2009 Idaho Fishing License Requirements

In simple, anyone age 14 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in the waters of Idaho. License types divide out by age (Junior: 14-17, Adult: 18-64, and Senior: 65 and older) and Resident (affordable) versus Non-resident (more expensive). For Residents there are also Disabled Fishing and Military Furlough Licenses. From the Idaho Fish and Game Fishing Seasons and Rules, "A resident is defined as any person who has been domiciled in the state of Idaho, with a bona fide intent to make this his/her place of permanent abode, for a period of not less than six months ...". Everyone else is a Non-Resident (well, except for Active Duty military personnel (and family) permanently stationed in Idaho). For the Non-resident there are 1-Day, 3-Day, and Season licenses available. For the Resident a Lifetime license is also available. License fee information is provided in the Rules cited above. Licenses may be purchased on line (same site) and at many `vendors'. Vendors often also have (free) hard copies of the Rules. And vendors are also happy to provide a lot of gear (not free). Additional permits are required for steelhead and anadromous (sea-run) salmon. And a Resident may also buy a Sportsman's Package. The Sportsman's Package is a wonderful deal, as it provides (in one purchase) both hunting and fishing licenses, various big game tags, archery and muzzleloader permits, and the salmon and steelhead permits. (Yum.)

Now for some exceptions. Licenses are not required for private fish ponds (small, private ponds as defined and permitted by the Idaho Fish and Game Department). Resident youth under the age of 14 may fish without a license and have their own catch limit. Non-resident youth (under 14) may fish without a license in Idaho provided he/she is in the presence of a valid license holder and his/her (the youth's) catch is included in the license holder's.

Oh, one more thing; June 13, 2009 is a "Free Fishing Day" in Idaho. No fishing license required!

References

2008 - 2009 Fishing Seasons and Rules, Idaho Fish and Game Department, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.

Private Fish Ponds, Idaho Fish and Game Department, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.