FISHING IN IDAHO
There are Idaho fishing experiences to suit anglers of every level on the state’s many lakes, reservoirs and rivers. You can enjoy trout fishing by boat or plan a trip with friends and spend a few hours Idaho creek fishing. Idaho offers a great variety of freshwater fish species.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN IDAHO
LUCKY PEAK LAKE
WOODHEAD PARK
On Brownlee Reservoir is considered the best catfish, crappie, and smallmouth bass fishery in Idaho and Oregon, and for good reason.
SOUTH FORK OF SNAKE RIVER
Experience 25 miles of outstanding trout fishing with your family on one of the most gorgeous stretches of river in the lower 48.
GET AN IDAHO FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN IDAHO
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament linE |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
RAINBOW TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod |
| Reel | 1500 spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits |
BROWN TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7 foot 1-3kg or heavier carbon fibre, graphite, or nano rod |
| Reel | 1000 or 2500 size reel |
| Line | 4-pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Hooks (No. 12), Jigs, Crankbaits, Spoons, Minnows (use a sinker as well) |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
BULL TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Bull trout are considered excellent water quality barometers due to their need for very clean and clear water to survive.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7 foot medium action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-12 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Spoons, Streamers, Spin Fly, Spinners |
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
