Idaho License Price Calculator
How Much Is a Fishing License in Idaho?
An Idaho resident annual fishing license costs $30.50. Non-residents pay $112.75 for the same annual license.
Idaho anglers targeting salmon or steelhead need a species-specific permit that doubles as a paper harvest record — the moment you keep an adult fish, you must immediately punch a numbered notch and write in the river location code and date. (Idaho Fish and Game)
Idaho Fishing License Price Table (2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $30.50 | $112.75 | Resident annual |
| 1-Day (+per extra day) | $13.50 | $23.00 | Short-term option |
| Steelhead Permit | $13.75 | $36.25 | See notes below |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
Daily Licenses Scale Cheaply for Short Trips
Idaho's daily license is $13.50 (resident) or $23.00 (non-resident) for the first day, plus just $7.00 for each additional consecutive day. For a 3-4 day trip, that adds up to far less than the $112.75 non-resident annual license — worth doing the math before defaulting to the annual.
Steelhead Fishing Requires a Separate Permit
Idaho's base license doesn't cover steelhead. Anglers need an additional steelhead permit — $13.75 for residents, $36.25 for non-residents — on top of the regular fishing license if steelhead are the target species.
Idaho Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)
These are Idaho's default statewide season windows and bag/size limits for the most commonly targeted species. Many individual lakes, rivers, and reservoirs carry their own special regulations that override these defaults — always confirm the rules for your specific water before you fish.
| Species | Season | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (Rainbow/Brown/Cutthroat/Lake/Golden, combined) | General season opens Saturday before Memorial Day (May 23, 2026); many waters open year-round | No statewide min. | 6/day general statewide rule (possession commonly 5 on many waters) |
| Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth) | Year-round, no closed season | No statewide min. or limit | No statewide bag/length limit |
Where to Buy a Idaho Fishing License Locally
In addition to the official state portal linked above, Idaho fishing licenses are typically available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods locations statewide, along with independent bait & tackle shops. Call ahead if you need a specific license type (combination, lifetime, or trout stamp) since not every retail counter carries every product.
Idaho Fishing License — FAQs
How much is an Idaho fishing license?
A resident annual license costs $30.50. Non-residents pay $112.75 for the annual license, though daily options are much cheaper for short trips.
Do I need a separate permit for steelhead in Idaho?
Yes. A steelhead permit ($13.75 resident / $36.25 non-resident) is required in addition to the base fishing license.
What does Idaho's daily license cost?
$13.50 for residents or $23.00 for non-residents for the first day, plus $7.00 for each additional consecutive day.
Is there a senior or junior discount in Idaho?
Yes. Resident seniors (65+) and juniors (14-17) both pay a reduced $13.75 annual rate.
Where can I buy an Idaho fishing license?
Online at idfg.idaho.gov, at any IDFG regional office, or from 380+ vendors including Cabela's and Walmart.