Idaho‘s vast wilderness invites anglers to test their skills across rivers, lakes, and mountain streams. From trophy Trout to mighty Sturgeon, these waters hold more than their fair share of prized catches. But first, every aspiring angler must secure a valid Idaho fishing license.
In this guide, we’ll cover who needs a permit, where to get one, and which license suits your plans. We’ll also explore special programs for veterans, seniors, and others who may qualify for discounted licenses. Everything you need to fish responsibly, from daily passes to lifetime certificates, is just below. Let’s dive right in!
Who needs a fishing license in Idaho?
In short, anyone 14 or older must have a fishing license in Idaho. But that’s not all…
If you want to target Salmon or Steelhead, you’ll need an additional special tag. Using two rods also requires a Two-Pole Permit.
As with most states, there are differences in prices for residents and non-residents, with varying pricing structures within those categories, too.
Who’s considered an Idaho resident?
Anyone buying a resident license must prove they have lived in Idaho for at least 6 continuous months and plan to stay permanently. If you’re 65 or older, that same 6-month requirement applies before you can get a senior license or tag. Simply owning property or paying taxes in Idaho does not qualify you as a resident.
Acceptable proof of residency includes:
- A valid Idaho driver’s license
- An Idaho ID card issued by the Department of Transportation
- Two documents with your name and address (rent receipts, utility bills, etc.)
- A notarized statement from your employer
- Proof of voter registration dated at least 6 months prior
- Identification from a parent (if under 18)
Note that a previous year’s license does not prove residency.
Active-duty Military
Active-duty military personnel, including the Idaho Guard and foreign forces, may buy a resident license after residing for 30 days in Idaho. This privilege covers a spouse and children under 18 who share the same household, too.
Idahoans serving in the US military can keep their resident status if Idaho remains their home state, while they also have the right to a furlough license when on leave. Deployed members can request rain checks or refunds for unused licenses when on duty, while new arrivals can file a Military Status Residency Affidavit after 30 days in the state to access resident licenses.
Disabled Veterans
Idaho offers a discounted DAV fishing license for veterans with a 40% or higher service-connected disability rating. Both residents and non-residents can qualify by providing a one-page VA Benefits Summary Percentage Letter. After approval, you may purchase a DAV license each year without sending new documentation.
Email the letter to licenses@idfg.idaho.gov or deliver it to a regional office. You can also mail it to: Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game – Licensing Section, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707.
Who can fish license-free?
You already know that children under the age of 14 can fish for free, but the regulations differ for resident children and non-residents. Resident kids younger than 14 can fish without a permit and keep their own bag limit. However, while non-resident kids under 14 can fish without a license, their catch counts toward a licensed adult’s limit. If they want their own limit, they’ll need to buy a license and fish independently.
Information for Residents
Idaho’s license options range from short-term permits to lifetime privileges, so you can fish in a way that fits your schedule.
Idaho residents can choose daily, annual, or 3-year fishing licenses, with combo licenses offering hunting privileges, too. As we’ve already said, a separate permit is required for Salmon and Steelhead, but there’s also a Sportsman’s Package that combines a fishing license and Salmon and Steelhead permits.
Lifetime License Certificates
A lifetime license includes every privilege of an annual combination hunting and fishing license. It remains valid for life, removing the need for yearly renewals. Only Idaho residents can buy one, and it must be purchased at a Fish and Game office. Infants (newborn to one year), adults (2– 50), and seniors (51+) each have their own price tiers.
Minors under 14 need to present a valid birth certificate to be eligible, while everyone under 18 must show proof of Idaho residency from a parent or guardian, plus the last four digits of a Social Security number. A parent’s driver’s license is also required for a child to apply for a lifetime license.
Note that if you later move out of Idaho, you must exchange your resident license for a non-resident one, even if you have a lifetime certificate.
Access/Depredation Fee
Since May 1, 2017, if you’re buying an annual license in Idaho, you’ll need to pay an Access/Depredation Fee. This extra cost expands public access to hunting and fishing on private lands. It also funds compensation for landowners who experience big game damage.
For annual licenses, adult residents will have to pay a $5 fee, while juniors, seniors, DAVs, and military furlough license holders pay $2.
Costs for Residents
Each year, there’s also a price lock that keeps fees at 2017 rates for those who renew yearly or buy a 3-year license by early March. This option helps you avoid future price hikes. The program runs under the Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s discount authority, set to last through 2027.
| License Type | Cost | Locked |
| Adult Annual | $30.50 | $25.75 |
| Adult 3-Year | $73.75 | N/A |
| Daily | $13.50 | $11.50 |
| DAV | $5.75 | $5.00 |
| DAV 3-Year | $11.50 | $11.50 |
| Disabled | $5.75 | $5.00 |
| Junior (14–17) | $16.00 | $13.75 |
| Junior 3-Year | $37.75 | N/A |
| Military Furlough | $20.50 | $17.50 |
| Permit | Cost | Locked |
| Two-Pole | $15.00 | $13.75 |
| Salmon/Steelhead | $15.25 | $12.75 |
| Combo Fishing & Hunting | Cost | Locked |
| Adult | $38.75 | $33.50 |
| Adult 3-Year | $97.00 | N/A |
| Junior (14–17) | $19.00 | $17.50 |
| Junior 3-Year | $49.00 | N/A |
| Senior (65+) | $13.75 | $11.75 |
| Senior 3-Year | $31.75 | N/A |
| DAV | $5.75 | $5.00 |
| DAV 3-Year | $11.50 | $11.50 |
| Disabled Persons | $5.75 | $5.00 |
| Military Furlough | $20.50 | $17.50 |
Information for Non-Residents
Visiting anglers in Idaho also have plenty of options, whether you’re here for a quick weekend or an extended adventure. You can choose a daily, annual, or 3-year permit to match your plans. If you want to fish multiple times in one season, an annual or 3-year license usually makes the most sense. Meanwhile, if you plan on targeting Salmon or Steelhead, you’ll also need an additional permit.
Each year’s first license purchase also requires paying the Access/Depredation Fee, which helps fund public access to private lands and offsets wildlife damage. These cost $10 for non-resident adults, while juniors and other discounted license-holders must pay $4.
Costs for Non-Residents
| License Type | Cost |
| Daily | $22.75 |
| Adult Annual | $108.00 |
| Adult 3-Year | $320.50 |
| Junior (14–17) Annual | $23.75 |
| Junior 3-Year | $67.75 |
| Combo Adult | $264.00 |
| Combo Adult 3-Year | $788.50 |
| Access / Depredation Fee (Adult) | $10.00 |
| Access / Depredation Fee (Junior/DAV) | $4.00 |
| Two-Pole Permit | $17.00 |
| Salmon/Steelhead Permit | $28.25 |
Where to Buy an Idaho Fishing License
Anglers wishing to fish in Idaho have three main ways to get their licenses, tags, and permits:
- In-person. Visit an authorized store, tackle shop, or regional IDFG office where licenses are sold. A map of all vendors is posted on the IDFG website.
- Online. You can use a third-party vendor online that requires a login. You can print your licenses at home, while additional permits will arrive by mail. A processing fee applies.
- By phone. Call 1-800-554-8685 and pay by credit card. Phone orders also require an extra fee.
Note that under federal law, the IDFG must collect the last four digits of your Social Security number during every purchase.
What happens if I lose my license?
Accidents happen to the best of us but Idaho has you covered. Any local vendor or Fish and Game office can issue a duplicate license if you’ve lost yours. If you’ve lost any tag, however, you can only replace it at a Fish and Game office. Each duplicate item costs $7.25 for Idaho residents and $8.25 for non-residents.
Your Adventure Starts with an Idaho Fishing License
With your Idaho fishing license in hand, you’re ready to explore the Gem State’s waters. Whether you cast in a clear mountain stream, a winding river, or a quiet lake, your license unlocks it all. A rewarding fishing adventure is just one permit away!
Hopefully, we’ve covered all your questions about Idaho fishing licenses in this guide. Now, you can explore the Gem State’s angling opportunities. Or grab your rods, get your permits, and book a fishing charter near you to fish like a local!
The post Idaho Fishing License: The Complete Guide for 2025 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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