Idaho Fly Fishing Reports
River Reports - Click a river below
Big Lost – Mackay
Big Wood – Ketchum
Big Wood – Sawtooth
Boise River – Anderson Ranch Dam
Boise River – Featherville
Boise River – Glenwood Bridge
Boise River – Middle Fork
Coeur d’Alene River – Prichard
Deadwood River – Lowman
Henry’s Fork – Ashton
Henry’s Fork – Island Park
Henry’s Fork – St Anthony
Little Salmon River – Riggins
Little Wood River – Carey
Lochsa River – Lowell
Mores Creek – Arrowrock
North Fork Teton River – Sugar City
Payette River – Middle Fork
Payette River – North Fork
Payette River – South Fork
Portneuf River – Pocatello
Salmon River – Salmon
Salmon River – White Bird
Silver Creek – Sportsman Access near Picabo
Snake River – Neely
South Fork Snake River – Heise
South Fork Snake River – Irwin
South Fork Snake River – Lorenzo
South Fork Teton River – Rexburg
St Joes River – Calder
Teton River – Anthony
Teton River – Driggs
Trail Creek – Ketchum
Trail Creek – Sun Valley
Warm Springs Creek – Ketchum
Warm Springs Creek – Mackay
State overview
Idaho is a premier destination for fly fishing, offering diverse waters and abundant fish species. With its scenic rivers, streams, and lakes, Idaho is home to rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and steelhead. Popular fly fishing spots include the Snake River, Henry’s Fork, and the Salmon River, known for their thriving fish populations and stunning landscapes.
Fly fishing in Idaho is excellent year-round, though spring and summer are particularly ideal due to favorable weather and active fish. In the colder months, winter steelhead fishing is popular on rivers like the Clearwater and Salmon. Anglers can also explore remote mountain streams for native trout species, providing a more secluded fishing experience.
Before fishing in Idaho, make sure to check local regulations and obtain the necessary fishing license. With its breathtaking scenery and abundant fishing opportunities, Idaho is a must-visit for any fly fishing enthusiast.
Fishing Regulations
Before heading out for fly fishing in Idaho, be sure to follow these key regulations:
- Fishing License: Anglers over the age of 14 must have a valid Idaho fishing license. Both residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online or at local vendors. Learn more about licensing here.
- Daily Limits: In most regions, the daily trout limit is six fish. Specific waters may have catch-and-release requirements, especially for species like cutthroat trout and steelhead. Always check the regulations for the water you’re fishing.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Fishing seasons vary by region. Some waters allow year-round fishing, while others have seasonal restrictions. Make sure to check local rules before fishing in a specific area.
- Catch and Release: Idaho encourages catch-and-release practices in certain areas to help maintain healthy fish populations, particularly for species like trout and steelhead.
- Special Steelhead and Salmon Rules: Separate rules apply for fishing steelhead and salmon, including specific seasons and limits for rivers. Review the regulations for these species before fishing.
For detailed and up-to-date regulations, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.
Conservation Efforts
Idaho is deeply committed to conserving its waterways and fish populations, ensuring a sustainable future for fly fishing:
- Habitat Restoration: Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) works on restoring rivers and streams to enhance fish habitats. These efforts focus on reducing erosion, improving water quality, and maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. This helps support species like trout and steelhead.
- Trout Stocking Programs: Idaho regularly stocks lakes and rivers with trout to support local fisheries and maintain healthy populations for anglers. This includes species like rainbow trout and cutthroat trout, which are popular among fly fishers.
- Water Quality Monitoring: Ongoing water quality assessments ensure that Idaho’s rivers and lakes remain healthy environments for fish. This helps maintain the balance of ecosystems and supports the survival of native species.
- Catch and Release Advocacy: Catch and release practices are encouraged, especially for native trout species and steelhead, to preserve fish populations and ensure long-term fishing opportunities.
- Community Involvement: Conservation groups, local volunteers, and anglers frequently participate in river clean-ups and habitat restoration projects, working together to protect Idaho’s waterways.
For more information on Idaho’s conservation programs, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.