Fishing in North Idaho


North Idaho is famous for great fishing with an abundance of world-class blue-ribbon wild trout streams. The St. Joe River – a scenic river and the worlds highest navigable river, provides premier cutthroat trout fishing. It is known for it's great fly fishing and enchanting beauty. Elevations in the Panhandle range from 2,100 at Priest River to 8,643 at Needle Peak. Idaho record fish including rainbow trout, bull trout, chinook, kokanee, northern pike and tiger muskie were all taken from Panhandle waters. The rugged mountains of Idaho contain more than 1,500 high mountain lakes with good trout fishing. Numerous large natural lakes and reservoirs provide a wide variety of fishing opportunities for warm and cold-water species. Most of Idaho fishing waters are located in the public domain, and are open to the public. Access is free.

Panhandle Region Fishing Report
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/reports/panhandle.cfm

BUY A LICENSE
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/licenses

Idaho Residency Requirements
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/fees/resrequirements.cfm

Family Fishing Waters
In response to anglers’ requests for more family-oriented fishing opportunities and simplified rules, Fish and Game has developed Family Fishing Water regulations. In these areas there are year-around seasons, a general six-fish limit for trout, bass, walleye and pike and no bag limit on other species. There are no length limits or tackle requirements.

Salmon and Steelhead
Idaho is the only inland western state with ocean-run salmon and steelhead, and when conditions are right, the hatchery part of these runs provide an exciting fishing experience. State records are 54 pounds for salmon and 30 pounds, 2 ounces for steelhead.