Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...

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Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
Idaho Fishing
      Seasons and Rules
                    2016–2018
3rd Edition 2018

                                      Photo Boise River, courtesy Erik Cayo

                   Free Fishing Day
                      June 9, 2018
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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 Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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 Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
•   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
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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
Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules 2016-2018 - Free Fishing Day - State of ...
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.gov
Panhandle
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        11
Clearwater

                                                                                    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.gov
CLEARWATER 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        13
Special 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.gov
Section: 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   15
Southwest

            16   Idaho Fishing Seasons & Rules 2016-2018   idfg.idaho.gov
Southwest

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.gov
Special 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         19
Parkcenter 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.gov
Magic 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.gov
Special 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          23
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