Top Waters in Southwest Region
Boise River (Urban)
RiverOne of the finest urban trout rivers in the country. Wild brown trout thrive here with a healthy, reproducing population, alongside hatchery rainbow trout stocked by Idaho F&G. You can catch 12-20 inch rainbows and browns even within city parks, just minutes from downtown Boise.
South Fork Boise River
River101.6 miles of premier trout water from Anderson Ranch Dam to Danskin Bridge. A trophy-class tailwater with stable populations of rainbow, whitefish, and bull trout. No bait allowed - artificial only.
Lake Cascade
Reservoir27,151-acre reservoir that's gained national fame for trophy Yellow Perch. Revival 'succeeded beyond optimistic expectations' - now routinely produces 2-pound jumbo perch and has set multiple state/world records. A national ice fishing destination. Also rainbow trout, coho, and tiger muskie.
C.J. Strike Reservoir
ReservoirOften called a 'fish factory' - 6,760 acres offering excellent multi-species fishing. Rainbow trout, both bass species, crappie (often large slabs), bluegill, channel catfish (some huge), sturgeon below dam (catch-and-release), and perch. Second-most popular perch fishery in Idaho.
Brownlee Reservoir
Reservoir10,994 acres on Idaho-Oregon border famous for abundant, under-fished Channel Catfish (2-10 lbs common, no limit) and excellent crappie. 'You could fill a cooler with catfish.' Also bass, bluegill, perch, and some trout near inflows.
Lucky Peak Reservoir
ReservoirThe closest reservoir to Boise on the Boise River system. Very popular for summer kokanee (abundant, usually 12 inchers) and stocked rainbow trout. Part of the Silver Triangle. Best fishing in spring/fall or weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Little Payette Lake
ReservoirSmall reservoir famous for GIANT Tiger Muskies - produced the current state record (44 lbs, 52.5 inches) in 2013. Also has trout and perch, but most anglers chase the trophy muskies. Catch-and-release encouraged for these monsters.
Deadwood Reservoir
ReservoirRemote 2,996-acre backcountry reservoir famous for huge kokanee numbers - people snag kokanee in fall during spawning runs. Also excellent trout fishing in beautiful mountain setting.
All 20 Waters in Southwest Region
Southwest Idaho: From City Streams to Desert Depths
The Urban Gem: Boise River
Few cities can boast a blue-ribbon trout stream running through their downtown. The Boise River provides exceptional fishing for wild browns and stocked rainbows just steps from the city's greenbelt. It's a year-round fishery that rewards technical anglers with trophy-sized surprises even in the most heavily used parks.
Cascade: The Perch Capital
Lake Cascade is known for yellow perch and also supports rainbow trout fishing. Summer boat access and winter outings require different planning: confirm ramp availability, reservoir conditions, and the exact access point. A winter fishing recommendation does not establish that the ice is safe.
Snake River Reservoirs
Further south, C.J. Strike and Brownlee reservoirs act as 'fish factories.' These massive impoundments on the Snake River support a huge variety of species, from crappie and bass to prehistoric white sturgeon. They are the backbone of family fishing in the region, offering consistent action and world-class amenities for boaters.
Regional Highlights
- Boise River
- Lake Cascade
- C.J. Strike Reservoir
- Urban Trout & Jumbo Perch
Southwest Region general daily limits
These are regional general daily limits only. Water-specific Special Rule Waters are not displayed on this page; check the official IDFG source below (pages 25-29) for exceptions and the rule for your exact water. IDFG states possession is three times the applicable daily bag limit.
- Bass limit is 6, both species combined
- None under 12 inches
- Brook Trout limit is 25
- Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they apply when fishing for Brook Trout
- Bull Trout – catch-and-release
- Kokanee limit is 6
- Some salmon seasons and limits are published separately. Confirm current openings and limits in IDFG’s active salmon rules.
- Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than 20 inches in the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes and reservoirs)
- Between Hells Canyon Dam and Oxbow Dam and the Boise River from its mouth upstream to Barber Dam during steelhead seasons, steelhead are Rainbow Trout over 20 inches with the adipose fin clipped (as evidenced by a healed scar)
- Fishing for steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see steelhead seasons/limits on page 53)
- Sturgeon – catch-and-release
- Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
- Barbless hooks, sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device are required, see page 56
- Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches
- Trout limit is 6, all species combined
- Chinook Salmon and steelhead placed in ponds are counted in the trout bag limit
- Harvest is encouraged. No bag, length, or possession limits.
- Whitefish limit is 25
- Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules – if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they apply when fishing for whitefish
- May not be harvested or possessed
- No bag, length, or possession limits
Source: IDFG 2025–2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules. Pages 25-29.