Idaho fishing license: ages, prices and the permits that cost extra

Anyone 14 or older must buy a fishing license in Idaho. Anglers fishing for salmon or steelhead also need a separate permit for those fish.

The prices
Idaho eRegulations lists these fees as of December 1, 2024. Residents pay $13.50 for a one-day license, plus $6.00 for each added consecutive day, and $30.50 for an adult annual license. A resident three-year license is $73.75, and a junior annual license (ages 14 to 17) is $16.00. The salmon and steelhead permit is $15.25 and a two-pole permit is $15.00. Nonresidents pay $22.75 for one day, $108.00 for an annual license and $28.25 for the salmon and steelhead permit. Residents in the price-lock program pay less, for example $25.75 for an annual adult license. Adults who buy an annual or three-year license also pay a one-time access and depredation fee of $5.00 (annual) or $10.00 (three-year) for residents.

Kids
Residents under 14 do not need a license. They may keep their own daily limit, or buy a salmon and steelhead permit or a two-pole permit. Nonresident children under 14 must be with a licensed Idaho angler, and their catch counts toward that adult’s limit, unless they buy their own license and permit.

Good to know
Licenses are valid through December 31 unless noted. Fishing licenses are not refundable. Fishing on Indian reservations may require a tribal license. The page does not mention a free fishing day, so we could not confirm one. Prices can change without notice, so check with Idaho Fish and Game.