License Types & Costs
Listed prices checked October 2, 2026. Annual licenses carry an access/depredation fee, and online or phone purchases can have processing fees. Check IDFG for the current total, price-lock eligibility, and other license options.
Resident Annual
$30.50Standard adult fishing license price. Eligible price-locked residents have a different rate.
- Fishing during open seasons
- Salmon and steelhead permits are separate
- Access/depredation and processing fees may apply
Nonresident Annual
$108.00Standard adult fishing license for anglers who do not qualify as Idaho residents.
- Fishing during open seasons
- Salmon and steelhead permits are separate
- Access/depredation and processing fees may apply
Nonresident Daily
$22.75First day; add $7 for each consecutive day selected at the initial purchase.
- Choose the correct start date
- Not valid for ocean-run salmon or steelhead
Nonresident Salmon/Steelhead, 3-Day
$44.75Special three-day salmon/steelhead license package listed by IDFG.
- Includes a three-day general fishing license
- Only valid for open seasons and applicable rules
Resident Children Under 14
No license feeNo fishing license is required, and a resident child has a separate general daily bag limit.
- Follow water and species restrictions
- Additional rules apply to salmon, steelhead, and two poles
Nonresident Children Under 14
Conditional exemptionWithout their own license, children must accompany a valid Idaho fishing license holder and share that holder's limit.
- May buy a junior license for their own limit
- Additional salmon/steelhead permit rules apply
Official sources and extra permits
Verify the current prices on IDFG's resident fee schedule and nonresident fee schedule. See IDFG license and youth requirements for exemptions and permit requirements.
| Permit | Resident | Resident price-lock | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon or steelhead, each | $15.25 | $12.75 | $28.25 |
| Two-pole | $15.00 | $13.75 | $17.00 |
For ocean-run salmon or steelhead, nonresidents need an eligible season fishing license plus the appropriate permit, or the special three-day salmon/steelhead package. The ordinary daily fishing license is not a substitute.
Children under 14 fishing for ocean-run salmon or steelhead without their own permits must be accompanied by a valid permit holder. Fish kept count toward that holder's bag, possession, and season limits, with permit recording required where applicable. Resident children can buy permits without a fishing license for their own limits; nonresident children need a junior nonresident fishing license and the appropriate permits. Read pages 8 and 51–52 of the 2025–2027 IDFG fishing rules, along with current updates, for exemptions, recording rules, and two-pole or ice-fishing requirements.
How to Buy Your License Online
Get your Idaho fishing license in 5 easy steps.
Go to IDFG Online Store
Visit the Idaho Fish and Game online license portal at idfg.idaho.gov
Create an Account or Sign In
First-time buyers need to create an account with basic personal information.
Select License Type
Choose your license type based on residency and duration needs.
Check Required Permits
Ocean-run salmon, steelhead, and two-pole fishing can require additional permits. Select the required products for your trip; an ordinary annual license does not include them.
Complete Purchase
Review the license year, start date, permits, and total fees before paying. Keep a printed or accepted electronic copy with you while fishing.
License Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a fishing license for Idaho online?
Visit the Idaho Fish and Game website (idfg.idaho.gov), create an account, select your license type, and complete your purchase with a credit or debit card. Confirm the license year and any selected start date. Keep a printed copy or an electronic version accepted by IDFG while fishing.
How much does an Idaho fishing license cost?
As checked October 2, 2026, IDFG lists a standard resident adult annual fishing license at $30.50 and a nonresident adult annual license at $108.00. A nonresident daily license is $22.75 for the first day plus $7 for each consecutive day bought at the same time. These are listed prices before applicable fees; resident price-lock and youth options differ.
What are the Idaho fishing license requirements?
Anglers age 14 or older generally need a valid Idaho fishing license and must carry it while fishing. Exceptions include Free Fishing Day and qualifying permitted private ponds. Resident rates depend on IDFG residency requirements, including domicile and supporting documentation; confirm your eligibility rather than relying only on time spent in the state.
Do I need a separate steelhead or salmon permit?
Yes, unless an explicit exemption or bundled license applies. An ordinary annual fishing license does not include ocean-run salmon or steelhead permits. IDFG offers a separate nonresident three-day salmon/steelhead package. A permit never establishes that a particular water is open; check current season rules.
Can I fish in Idaho without a license?
Resident children under 14 do not need a fishing license and have their own general daily limit. A nonresident child under 14 fishing without their own license must accompany a valid license holder and share that holder’s limit. Separate salmon/steelhead conditions apply. IDFG also has a designated Free Fishing Day; confirm the current date and rules with IDFG.
Pick a water and check its rules
A license does not override a closed season, a harvest restriction, or private property. Compare fishing options near Boise, browse Idaho fishing regions and waters, or review the steelhead and salmon planning guides before choosing a trip.
Ready to Fish Idaho?
Get your license and explore Idaho's incredible waters.