 – catch-and-release, no bait allowed, one barbless hook per flyor 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 – 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
Big Wood River Tributaries (upstream of Magic Reservoir)
- Bass – no bag, length, or possession limits
- December 1 through March 31 – trout – 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 (see map on page 32)
- 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 AndersonRanch 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
Box Canyon Creek
- Trout limit is 2
Bruneau Dunes State Park - Electric motors only
- Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Carey Lake - Electric motors only
Devils Corral Creek
- Trout limit is 2
Empire Rapids Ponds (Niagara Springs Empire Ponds)
- Trout limit is 2
Sixmile Reservoir (Gunnel)
- 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, 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 ofthe Recreation Area near Highway 93 milepost 192.5, as posted
- Trout – 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 – no bag, length, or possession limits
Malad River
Section: From its mouth upstream to the Interstate 84 bridge at Malad Gorge
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout – 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
Silver Creek - No motors.
Section: From its mouth upstream to the bridge near milepost 187.2 on Highway 20 west of Picabo (See map page 30, Section 1)
- Open all year
- 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 confluence of Grove Creek and Stalker Creek (See mapon page 30, Section 2, does not include Kilpatrick Pond
listed separately below)
- 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 – catch-and-release, fly- fishing only, no bait allowed,one barbless hook per fly
Section: Kilpatrick Pond, from the Kilpatrick Pond diversion dam upstream to Kilpatrick Bridge (See map on page 30)
- 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 – catch-and-release, fly-fishing only, no bait allowed, onebarbless 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 (See map on page 30, Section 2)
- 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 – catch-and-release, fly- fishing only, no bait allowed,one barbless hook per fly
Section: All tributaries outside the Nature Conservancy Silver Creek Preserve (See map on page 30, Section 3)
- 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 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 – 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

Fishing Season for the Southeast Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Pages 38-39.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Southeast Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Pages 38-39. 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 apply whenfishing for Brook Trout
Cisco (Bear Lake only)
- Cisco limit is 30
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 6
Sturgeon
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device arerequired, see page 56
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
Brook Trout 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 applywhen 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, length or possession limits
Please check for potential fish consumption advisories, see page 70.
Special Rule Waters for the Southeast Region
For waters not listed below, see page 37 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 16through 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. Anysize 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 length, bag, or possession limits on bass
Blackfoot River and tributaries
Section: From the confluence with the Snake River upstream to Blackfoot Dam (Government Dam) including tributaries
- Trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Section: Upstream from Blackfoot Reservoir (includes: Diamond Creek, Lanes Creek, Slug Creek and
tributaries. Does not include Little Blackfoot River)
- May 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
- July 1 through April 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout, no bait allowed
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 length, bag, or possession limits on Bass
Fish Haven Creek
- December 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
First Creek (tributary to Deep Creek Reservoir)
- December 1 through June 14 – closed to fishing
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 – catch-and-release, no bait allowed, barbless hooks required
- 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 to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest boundary
- December 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
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
Upper Snake Region

Fishing Season for the Southeast Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Pages 43-44.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Upper Snake Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Pages 43-44. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
- Bass – no bag, length, 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 apply whenfishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 15
Sturgeon
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are, see page 56
Tiger Muskie
- Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Brown Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)
- Trout limit is 6, all species combined
Bull Trout and Brook Trout are listed separately
Walleye (Have not been stocked intentionally in this Region. May be harmful to existing fisheries)
- No bag, length, or possession limits, harvest is encouraged
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 applywhen fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish including Bluehead Sucker (also know as Green Sucker)
- May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
- No bag, length or possession limits
Please check for potential fish consumption advisories, see page 70.
Henry's Fork Fishing Map

Special Rule Waters for the Upper Snake Region
For waters not listed below, see page 41 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 – catch-and-release; (except Brook Trout); whitefish – catch-and-release
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6; whitefish – 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) (see map on page 42)
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 – catch-and-release (except Brook Trout)
- 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 – catch-and-release (except Brook Trout)
- 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 – catch- and-release, fly fishing only, barbless hooks required
Section: From the upper Harriman State Park boundary to Island Park Dam
- Trout – catch-and-release (except Brook Trout)
- 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 – catch-and-release (except Brook Trout)
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6
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 – 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 – catch-and-release, including Brook Trout.
- 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 reduced to possession
Henrys Lake Outlet
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout – catch-and-release (except Brook Trout)
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, only 2 may be Cutthroat Trout, no CutthroatTrout 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
All Sections:
- Bass limit is 6
Section: from 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 (motorized watercraft prohibited)
Blue Creek Reservoir, Sand Creek Pond #1, and Sand Creek Pond #2
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial
Day weekend – closed to fishing
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6; no boats, rafts, or float tubes allowed prior to July 16
Sand Creek Pond #3 and Sand Creek Pond #4
- December 16 through June 30 – closed to fishing
- July 1 through December 15 – trout limit is 6; no boats, rafts, or float tubes allowed before July 16
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 (includes Burns, Palisades, Pine, and Rainy creeks and tributaries)
- June 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
- No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
- No limit on Rainbow Trout or trout hybrids
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 (includes Bitch, Badger Creek, Canyon, Fox, Trail, Teton, and S Leigh creeks and tributaries)
- June 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
- No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
- No limit on Rainbow Trout or hybrids
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 – 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 – catch-and-release
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Willow Creek tributaries (includes Sellar Creek)
- No harvest of Cutthroat Trout
- No limit on Rainbow Trout or hybrids
- June 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
Salmon Region

Fishing Season for the Southeast Region
All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters on Page 48.
Daily Bag Limits
The following daily bag limits apply to all waters of the Salmon Region except as modified in theSpecial Rule Waters on Page 48. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)
- No bag, length, 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 apply whenfishing for Brook Trout
Bull Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
Kokanee
- Kokanee limit is 25
Salmon (ocean-run)
- 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 on page 54
- Sockeye Salmon fishing is illegal. Defined as ocean-run Oncorhynchus nerka longer than 14 inches in the Salmon River drainage(excluding above Mosquito Flat Dam)
- Fishing for salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water
Steelhead (ocean-run)
- Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than 20 inches in the Salmon River drainage (excluding the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers, lakes andreservoirs, and ponds)
- Fishing for steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see steelhead seasons/ limits on page 53)
Sturgeon
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required, see page 56
Tiger Muskie
- Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Trout includes Lake Trout, Golden Trout, Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sunapee Trout and trout hybrids (e.g. TigerTrout)
- Trout limit is 6, all species combined
- Chinook Salmon and steelhead placed in ponds are counted in the trout bag limit
Bull Trout and Brook Trout 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 applywhen fishing for whitefish
Protected Nongame Fish including Pacific Lamprey
- May not be harvested or possessed
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
- No bag, length, or possession limits
Please check for potential fish consumption advisories, see page 70.
Special Rule Waters for the Salmon Region
For waters not listed below, see Page 47 for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Salmon Region.
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 – 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
Pahsimeroi River
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout – 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
Pettit Lake
- January 1 through August 7 – Salmon Region general rules apply
- August 8 through December 31 – kokanee - catch- and-release
Redfish Lake
- January 1 through August 7 – Salmon Region general rules apply
- August 8 through December 31 – kokanee - 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 (page 27).
- 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 – 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 – 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 – catch-and-release
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Salmon River, North Fork
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend – trout – 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 – 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
River Location Codes

Snake River
1A ID/WA line to Blue Bridge
1B Blue Bridge to Salmon Riter
02 Fron Salmon River to Helly Canyon Dam
27 Hells Canyon Dam to Oxbow Dam
Clearwater River
3A Downstream of Memorial Bridge
3B Memorial Bridge to Cherrylane Bridge
3C Cherrylane Bridge to Orofino Bridge
04 Upstream from Orofino
05 North Fork Clearwater River
06 Middle Fork Clearwater River
07 South Fork Clearwater River
08 Lochsa River
Salmon River
10 Mouth to Upper Twin Bridge
11A Upper Twin Bridge to Timezone Bridge
11B Timezone Bridge to Shorts Creck
12 Shorts Creek to Vinegar Creek
13 Vinegar Creek to South Fork
14 South Fork to Middle Fork
15 Middle Fork to North Fork
16 North Fork to Lemhi River
17 Lemi River to Pahsimeroi River
18 Pansimeroi River to East Fork
19 Upstream from East Fork
Other
20 Little Salmon River
21 South Fork Salmon River
24 Panther Creek
28 Boise River
Steelhead Seasons and Limits | ||||||||||||||||
River Section | Spring Season (Season limit: 20 fish) Possession limit: 3-times daily bag limit | Fall Season (Season limit: 20 fish) Possession limit: 3-times daily bag limit | ||||||||||||||
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||
Snake River | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Jul 1 - Aug 31 catch-and-release | Sep1 -Dec313 fish per day | ||||||||||||
Clearwater River -lower | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Jul 1 - Aug 31 catch-and-release | Sep1 -Dec312 fish per day | ||||||||||||
Clearwater River -upper* | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Jul 1 - Sep 9 catch-and-release | Sep 10 - Oct14 2 fishper day | Oct 15 - Nov 9catch-and-release | Nov10 -Dec312 fish per day | ||||||||||
NorthFork ClearwaterRiver* | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Sep1 -Dec312 fish per day | |||||||||||||
SouthFork ClearwaterRiver* | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Jul 1 - Sep 9 catch-and-release | Sep 10 - Oct14 2 fishper day | Oct 15 - Nov 9catch-and-release | Nov10 -Dec312 fish per day | ||||||||||
Salmon River - lower | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Aug1 -Aug31catch-and-release | Sep1 -Dec313 fish per day | ||||||||||||
Salmon River - middle | Jan 1 - Mar 313 fish per day | Closed | Sep1 -Dec313 fish per day | |||||||||||||
Salmon River - upper | Jan 1 - Apr 303 fish per day | Closed | Sep1 -Dec313 fish per day | |||||||||||||
Little Salmon River | Jan 1 - May 153 fish per day | Closed | Sep1 -Dec313 fish per day | |||||||||||||
Hells CanyonReservoir | Jan 1 -May 313 fish per day | Closed | Sep1 -Dec313 fish per day | |||||||||||||
Boise River | Open when steelhead arepresent 2 fish per day | |||||||||||||||
River Boundary Descriptions | ||||||||||||||||
Snake River: from the ID/WA border (see map on page 13) upstream to Hells Canyon Dam | ||||||||||||||||
Clearwater River - lower: from the mouth upstream to the Memorial Bridge of U.S. Highway 12 at Lewiston (see map on page 20) | ||||||||||||||||
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 (see map on page 20) | ||||||||||||||||
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 yardsdownstream 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. No season 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 DamMiddle 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). Adiposeclipped or unclipped fish may be kept. Possession limit is 3-times daily bag limit. No season 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 RiverSnake River: ID/WA border to Hells Canyon Dam Salmon River: Mouth to upper Vinegar Creek Boat Ramp | Closed | Aug 18 - Oct 31 | |||