Idaho Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in Idaho?
Fly fishing is quite popular in Idaho, due to the state's abundance of rivers, streams, and lakes that are home to a variety of different fish species. Idaho is known for its excellent trout fishing, with many anglers targeting rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout. The state is also home to a number of other species, such as bass, steelhead, and salmon. The Snake River, the Salmon River, and the Silver Creek are some of the most popular fly fishing destinations in Idaho. Additionally, many of the mountain rivers, like the Little and Big Wood, the South Fork of the Boise, and the Henry's Fork of the Snake River are popular among fly fishing enthusiasts.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in Idaho?
Rainbow Trout - rainbow trout can be found in many of Idaho's rivers, streams, and lakes and are a popular target for fly fishermen.
Cutthroat Trout - native to the western United States, cutthroat trout are found in many of Idaho's streams and rivers, and are highly sought after by fly fishermen.
Brook Trout - brook trout are a non-native species that have been introduced to many of Idaho's waters and are a popular target for fly fishermen.
Bull Trout - native to the Pacific Northwest, bull trout are found in many of Idaho's rivers and streams and are a highly sought-after species by fly fishermen.
Steelhead - steelhead are an anadromous form of rainbow trout, spending most of their lives in the ocean and returning to freshwater to spawn. Idaho's rivers, such as the Salmon, Clearwater, and Snake, have great steelhead runs and are popular among fly fishermen.
Salmon - Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon are also targeted by fly fishermen in Idaho's rivers like Salmon River, Snake River, and Clearwater River.
Smallmouth Bass - smallmouth bass can be found in many of Idaho's rivers and lakes and are a popular target for fly fishermen, especially during the summer months.
Largemouth Bass - largemouth bass are also found in many of Idaho's lakes and are a popular target for fly fishermen.
Crappie - crappie can be found in many of Idaho's lakes and are a popular target for fly fishermen, especially during the spring and fall.
5 popular spots to fly fish in Idaho
The Snake River - the Snake River is one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in Idaho. It's home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bass, and steelhead. The Snake River is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, making it a great place to fish with dry flies.
The Salmon River - the Salmon River, also known as "The River of No Return" is another popular fly fishing destination in Idaho. It's home to a variety of fish species, including steelhead, Chinook salmon, and cutthroat trout. The Salmon River is known for its excellent hatches of salmonflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies.
The Silver Creek - The Silver Creek is a spring-fed creek that runs through the Sawtooth Valley. It's home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. The Silver Creek is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, making it a great place to fish with dry flies.
The Little Wood River - The Little Wood River is a tributary of the Big Wood River, and is located in the Wood River Valley. It's home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. The Little Wood River is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, making it a great place to fish with dry flies.
The Henry's Fork of the Snake River - the Henry's Fork is a tributary of the Snake River and is considered one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the world. It's home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. The Henry's Fork is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, making it a great place to fish with dry flies.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for Idaho?
As with any fishing activity, it's important to be aware of and abide by the regulations set by the state where you plan to fish. Here are some of the main regulations to be aware of when fly fishing in Idaho:
Fishing License - All anglers are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in Idaho. These can be purchased online, at a local vendor, or at an Idaho Fish and Game office.
Catch and possession limits - The State of Idaho has limits on the number of fish that can be caught and possessed per day. These vary by species, and by location. It's important to check the Idaho Fish and Game website or consult with a local fly fishing guide for the current limits.
Seasonal closures - Some rivers or streams may have seasonal closures in place to protect spawning fish or other sensitive species. It's important to check the Idaho Fish and Game website for current closures or ask local fly fishing guide for more information.
Fly Fishing Only - Some rivers or streams may have restrictions that only allow fly fishing, this is to preserve the natural habitat and the fish population.
Artificial flies and lures - Fly fishing regulations in Idaho require the use of artificial flies and lures only.
Catch and release - Idaho encourages catch and release, especially on some of the more sensitive or threatened fish species.
Tributaries and other special regulations - Some tributaries or special areas within Idaho may have additional regulations in place, such as reduced catch limits or special gear restrictions.
It's important to check the Idaho Fish and Game website or consult with a local fly fishing guide for the most up-to-date regulations and to ensure that you are fishing in accordance with the law.
Popular Fly Shops in Idaho
Silver Creek Outfitters - located in Ketchum, Silver Creek Outfitters is a well-known fly fishing shop that specializes in guided fly fishing trips, fly fishing classes, and fly fishing gear.
The Fly Shop - located in Boise, The Fly Shop is a full-service fly fishing outfitter that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, guided trips, and fly fishing classes.
The Trout Hunter - located in Island Park, The Trout Hunter is a fly fishing shop that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, guided trips, and fly fishing classes.
The Catch Fly Fishing Outfitters - located in McCall, The Catch Fly Fishing Outfitters is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, guided trips, and fly fishing classes.
The Fly Fishers Place - located in Riggins, The Fly Fishers Place is a fly fishing shop that specializes in guided fly fishing trips, fly fishing classes, and fly fishing gear.
Henry's Fork Anglers - located in Island Park, Henry's Fork Anglers is a full-service fly fishing shop that offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, guided trips, and fly fishing classes; it's known for its expertise on Henry's fork of the Snake River.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and many other fly fishing shops exist in Idaho. It's recommended to check with local fly fishing guides or shops for more information about specific locations and their services.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in Idaho?
The history of fly fishing in Idaho is closely tied to the state's history of exploration, settlement, and economic development. The first recorded instance of fly fishing in Idaho took place in the late 1800s, when settlers, prospectors, and explorers began to explore and settle the state's rivers and streams. The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought more people to Idaho, and the sport of fly fishing began to grow in popularity. The first fly fishing clubs were formed in the early 20th century, and the sport began to gain widespread popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.
Idaho's reputation as a premier fly fishing destination grew in the 20th century as more and more anglers discovered the state's abundant and diverse fisheries. The Snake River, the Salmon River, and the Silver Creek are some of the most popular fly fishing destinations in Idaho. Additionally, many of the mountain rivers, like the Little and Big Wood, the South Fork of the Boise, and the Henry's Fork of the Snake River are popular among fly fishing enthusiasts.
Today, fly fishing in Idaho is a popular activity, with a variety of different species of fish available to target, including rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout, steelhead, chinook and coho salmon. The fly fishing community in Idaho is relatively small, but it is dedicated and passionate, with a number of local fly fishing guides and shops that cater to visitors and residents alike. Additionally, the state has a number of fly fishing clubs, organizations, and events that promote the sport and help to preserve the state's fishing resources.
