Idaho Fishing

Fall Chinook Salmon

The season opens August 18, 2026. The daily bag limit is 3 adult fall Chinook, but only 1 can have an intact adipose fin due to conservation efforts for wild returns. Best timing is late summer and fall ([Idaho alters bag limit for coming fall chinook fishery](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/aug/03/idaho-alters-bag-limit-for-coming-fall-chinook-fis/)).

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Most waters have a year-round season. The daily bag limit is 6 fish, with both species combined. The best timing to target trophy bass is during the first few weeks of spring as water temperatures begin to rise ([Seasons & Limits - Idaho Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/idaho/fishing/seasons-limits), [Fishing | Idaho Fish and Game](https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish)).

Brook Trout

Fishing is generally open year-round. The daily bag limit is 25 fish, and harvest is allowed. Best timing is typically summer through fall ([Seasons & Limits - Idaho Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/idaho/fishing/seasons-limits)).

Kokanee

Fishing is generally open year-round. The daily bag limit is 25 fish. Best timing is typically during the summer months ([Seasons & Limits - Idaho Fishing - eRegulations](https://www.eregulations.com/idaho/fishing/seasons-limits)).

Walleye

Open year-round. To protect other fish populations, there are no limits outside of Oneida, Salmon Falls, and Oakley reservoirs; anglers are asked to keep, kill, and consume all walleye caught in other waters. Best timing is year-round ([Fishing | Idaho Fish and Game](https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish)).

Spring Chinook Salmon

Seasons and limits are highly regulated and set annually during the spring, such as the March commission meetings. Best timing is during the spring runs ([Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting: March 25, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49qZqAw19wk)).

Henry's Fork of the Snake River

A legendary fly-fishing river famous for massive rainbow trout and challenging dry-fly conditions.

Lake Cascade

Widely considered the best destination in the nation for trophy-sized Yellow Perch.

Clearwater River

Renowned for its large 'B-run' Steelhead and productive spring Chinook Salmon seasons.

Lake Coeur d'Alene

A diverse fishery offering landlocked Chinook Salmon, Northern Pike, and excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing.

South Fork Snake River

One of the best native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout fisheries in the United States.

C.J. Strike Reservoir

A top destination for warm-water species including Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, and White Sturgeon.

Salmon River

The 'River of No Return' provides hundreds of miles of access for trout, steelhead, and salmon in a wilderness setting.

Priest Lake

A deep, scenic northern lake known for producing exceptionally large Lake Trout.