Idaho Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
How much is a fishing license in Idaho (ID)?
A resident annual Idaho fishing license costs $33.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $103.75. Idaho also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
How does Idaho compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Idaho Fishing License →Fishing in Idaho
Idaho is a fly angler's map of trout, salmon and steelhead. Wild cutthroat and rainbows fill the Snake, the Salmon and the world-famous Henry's Fork, while anadromous Chinook and steelhead push far inland on their runs. The Snake also holds giant white sturgeon, and the panhandle lakes add kokanee and mackinaw. Summer dry-fly fishing is the draw, and salmon and steelhead seasons run on special permits tied to the returns.
Idaho Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$33.50
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$103.75
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$34.75
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$56.75
Senior Combo (65+)
Freshwater
$13.75
Hunt+fish COMBO ($11.75 price-locked) — Idaho sells NO fishing-only senior license; a 65+ angler who only wants to fish pays the standard adult annual. 6-month residency required.
Youth (under 14)
FreePrices are from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and haven't been re-checked this season. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Idaho fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Idaho. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 14 do not need a license. Anglers under 14 fish free. A Junior fishing license is required at 14; residents 14–17 pay $16.00 ($13.75 price-locked).
- Seniors (65+)
- Idaho sells NO fishing-only senior license. The only 65+ discount is the $13.75 Combination Hunting and Fishing — Senior license ($11.75 at the price-locked rate), which bundles hunting. A resident 65+ who only wants to fish pays the standard $30.50 adult annual plus the $5.00 Depredation Management/Access fee. Requires 6 months' Idaho residency immediately before purchase.
- Anglers with disabilities
- $5.75 resident disabled fishing license ($5.00 price-locked) for residents who present a letter from SSI, SSDI or the Railroad Retirement Board showing current disability and economic disadvantage, or a completed Certification of Permanent Disability form.
- Veterans & military
- Resident veterans with a 40%+ VA service-connected disability rating (or a qualifying VA pension) buy a full annual fishing license for $5.00–$5.75 through IDFG's Disabled American Veteran program; a VA letter stating the disability percentage is required.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Idaho Free Fishing Day (the second Saturday in June); no license required statewide for that single day. Creel limits, opening dates, tackle restrictions and all other rules still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Where to buy a Idaho fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Idaho also sell licenses.
Idaho Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Idaho species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutGeneral limit; many rivers are 2-fish or catch-and-release | 6 | No limit | Year-round (most waters) |
| SteelheadRequires a steelhead permit; hatchery-only harvest | No limit | No limit | Permit seasons tied to returns |
| BassStatewide general limit | 6 | No limit | Year-round |
| KokaneeLimit varies widely by water | 25 | No limit | Varies |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Idaho Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Idaho?
A resident annual fishing license in Idaho costs $33.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $103.75. Idaho also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Idaho?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Idaho costs $103.75. For a shorter trip, Idaho also sells 3-Day, 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 14 are exempt. Idaho sells NO fishing-only senior license. The only 65+ discount is the $13.75 Combination Hunting and Fishing — Senior license ($11.75 at the price-locked rate), which bundles hunting. A resident 65+ who only wants to fish pays the standard $30.50 adult annual plus the $5.00 Depredation Management/Access fee. Requires 6 months' Idaho residency immediately before purchase. Always confirm current rules with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before you fish.
Where do you buy a Idaho fishing license?
Buy directly from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Idaho.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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