Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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Idaho Fishing
Seasons and Rules
2016–2018
3rd Edition 2018
Photo Boise River, courtesy Erik Cayo
Free Fishing Day
June 9, 2018
Craig Mountain
Preserving and Sustaining Idaho’s Wildlife Heritage
For over 25 years, we’ve worked to preserve and sustain
Idaho’s wildlife heritage. Help us to leave a legacy for future
generations, give a gift today!
• Habitat Restoration • Wildlife Conservation
• Public Access and Education
For more information visit IFWF.org or call (208) 334-2648
you Can help prevent the spread of
noxious weeds in idaho!
1. Cleaning boats, trailers and watercraft after leaving a water body
2. Pumping the bilge of your boat before entering a water body
3. Cleaning boating and fishing gear from any plant material
4. Reporting infestations to your County Weed Superintendent
Call 1-844-weedsno www. idahoweedawareness.Com
DIRECTOR MOORE’S OPEN LETTER TO THE HUNTERS, ANGLERS
AND TRAPPERS OF IDAHO
L ast fall, a dream came true for me. I harvested a bull moose along the South Fork of the
Snake River, and some of my closest friends were there. It meant a lot to me to share the
experience with them, and to have their help cleaning, skinning and quartering the bull then
hauling him back to camp.
Another favorite moment was stopping by my daughter and son-in-law’s house on my way
home and showing the skull and antlers to my grandsons Thatcher and Cameron (ages 5
and 2). Both of these little fellows are lifetime license holders, and I want to see all young
Idahoans have the same hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities in the future that we
enjoy today.
Last winter, the Idaho legislature and Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter did their part by approving the
first resident fee increase in a dozen years as part of House Bill 230. From a fiscal perspective,
the bill does three main things.
• Supports the Fish and Game Commission to use their discount authority so that Idahoans can exempt themselves from paying the higher
fees by purchasing any annual license in 2017 and each subsequent year for at least the next five years (“Price Lock”).
• It provides more resources (about $3 million annually) for fish and wildlife management.
• Includes an access/depredation surcharge with the purchase of an annual resident or nonresident license. The annual fee provides new
funding to improve sportsman’s access, wildlife depredation prevention and depredation compensation.
Idaho Fish and Game last summer launched the first phase of an aggressive multi-year marketing campaign to inform Idahoans about the
advantages of Price Lock. The success of Price Lock depends on how many Idahoans “lock-in” by purchasing an annual license in 2017,
and by continuing to buy an annual license each year after.
Resident license fees for 2018 increased by about 20 percent for those who didn’t buy an annual license in 2017. If the Price Lock concept
works by more Idahoans purchasing annual licenses every year rather than intermittently, Fish and Game will have the resources to be
effective for a longer time before the need arises for a future fee increase.
Those Idahoans who are “price locked” also pay lower 2017 prices for all tags and permits in addition to their annual license.
The Fish and Game Commission is also applying Price Lock to all 3-year resident licenses, meaning if you missed out on Price Lock by not
purchasing an annual license in 2017, you can purchase a 3-year license in 2018 or during any of the following four years and get locked in
at 2017 prices for licenses, tags & permits. Three year license purchasers will also see a one-third discount on their Access/Depredation fee.
Nothing like Price Lock has ever been tried by another fish and wildlife agency. The Idaho Legislature and the Fish and Game Commission
will review Price Lock after at least five years to determine whether it should continue.
Here’s how Fish and Game is using the Price Lock license revenue:
• Modernizing hatcheries and increasing fish production
• Conducting more population surveys to support game management decisions
• Spending more to improve and maintain public shooting ranges
• Improving Fish and Game’s website and communication with sportsmen and women
• Increasing fish and wildlife predation management and noxious weed control
In recent years, Idaho hunters have enjoyed some of the best big game hunting in decades. Most of them recognize that by managing deer
and elk at high levels, Idaho Fish and Game must respond effectively when those animals cause problems for private property owners.
The new access/depredation fee provides benefits both for sportsmen and for farmers and ranchers. The surcharge ($5 for residents, $10 for
nonresidents) is paid prior to a person purchasing his or her first annual Idaho hunting or fishing license each year. The fee will provide an
additional $1 million each year sportsman’s access and $1 million annually for wildlife depredation compensation and prevention.
With the added resources from Price Lock and the Access/Depredation fee, Idaho Fish and Game is better equipped and positioned to
increase fish and wildlife populations, to manage deer and elk impacts to private landowners, and to continue Idaho’s hunting and fishing
legacy for our kids and grandkids.
Thank you for supporting Idaho Fish and Game and wildlife conservation in Idaho. I wish you great hunting, fishing and trapping in
2018.
Virgil Moore, Director
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
To Buy a License, Tag or Permit:
Idaho Wildlife Policy
• In person, go to any Idaho Fish and Game office or license
“All wildlife, including all wild animals, wild birds, and fish, within
vendor.
the state of Idaho, is hereby declared to be the property of the state of
Idaho. It shall be preserved, protected, perpetuated, and managed. • By credit card, within the United States call
It shall be only captured or taken at such times or places, under such 1-800-554-8685. Outside the U.S., use the Internet or mail.
conditions, or by such means, or in such manner, as will preserve, • From your computer or mobile device, go to
protect, and perpetuate such wildlife, and provide for the citizens of idfg.idaho.gov. A service fee is added for online and
this state and, as by law permitted to others, continued supplies of such telephone transactions.
wildlife for hunting, fishing and trapping.”
• Commercial licenses and tags, duplicate tags, documents
— Idaho Code Section 36-103 that require proof of disability, lifetime licenses, and bear
baiting permits may be purchased only at Fish and Game
Idaho Fish and Game Commission offices.
Brad Corkill, Panhandle
Daniel Blanco, Clearwater To report wildlife crimes, call Citizens Against
Blake Fischer, Southwest Poaching at 1-800-632-5999.
Greg Cameron, Magic Valley Emergency information can be relayed to
Lane Clezie, Southeast Fish and Game personnel through any
Derick Attebury, Upper Snake Idaho law enforcement agency.
Jerry Meyers, Salmon
Idaho Department of Fish and Game Other Information Numbers
600 S. Walnut St., P.O. Box 25 Rules booklets, nonresident license applications: 208-334-3700
Boise, ID 83707
U. S. Forest Service:
208-334-3700 • idfg.idaho.gov
Southern Idaho ..................................... www.fs.usda.gov/r4
Virgil Moore, Director
Sharon Kiefer, Deputy Director Northern Idaho ..................................... www.fs.usda.gov/r1
Ed Schriever, Deputy Director Bureau of Land Management: ........................ www.blm.gov/id
Idaho Relay Service (TDD) .............................1-800-377-3529
Regional Offices
Panhandle Region.............................................. 208-769-1414
2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene ID 83815
Clearwater Region ........................................... 208-799-5010
3316 16th St., Lewiston ID 83501 Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) adheres to all applicable state and
federal laws and regulations related to discrimination on the basis of race, color,
Southwest Region ............................................ 208-465-8465 national origin, age, gender, disability or veteran’s status. If you feel you have been
3101 S. Powerline Rd., Nampa ID 83686 discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility of IDFG, or if you desire
McCall Subregion ............................................... 208-634-8137 further information, please write to: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, P.O.
555 Deinhard Lane, McCall ID 83638 Box 25, Boise, ID 83707 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal
Magic Valley Region ........................................ 208-324-4359 Assistance, Mailstop: MBSP-4020, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203,
324 S 417 E; Suite #1, Jerome ID 83338 Telephone: (703) 358-2156. This publication will be made available in alternative
formats upon request. Please contact IDFG for assistance.
Southeast Region .............................................. 208-232-4703
1345 Barton Rd., Pocatello ID 83204 Information in this brochure summarizes rules and is an official
proclamation of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission for the taking of
Upper Snake Region ....................................... 208-525-7290 wildlife and/or fish. The official rules are available at
4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls ID 83401
https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules or from the Office of Administrative
Salmon Region .................................................... 208-756-2271 Rules, Department of Administration, Statehouse Mail, Boise, ID
99 Highway 93 N., Salmon ID 83467 83720, and may be reviewed in some libraries. Maps are for general
reference only.
Idaho Fish and Game offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday except state holidays. Offices in the Panhandle and Clearwater regions
are in the Pacific Time Zone; all others are in the Mountain Time Zone.
2016/2018_Fishing-3rd Edition/BOC/pca 31918/11-2017/50,000 ROP/GG
4
Idaho Department of Fish & Game
Fishing Rules 2016–2018
CONTENTS
How to Use This Booklet........................................................6 WHAT’S NEW
Proxy Statement........................................................................7
• Starting in 2018, the price of most resident licenses,
Panhandle Region............................................................. 8 - 11 tags and permits will increase unless you bought an
Clearwater Region.......................................................... 12 - 15 annual 2017 license. If you did buy a license, you
Southwest Region........................................................... 16 - 20 will pay 2017 prices. If you didn’t, you can still
Magic Valley Region...................................................... 21 - 25 pay 2017 prices with Price Lock by purchasing any
Silver Creek Fishing Guide........................................................26 3-year license. For more information, please visit:
Southeast Region............................................................ 27 - 30 https://idfg.idaho.gov/pricelock
Upper Snake Region...................................................... 31 - 34 • You can now possess 3-times the daily bag limit
Henrys Fork (Snake River, North Fork)....................................35 while in the field or in transit after the second day
Salmon Region................................................................. 36 - 38 of the season
Steelhead and Salmon Rules...................................... 39 - 44
• Minimum bass length is now 14" in the Southeast
River Location Codes................................................................40
Region except where noted
Steelhead Seasons and Limits............................................ 41 - 42
Salmon and Steelhead Fishing in Boundary Waters...................43 • There is no minimum bass length limit in the
Permit Validation......................................................................43 Upper Snake Region except where noted
Washington/Idaho Fishing Waters Boundaries..........................43
• Includes Steelhead and Salmon Rules
Threatened and Endangered Species..........................................44
General Fishing Information....................................... 45 - 59
Trespass Law.............................................................................45
Methods of Fishing and Equipment.................................. 46 - 47
Fish Terms and Limits....................................................... 47 - 48
Idaho Fish & Game
Boundary and Water Definitions...............................................48
pages 8-11
Regions
Tournament/ Fishing Contests..................................................48
Transport, Release, and Possession of Fish........................... 48-49
Salvage of Fish...........................................................................49
Salmon and Steelhead Rules......................................................49
Fishing in Boundary Waters......................................................49
Releasing Fish...........................................................................49 pages 12-15
Taking Photographs..................................................................50
Reasons for Special Seasons, Size and Bag Limits.......................50
Navigability and Public Access....................................................51
Sturgeon Fishing Rules..............................................................52
Fish Consumption and Advisory Information...........................53
Official List of Idaho Record Fish...................................... 54 - 55
pages 36-38
Fish Identification............................................................. 56 - 59
pages 16-20
Licenses, Tags and Permits......................................... 60 - 64
pages 31-35
To Buy a License, Tag or Permit................................................60
Hunter and Bowhunter Education............................................60
Refund Policy............................................................................60
Resident Disabled Licenses........................................................60 pages 21-26
Disabled Hunter/Companion...................................................61
Resident Lifetime License Certificates.......................................61
pages 27-30
Residency Requirements...........................................................61
Hunting Passports.....................................................................61
Idaho Resident Fees............................................................ 62-63
Nonresident Fees.......................................................................64
5
HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET
1. Find the region where CLEARWATER REGION
you plan to fish
General Fishing Season for the Clearwater Region
All Waters Open All Year
2. Find the regional fishing Except as modified in Clearwater Region Special Rule Waters on Pages 14-15.
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
season dates 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 on Pages 14-15. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.
Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) Sturgeon
• Bass limit is 6, both species combined • Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Brook Trout • Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be
• Brook trout limit is 25 released upon landing
Bull Trout • Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required, see Page
• Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release 52 for details
3. Find your fish species • No bull trout harvest is allowed
Kokanee
Tiger Muskie
• Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
and bag limit • Kokanee limit is 25
Salmon (ocean-going)
Trout includes cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and trout
hybrids (e.g. tiger trout)
• Salmon seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho • In rivers and streams, trout limit is 2, all species combined
Fish and Game Commission and rules are issued in a • In lakes, reservoirs, ditches and canals, trout limit is 6, all
separate brochure species combined
• Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are
salmon season is specifically opened for that water listed separately
Steelhead (ocean-going) Whitefish
• Defined as rainbow trout longer than twenty (20) inches • Whitefish limit is 25
in length in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon
Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific lamprey
Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes), and the
and sand roller
Clearwater River drainage (excluding that portion above
• May not be harvested or possessed
Dworshak Dam, and lakes)
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
• Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a
• No bag, size or possession limit
steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see
pages 39-43)
Check for potential fish consumption advisories.
4. See if the water you want See Page 53.
to fish is listed under Special Rule Waters for the Clearwater Region (see Pages 14-15 for details)
Special Rule Waters Clearwater River
Clearwater River, Middle Fork
Elk Creek Reservoir
Fish Lake (Cedars Area)
Snake River
(Lewiston to Hells Canyon Dam)
Clearwater River, North Fork Kelly Creek and tributaries Spring Valley Reservoir
Clearwater River, South Fork Lake Creek (Cedars Area) Tolo Lake
Crooked Fork Creek Lochsa River Winchester Lake
(tributary to Lochsa River) Mann Lake
5. Turn the page for details Deyo Reservoir
Dworshak Reservoir
Moose Creek Reservoir
Salmon River
on Special Rule Waters
Elk Creek and tributaries Salmon River tributaries
(tributary to Dworshak Reservoir)
Selway River
General Information and Definitions pertaining to rules can be found starting on Page 46.
Who needs a license to fish in Idaho:
• Any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid license or permit to fish for fish, bullfrogs or crayfish in Idaho. No
person shall fish without having the proper license on his or her person.
• Resident children under the age of 14 are not required to purchase a fishing license but can purchase a two-pole fishing
permit. Resident children may possess their own daily bag limit.
• A resident child under 14 may purchase a salmon or steelhead permit without a license so that he or she may catch his or
her own limit of steelhead or salmon.
• Nonresident children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by the holder of a valid fishing license and their fish must
be included in the license holder’s limit in order to fish without a license, or they may purchase a nonresident license and
have their own limit.
• Any license, tag or permit which is defaced, altered or tampered with shall be invalid from the date and time of issuance. It
is a violation to use or attempt to use any license, tag or permit that has been defaced, altered or tampered with by means of
(but not limited to) erasures and type overs, or tears in the paper.
• Fishing on Indian reservations may require tribal licenses and adherence to tribal regulations.
Información Importante
Este libro incluye información importante acerca de las leyes de pesca de Idaho. Usted puede ser multado o encarcelado si viola estas
leyes. Por favor, encuentra alguien que lea inglés para explicar la información en este libro.
6 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov
• How-to clinics
• Tackle available
• Questions answered Saturday,
• Skills development
June 9, 2018
For more information, contact the Fish and Game office nearest you.
PROXY STATEMENT (To transport fish taken by another person)
Angler’s Name______________________________ Signature_________________________________
Address____________________________________ Phone____________________________________
License No._________________________________ Tag No._______________Permit No.___________
Name of person transporting___________________ Phone____________________________________
Fish Species Description & Number Taken Water Caught Date
GAME:
Species_________________________________________How many___________________________
Species_________________________________________How many____________________________
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 7
Panhandle
STOP AQUATIC
HITCHHIKERS!™
Prevent the transport of nuisance species.
Clean all recreational equipment.
www.ProtectYourWaters.net
When you leave a body of water:
• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before
transporting equipment.
• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
• Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water
(boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water
unless they came out of that body of water.
8 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov
Panhandle
PANHANDLE REGION
General Fishing Season for the Panhandle Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Panhandle Region Special Rule Waters on Pages 10-11.
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
on Pages 10-11. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.
Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) Tiger Muskie
• Bass limit is 6, both species combined • Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
Brook Trout Trout includes brown trout, cutthroat trout, golden trout, lake
• Brook trout limit is 25 trout, rainbow trout, splake, trout hybrids, Arctic grayling
Bull Trout • Trout limit is 6, all species combined
• Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release • Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are
• No bull trout harvest is allowed listed separately
Burbot Whitefish
• Burbot limit is 0, catch-and-release • Whitefish limit is 25
Chinook Salmon (land-locked) All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs & crayfish
• Chinook salmon limit is 2, none under 20 inches • No bag, size or possession limit
Kokanee Check for potential fish consumption advisories.
• Kokanee limit is 15 See Page 53.
Sturgeon
• Fishing for or targeting sturgeon in the Kootenai River is
illegal
Special Rule Waters for the Panhandle Region (see Pages 10-11 for details)
Anderson Lake Freeman Lake Priest Lake and tributaries
Antelope Lake Gamble (Gamlin) Lake Priest River and tributaries
Avondale Lake Gold Creek Rapid Lightning Creek and tributaries
Benewah Creek and tributaries Granite Creek and tributaries Robinson Lake
Blue Lake (Priest River Drainage) Granite Lake Roman Nose Lake #3
Blue Lake (Coeur d’ Alene Drainage) Grouse Creek and tributaries Round Lake (Bonner County)
Bonner Lake Hayden Creek and tributaries St. Joe River and tributaries
Brush Lake Hayden Lake St. Maries River and tributaries
Chase Lake Jewel Lake Shepherd Lake
Clark Fork River and tributaries Kelso Lake Sinclair Lake
Coeur d’ Alene Lake Kootenai River Smith Lake
Coeur d’Alene River and tributaries Lake Creek and tributaries Spirit Lake
Coeur d’ Alene River, Little North Fork Lightning Creek and tributaries Spokane River
and tributaries Lower Glidden Lake Trestle Creek and tributaries
Coeur d’ Alene River, North Fork and Mirror Lake Upper Priest Lake and tributaries
tributaries
Moyie River
Coeur d’ Alene River, South Fork and
tributaries Pack River and tributaries
Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation Pend Oreille Lake
Dawson Lake Pend Oreille River
Deep Creek and tributaries Perkins Lake
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 9
Panhandle
Special Rule Waters for the Panhandle Region
See Page 9 for fishing season, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Panhandle Region except as listed below.
Anderson Lake Coeur d’Alene River, North Fork and tributaries
(includes the channel to the Coeur d’Alene River) Section: From the confluence of the North Fork and
• Bass limit is 6, only two may be largemouth South Fork upstream to Yellow Dog Creek
bass, no largemouth bass under 16 inches • Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red
or orange slash below jaw
Antelope Lake - Electric motors only
Section: From and including Yellow Dog Creek
Avondale Lake - Electric motors only upstream
Benewah Creek and tributaries • Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red
• Closed to fishing or orange slash below jaw
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Blue Lake (Priest River drainage) - Electric motors only
Blue Lake (Coeur d’Alene drainage; includes the channel to the Coeur d’Alene River, South Fork and tributaries
Coeur d’Alene River) • Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red
• Bass limit is 6, only two may be largemouth or orange slash below jaw
bass, no largemouth bass under 16 inches
Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation - Contact the Coeur
Bonner Lake - Electric motors only d’Alene Tribal Office
Brush Lake - Electric motors only Dawson Lake - Electric motors only
Chase Lake - Electric motors only Deep Creek and tributaries
• Bass limit is 6, only two may be largemouth • December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
bass, no largemouth bass under 16 inches weekend - closed to fishing
Clark Fork River • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November
30 - Panhandle Region general rules apply
Section: Entire river except for posted area adjacent
to the Cabinet Gorge Hatchery Freeman Lake - Electric motors only
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout
Gamble (Gamlin) Lake - Electric motors only
• Rainbow trout closed to harvest December 1
through Friday before Memorial Day weekend Gold Creek (Pend Oreille Lake; includes North and South
• No limit on lake trout Gold creeks and tributaries)
• Closed to fishing
Clark Fork River tributaries
(includes Lightning Creek and tributaries) Granite Creek and tributaries (Pend Oreille Lake)
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout • Closed to fishing
• Rainbow trout closed to harvest December 1 Granite Lake - Electric motors only
through Friday before Memorial Day weekend, Grouse Creek and tributaries
• No bait allowed Dec. 1 through the Friday Section: From the mouth upstream, except for 100
before Memorial Day weekend yards upstream and downstream of Grouse Creek Falls.
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout
Coeur d’Alene Lake (includes Benewah and Chatcolet
• Rainbow trout closed to harvest December 1
lakes, Coeur d’Alene River “Chain Lakes” and all tributaries to through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
Coeur d’Alene Lake, except Benewah and Lake creeks)
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout • No bait allowed Dec. 1 through the Friday before
Memorial Day weekend
Coeur d’Alene River and tributaries Section: 100 yards upstream and downstream from
(from the mouth to the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork) Grouse Creek Falls
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a • Closed to fishing
red or orange slash below jaw Hayden Creek and tributaries
• December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
Coeur d’Alene River, Little North Fork and weekend - closed to fishing
tributaries
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
Section: From the mouth upstream to Laverne Creek
November 30 - Panhandle Region general rules apply
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a
red or orange slash below jaw Hayden Lake
Section: From and including Laverne Creek upstream • Bass limit is 6, only two may be largemouth bass,
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a no largemouth bass under 20 inches
red or orange slash below jaw • Crappie limit is 6, none under 10 inches
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Jewel Lake - Electric motors only
10 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govPanhandle
Kelso Lake - Electric motors only Round Lake (Bonner County) - Electric motors only
Kootenai River St. Joe River and tributaries (except St. Maries River)
• Trout limit is 2, no rainbow or cutthroat trout Section: From Coeur d’Alene Lake upstream to and
under 16 inches including the North Fork St. Joe River
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red
• Sturgeon - closed to fishing
or orange slash below jaw
Lake Creek and tributaries Section: From the North Fork St. Joe River upstream
• Closed to fishing • Trout limit is 6, no harvest of any trout with a red
or orange slash below jaw
Lightning Creek and tributaries
(see Clark Fork River tributaries) • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Lower Glidden Lake - Electric motors only St. Maries River and tributaries
• December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
Mirror Lake - Electric motors only
weekend – trout limit is 2, no harvest of any trout
Moyie River with a red or orange slash below jaw
• Trout limit is 2 • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
Pack River and tributaries (from the mouth at Burlington November 30 – trout limit is 2
Northern Railroad Bridge upstream; also see Grouse Creek) Shepherd Lake - Electric motors only
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout
• Rainbow trout catch-and-release December 1 Sinclair Lake - Electric motors only
through Friday before Memorial Day weekend Smith Lake - Electric motors only
• No bait allowed Spirit Lake
Pend Oreille Lake (includes Sand, Strong, Riser, Bayview, and • Kokanee limit is 25
Mirror creeks and their tributaries) Spokane River and tributaries
• No limit on the number of fishing rods per angler Section: From state line upstream to Post Falls Dam
while fishing from a boat • Trout limit is 2
• Bass limit is 6, only two may be largemouth bass, Section: From Post Falls Dam upstream to Coeur
no largemouth bass under 16 inches d’Alene Lake
• No limit on lake trout, lake trout can be possessed in • Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthrout trout
the field or in transit with head removed
Trestle Creek and tributaries
• Cutthroat trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
• Closed to fishing
• Mouths of Gold, North Gold, Granite and Trestle
creeks are closed to fishing for a radius of 100 Upper Priest Lake and tributaries
yards into the lake • Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout
• Rainbow trout limit is 2; only 1 over 20 inches • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
• Kokanee limit is 6
Pend Oreille River
(from railroad bridge at Sandpoint downstream to Idaho-
Washington border, including tributaries and sloughs to the edge of
flat water)
• Bass limit is 6, only two 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)
Fishing & Boating
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout
• Kokanee limit is 6
Priest River and tributaries
(from its mouth to Priest Lake)
Access Sites
• Trout limit is 6, no harvest of cutthroat trout For a complete guide to
Rapid Lightning Creek and tributaries (see Pack River) Idaho Fish and Game's access sites
and other resources for anglers go to:
Robinson Lake - Electric motors only
• Bass limit is 6, only two may be largemouth bass, idfg.idaho.gov/fish/access-guide
no largemouth bass under 16 inches
Roman Nose Lake #3 - Electric motors only
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 11Clearwater
STOP AQUATIC
HITCHHIKERS!™
Prevent the transport of nuisance species.
Clean all recreational equipment.
www.ProtectYourWaters.net
When you leave a body of water:
• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before
transporting equipment.
• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
• Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water
(boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water
unless they came out of that body of water.
12 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govCLEARWATER REGION
General Fishing Season for the Clearwater Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Clearwater Region Special Rule Waters on Pages 14-15.
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.
Clearwater
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 on Pages 14-15. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.
Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) Sturgeon
• Bass limit is 6, both species combined • Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Brook Trout • Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be
• Brook trout limit is 25 released upon landing
Bull Trout • Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required, see Page
• Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release 52 for details
• No bull trout harvest is allowed Tiger Muskie
Kokanee • Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
• Kokanee limit is 25 Trout includes cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and trout
Salmon (ocean-going) hybrids (e.g. tiger trout)
• Salmon seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho • In rivers and streams, trout limit is 2, all species combined
Fish and Game Commission and rules are issued in a • In lakes, reservoirs, ditches and canals, trout limit is 6, all
separate brochure species combined
• Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are
salmon season is specifically opened for that water listed separately
Steelhead (ocean-going) Whitefish
• Defined as rainbow trout longer than twenty (20) inches • Whitefish limit is 25
in length in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon
Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific lamprey
Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes), and the
and sand roller
Clearwater River drainage (excluding that portion above
• May not be harvested or possessed
Dworshak Dam, and lakes)
All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
• Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a
• No bag, size or possession limit
steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see
pages 39-43) Check for potential fish consumption advisories.
See Page 53.
Special Rule Waters for the Clearwater Region (see Pages 14-15 for details)
Clearwater River Elk Creek Reservoir Selway River
Clearwater River, Middle Fork Fish Lake (Cedars Area) Snake River
Clearwater River, North Fork Kelly Creek and tributaries (Lewiston to Hells Canyon Dam)
Clearwater River, South Fork Lake Creek (Cedars Area) Spring Valley Reservoir
Crooked Fork Creek Lochsa River Tolo Lake
(tributary to Lochsa River) Mann Lake Winchester Lake
Deyo Reservoir Moose Creek Reservoir
Dworshak Reservoir Salmon River
Elk Creek and tributaries Salmon River tributaries
(tributary to Dworshak Reservoir)
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 13Special Rule Waters for the Clearwater Region
See Page 13 for fishing season, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Clearwater Region except as listed below.
Clearwater River Clearwater River, South Fork
Section: From the mouth upstream to the Clearwater • Cutthroat trout limit is 0, catch and release only
Clearwater
River Bridge at Orofino • Single-pointed barbless hooks are required while
• Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fishing for steelhead and salmon
fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept
• Fishing between posted boundaries 100 yards Crooked Fork Creek (tributary to Lochsa River)
upstream and downstream from the Nez Perce Section: From the mouth to Brushy Fork Creek
Tribal Hatchery Ladder (near Cherry Lane • Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
Bridge) and extending into the river channel 50 • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
yards is prohibited
Section: From Brushy Fork Creek upstream - Clearwater
• Fishing from the shoreline or wading along the Region general rules apply
perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is
Deyo Reservoir
prohibited
• Bass Limit is 2; none under 16 inches
Section: From the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino
upstream to the confluence of the South Fork and Dworshak Reservoir
Middle Fork Clearwater rivers • Trout limit is 6, only 2 may be cutthroat trout, no
• Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose cutthroat trout under 14 inches
fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept
• September 1 through April 30 - No motors allowed Elk Creek and tributaries (tributary to Dworshak Reservoir)
• Trout limit is 6, brook trout must be counted in
Clearwater River, Middle Fork trout limit
• December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release Elk Creek Reservoir
• Trout limit is 6, brook trout must be counted in
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through trout limit
November 30 - trout limit is 2, none under 14
inches Fish Lake (Cedars Area) - No motors allowed
• September 1 through April 30 - No motors allowed • December 1 through July 31 – closed to fishing
• August 1 through November 30 - Clearwater
Clearwater River, North Fork Region general rules apply
Section: From the mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam
• Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose Kelly Creek and tributaries
fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept • Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
• When fishing from Ahsahka Highway 7 Bridge, • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
it is illegal to take or attempt to take any fish
downstream of the railroad bridge; fishing from Lake Creek (Cedars Area)
the railroad bridge is prohibited Section: From the mouth upstream to Goose Creek -
Clearwater Region general rules apply
• Fishing from any watercraft or wading is Section: From Goose Creek to Fish Lake including all
prohibited between the posted line approximately tributaries (Cedar Flat area)
150 yards upstream from the mouth of the North • December 1 through July 31 – closed to fishing
Fork Clearwater River and the Ahsahka Highway • August 1 through November 30 - Clearwater
7 Bridge Region general rules apply
• Fishing from the shoreline or wading along the
perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is Lochsa River
prohibited Section: From the mouth upstream to Wilderness
Gateway Campground Motor Bridge, near Highway 12
Section: From the upper end of flat water of Dworshak milepost 122
Reservoir upstream • Barbless hooks required
• Barbless hooks required
• December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
• December 1 through Friday before Memorial weekend – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no
Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, bait allowed except maggots
no bait allowed except maggots
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 – trout limit is 2, none under 14
November 30 - trout limit is 2, no cutthroat trout inches, no bait allowed
under 14 inches, no bait allowed
14 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govSection: 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
Clearwater
• October 1 to December 31 - No boats allowed
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
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 above the mouth of Middle
Fork Salmon River - See Page 38, 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 (Lewiston 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
Spring Valley Reservoir - Electric motors only
• Bass limit is 2; none under 16 inches
Tolo Lake - Electric motors only
Winchester Lake - Electric motors only
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 15Southwest
16 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govSouthwest Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 17
SOUTHWEST REGION
General Fishing Season for the Southwest Region
All Waters Open All Year
Except as modified in Southwest Region Special Rule Waters on Pages 19-20.
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
on Pages 19-20. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.
Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) • Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a
• Bass limit is 6, both species combined steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see
pages 39-43)
• None under 12 inches
Sturgeon
Brook Trout
• Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Southwest
• Brook trout limit is 25
• Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be
• Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise
released upon landing
noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are
listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout • Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required, see Page
Bull Trout 52 for details
• Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release Tiger Muskie
• Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
• No bull trout harvest is allowed
Kokanee Trout includes brown trout, lake trout, golden trout, Arctic
• Kokanee limit is 6 grayling, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, trout hybrids, land-locked
Chinook and coho salmon
Salmon (ocean-going) • Trout limit is 6, all species combined
• Salmon seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho
Fish and Game Commission and rules are issued in a • Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are
separate brochure listed separately
Whitefish
• Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a
• Whitefish limit is 25
salmon season is specifically opened for that water
• Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise
Steelhead (ocean-going) noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are
• Defined as rainbow trout longer than twenty (20) inches listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes).
Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific lamprey & sand roller
Between Hells Canyon Dam and Oxbow Dam and the
• May not be harvested or possessed
Boise River from its mouth upstream to Barber Dam
during steelhead seasons, steelhead are rainbow trout over All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
twenty (20) inches in length with the adipose fin clipped • No bag, size or possession limit
(as evidenced by a healed scar) Check for potential fish consumption advisories.
See Page 53.
Special Rule Waters for the Southwest Region (See Pages 19-20 for details)
Ben Ross Reservoir Crystal Lake M.K. Nature Center Salmon River, Middle Fork and
Big Creek Deadwood Reservoir Owyhee River and tributaries tributaries
Boise River Deadwood Reservoir tributaries Oxbow Reservoir Salmon River, South Fork
and tributaries
Boise River, Middle Fork Duck Valley Indian Reservation Parkcenter Pond
Serene Lake
Boise River, South Fork Indian Creek Reservoir Payette River, North Fork
Squaw Creek and
Brundage Reservoir and Lake Lowell Payette River, South Fork and tributaries
tributaries Lake Rock Lake tributaries
Stibnite Pond (Glory Hole)
Brush Lake Little Payette Lake Rapid River and tributaries
Tule Lake
Cascade Aquarium Pond Long Lake Roosevelt Lake
Warren Creek
Chamberlain Creek and Louie Lake Sage Hen Reservoir tributaries
tributaries Weiser Community Pond
McDevitt Pond Salmon River
Crane Falls Lake Wilson Springs Ponds
Middle Fork Salmon River Salmon River tributaries
18 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govSpecial Rule Waters for the Southwest Region
See Page 18 for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Southwest Region except as listed below.
Ben Ross Reservoir Crystal Lake
• Bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches (an alpine lake in the Lake Fork drainage)
• Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Big Creek
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
• Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required Deadwood Reservoir
• Kokanee limit is 25 per day
Boise River
(lower) from the mouth upstream to Lucky Peak Dam Deadwood Reservoir tributaries
Section: From the downstream side of the East • Trout limit is 2
Parkcenter Bridge to the upstream side of the West
Parkcenter Bridge
• Kokanee limit is 25 per day
• Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches Duck Valley Indian Reservation
Southwest
All other sections of the lower Boise River - Southwest contact the Duck Valley Indian Tribal Office
Region general rules apply Indian Creek Reservoir
Boise River, Middle Fork • January 1 to June 30 - bass limit is 0, catch-and-
Section: From the confluence of the North Fork release
upstream to Atlanta Dam • July 1 to December 31- bass limit is 2, none
• Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches between 12 and 16 inches
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Lake Lowell
All other sections of the Boise River, Middle Fork - • January 1 to June 30 - bass limit is 0, catch-and-
Southwest Region general rules apply
release
Boise River, South Fork • July 1 to December 31- bass limit is 2, none
Section: From Neal Bridge (Forest Road 189) upstream between 12 and 16 inches
to Anderson Ranch Dam
• No bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly or lure Lake Rock Lake
• December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, (an alpine lake in the Secesh River drainage)
catch-and-release • Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
weekend – closed to fishing
Little Payette Lake
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through • Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
November 30 – trout limit 2, none under 20
• Kokanee limit is 25 per day
inches
Section: Boise River, South Fork above Anderson Ranch Long Lake (an alpine lake south of Warm Lake)
Dam; see Magic Valley Region rules (Page 23) • Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Brundage Reservoir and tributaries • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
• Trout limit is 2, none over 14 inches
Louie Lake (an alpine lake in the Boulder Creek drainage)
• No bait allowed • Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Brush Lake • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
(an alpine lake in North Fork Payette drainage)
• Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches McDevitt Pond
• Trout limit is 2
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Middle Fork Salmon River
Cascade Aquarium Pond (see Salmon River, Middle Fork and tributaries)
• Closed to fishing
M.K. Nature Center
Chamberlain Creek and tributaries • Closed to fishing
• Trout limit is 2
Owyhee River and tributaries
Crane Falls Lake - Electric motors only • Bass limit is 6, any size may be kept
• Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Oxbow Reservoir
(between Brownlee Dam and Oxbow Dam)
• Bass limit is 2, none between 12 and 16 inches
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 19Parkcenter Pond Serene Lake
• Trout limit is 2 (an alpine lake in the Hazard Creek drainage)
• Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
Payette River, North Fork
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Section: From Payette Lake upstream, including
tributaries
Squaw Creek and tributaries
• Kokanee limit is 0, catch-and-release • Trout limit is 2
Section: From Smylie Bridge (Hartsell) to Payette Lake
• December 1 to Friday of Memorial Day weekend Stibnite Pond (Glory Hole)
- trout limit is 0; catch-and-release, only • Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
All other sections of the Payette River, North Fork -
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
Southwest Region general rules apply
Tule Lake (an alpine lake near Warm Lake)
Payette River, South Fork and tributaries • Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
(except the Middle Fork Payette drainage) • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
• Trout limit is 2
Warren Creek
Rapid River and tributaries (tributary to the Little • Trout limit is 2
Salmon River)
Southwest
• Trout limit is 2 Weiser Community Pond
• Trout limit is 2
Roosevelt Lake
• Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release Wilson Springs Ponds
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required Section: The Trophy Pond
• All species limit is 0, catch-and-release
Sage Hen Reservoir tributaries
• December 1 through June 15 - closed to fishing • No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
• June 16 through November 30 - trout limit is 2 Section: North and South Pond
• 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
• Bass limit is 6, any size may be kept
Salmon River tributaries
Section: Those tributaries from the mouth of the
Salmon River upstream to the mouth of the Middle
Fork Salmon River (except Crooked Creek, 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
D
November 30 - Salmon Region general rules uring the summer months the fishing trailers
apply travel across Idaho ready to help families start
Salmon River, Middle Fork and tributaries fishing.
• Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release Free and open to everyone. Just show up
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required and register at the event.
Salmon River, South Fork and tributaries (includes: Fishing equipment can be checked out for
Johnson Creek, East Fork South Fork Salmon River, Secesh free, first-come, first-served basis.
River, Lake Creek, Summit Creek and tributaries)
Learn the basic fishing skills from
• Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
knowledgeable staff.
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
No license required for registered
participants during the duration of the event.
idfg.idaho.gov/fish
20 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govMagic Valley Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 21
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 on Pages 23-26.
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 on Pages 23-26. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.
Bass (largemouth and smallmouth) Trout includes brown trout, lake trout, golden trout,
• Bass limit is 6, both species combined Arctic grayling, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, trout
• None under 12 inches hybrids, land-locked Chinook and coho salmon
Brook Trout • Trout limit is 6, all species combined
• Brook trout limit is 25 • In rivers and streams, only 2 of the 6 trout may be
• Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise cutthroat trout
noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are Does not include bull trout and brook trout which are
listed, they must be followed when fishing for brook trout listed separately
Bull Trout Walleye
• Bull trout limit is 0, catch-and-release • Walleye limit is 6
Magic Valley
• No bull trout harvest is allowed Whitefish
• Whitefish limit is 25
Kokanee
• Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise
• Kokanee limit is 6
noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are
Sturgeon listed, they must be followed when fishing for whitefish
• Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
Protected Nongame Fish includes leatherside chub,
• Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must
be released upon landing Shoshone sculpin, bluehead sucker and Wood River sculpin
• May not be harvested or possessed
• Barbless hooks and sliding sinkers are required, see Page
52 for details All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish
• No bag, size or possession limit
Tiger Muskie
• Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches Check for potential fish consumption advisories. See
Page 53.
Special Rule Waters for the Magic Valley Region (See Pages 23-26 for details)
Anderson Ranch Reservoir (Empire Rapids Ponds) Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir
Baker Lake Devils Corral Creek Silver Creek
Bell Rapids (See Snake River) Gunnel Reservoir (Six Mile) Silver Creek tributaries
Big Wood River Hagerman Wildlife Management Area Snake River
Big Wood River tributaries Jarbidge River and tributaries South Fork Boise River
(upstream of Magic Reservoir) Little Wood River (see Boise River, South Fork)
Billingsley Creek Sublett Reservoir
Magic Reservoir
Boise River, South Fork Sublett Reservoir tributaries
Malad River
(upstream of Anderson Ranch Dam) Trinity Lake
Niagara Springs Creek
Box Canyon Creek Vardis Fisher Pond
Niagara Springs Wildlife Management
Bruneau Dunes State Park Area Vinyard Creek
Carey Lake Riley Creek (see Hagerman Wildlife Willow Creek
Clear Lakes Grade Ponds Management Area) (tributary to Camas Creek)
22 Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.govSpecial Rule Waters for the Magic Valley Region
See Page 22 for fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, and rules that apply to all waters within the Magic Valley Region except as listed below.
Anderson Ranch Reservoir Big Wood River Tributaries (upstream of Magic
• Kokanee limit is 25 per day Reservoir)
• December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0,
Baker Lake (an alpine lake in Blaine County) catch-and-release
• Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
• No bait allowed, barbless hooks required weekend – closed to fishing
Bell Rapids (See Snake River) • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
November 30 – trout limit is 6
Big Wood River
Section: From the Richfield Canal Diversion upstream Billingsley Creek
to Magic Dam Section: From old railroad grade upstream to Tupper
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Grade
March 31 – trout limit is 6 • Trout limit is 2, none under 20 inches
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day • No bait allowed
weekend – closed to fishing Section: From Tupper Grade upstream to Vader Grade
Section: From the posted boundary about 700 yards • December 1 through Friday before Memorial
east of Hot Springs Landing upstream to Glendale Road Day weekend - closed to fishing
Bridge
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
• December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0,
November 30 - trout limits is 6, fly-fishing only,
catch-and-release
no bait allowed
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day
Magic Valley
All other sections of Billingsley Creek - Magic Valley
weekend – closed to fishing Region general rules apply
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
Boise River, South Fork (upstream of Anderson Ranch
November 30 – trout limit is 6
Reservoir)
Section: From Glendale Road Bridge upstream to the Section: From the mouth of Beaver Creek upstream to
Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 122.2 the mouth of Big Smoky Creek (see Southwest Region
• December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, for information downstream from Anderson Ranch
catch-and-release Dam)
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day • Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches
weekend – closed to fishing • No bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly or lure
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through All other sections of the Boise River, South Fork above
November 30 – trout limit is 2, none between 12 Anderson Ranch Dam - Magic Valley Region general
rules apply
and 16 inches
Section: From Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 122.2
Box Canyon Creek
upstream to Highway 75 Bridge near milepost 136.2 • Trout limit is 2
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
Bruneau Dunes State Park - Electric motors only
March 31 – trout limit is 0, catch-and-release, no
• Bass limit is 2, none under 20 inches
bait allowed, one barbless hook per fly or lure
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day Carey Lake - Electric motors only
weekend – closed to fishing Clear Lakes Grade Ponds (Empire Rapids Ponds)
Section: From the Highway 75 Bridge near milepost • Trout limit is 2
136.2 upstream to the headwaters of the Big Wood
River Devils Corral Creek
• December 1 through March 31 – trout limit is 0, • Trout limit is 2
catch-and-release
Gunnel Reservoir (Six Mile)
• April 1 through Friday before Memorial Day • December 1 through Friday before Memorial
weekend – closed to fishing Day weekend - closed to fishing
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through
November 30 – trout limit is 6 November 30 – trout limit is 2
All other sections of the Big Wood River – Magic Valley
Region general rules apply
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018 idfg.idaho.gov 23You can also read
