What a resident fishing license covers in Idaho

An Idaho resident fishing license lets you fish in Idaho's lakes, rivers, and streams for most species during open seasons. The license is valid for one calendar year — January 1 through December 31 — and costs $28.75 for an annual resident license as of 2024. You must carry the license with you while fishing, and it does not cover all species or all methods; some fish require additional stamps or tags, and certain waters have their own rules.

The resident license is different from a non-resident license, which costs more and has different purchase options. Idaho also offers short-term licenses for visitors and special licenses for certain groups, but the annual resident license is the standard choice for people who live in Idaho year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • An Idaho resident fishing license costs $28.75 annually and is valid January 1 through December 31.
  • You must carry your physical or digital license at all times while fishing, and game wardens will check it.
  • Licenses are purchased through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
  • Some fish species — including steelhead, salmon, and sturgeon — require additional tags or stamps beyond the base license.
  • Residents aged 14 and under do not need a license, and Idaho offers discounted licenses for seniors and people with disabilities.

Who needs a resident license and who does not

You need a resident fishing license if you are 15 years old or older and you fish in Idaho. Idaho residents aged 14 and under can fish without a license. Residents aged 65 and older can purchase a discounted senior license for $8.75 per year. People with disabilities can obtain a free disability license through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game by providing proof of disability.

To buy a resident license, you must have lived in Idaho for at least six months before purchase. If you have recently moved to Idaho or are unsure whether you meet the residency requirement, contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-334-3700 before buying.

How to buy your license online, by phone, or in person

The fastest way to get a license is through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website at idfg.idaho.gov. You will need your Idaho driver's license or state ID number, and the license will be issued immediately as a digital copy that you can display on your phone or print. You can also purchase a physical license by calling 1-800-554-8685 during business hours, though the physical card takes a few days to arrive by mail.

Authorized vendors across Idaho — including sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some grocery stores — also sell licenses in person. Bring your ID and payment method. A list of vendors by county is available on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website. Buying in person means you walk out with a physical license the same day.

Whichever method you choose, have your Idaho ID number ready and know which type of license you need. If you plan to fish for species that require tags — such as steelhead or salmon — buy those at the same time.

Species that need additional tags or stamps

Your resident fishing license covers most freshwater fish, including trout, bass, perch, and catfish. However, some species require a separate tag or stamp. Steelhead, chinook salmon, coho salmon, and sturgeon each require their own tag, which you must purchase and carry along with your base license. These tags cost between $10 and $20 each, depending on the species and the season.

Migratory game fish tags are also required if you fish for species that migrate between states or between ocean and freshwater. Check the current regulations on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website or ask at a vendor before you fish, because tag requirements and seasons change year to year. If you are unsure whether the fish you want to catch needs a tag, call the department or ask at a local tackle shop.

Seasons, bag limits, and where you can and cannot fish

Fishing seasons vary by species and by water body. Trout season in most Idaho lakes and streams runs year-round, but some waters close seasonally or have special restrictions. Salmon and steelhead seasons are shorter and depend on the river system. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game publishes a detailed fishing guide each year that lists seasons, bag limits (the number of fish you can keep per day), and size restrictions for every major water body in the state.

You can download the current guide from idfg.idaho.gov or pick up a printed copy at any vendor. Some waters are catch-and-release only, meaning you must return all fish to the water. Others have special gear restrictions — fly fishing only, for example, or no barbed hooks. Private land requires the owner's permission, and some public waters require a day-use fee or have parking restrictions. Always check the specific water you plan to fish before you go.

Renewing your license and what happens if it expires

Your license expires on December 31 each year. You can renew it anytime after November 1 of the previous year through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website, by phone, or at a vendor. Renewing online takes seconds and gives you an immediate digital license for the new year. If you forget to renew and fish without a valid license, you can be cited and fined.

If your license expires while you are on a fishing trip, you have until the end of that calendar day to fish legally. After midnight on December 31, your license is no longer valid. Set a reminder in November so you do not miss the renewal window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with a digital license on my phone, or do I need a printed card?

Either works. Idaho accepts a digital copy displayed on your phone or a printed license. If you buy online, you get a digital license immediately. If you prefer a physical card, you can print it at home or wait for the mailed version. Game wardens will check either format.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

Contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-334-3700 or visit idfg.idaho.gov to request a replacement. You can also purchase a new license at any vendor. There is no extra fee for a replacement; you pay the standard license price again.

Do I need a license to fish on private property?

Yes, you still need a valid Idaho resident fishing license even if you have the landowner's permission. The license is required statewide, regardless of whether the water is public or private. You do not need permission from the state, but you do need permission from the property owner.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

You can purchase a license through the website or by phone using someone else's Idaho ID number if they give you permission. At a vendor, the person buying the license must present their own ID. If you want to give a license as a gift, buy it in their name and provide them with the license number or digital copy.

What if I move out of Idaho — can I still use my resident license?

No. Your resident license is valid only while you are an Idaho resident. If you move out of state, you will need to purchase a non-resident license to fish in Idaho. If you move back to Idaho later, you can return to a resident license.