The Idaho daily bag limit for trout is six fish. In some regions, there are strict regulations on how many of those trout can be cutthroat trout. For trout harvested in the Clearwater Region, the daily bag limit is two fish measuring less than forty inches in length.

Brook trout are in their own category and the daily bag limit for this species is twenty-five fish. Bull trout are also excluded from the general trout category and must be released upon capture.

In this article, we will review the Idaho fishing regulations for 2024, the limits for rainbow and cutthroat trout, and the dates of the 2024 Idaho fishing season.

Idaho Fishing Regulations 2024

Any angler over the age of thirteen, whether resident or non-resident, must possess a valid Idaho fishing license to fish in Idaho waters. Anglers fishing for rainbow trout must obtain a special salmon and steelhead (rainbow trout) permit.

All anglers must abide by the bag and size limits imposed by the state or the specified region in which they are fishing. Anglers are only allowed one rod and reel unless they apply for a two-rod permit. All rules and regulations can be found in Idaho Fish and Game’s Fishing Seasons and Rules 2022-2024 guidebook.  

Idaho Rainbow Trout Limit

The Idaho daily bag limit for rainbow trout is three fish. Anglers may only harvest a maximum of twenty rainbow trout per season. Rainbow trout harvested in Snake River must measure less than twenty inches in length. But, rainbow trout harvested in the Salmon Region must measure longer than twenty inches.

The harvesting of rainbow trout in the Southwest Region is prohibited unless specified by the regulations of a certain body of water.

Cutthroat Trout Limit

In the Magic Valley and Northeast Regions of Idaho, the cutthroat trout limit is two fish per day. Otherwise, included in the general trout daily bag limit of six fish are cutthroat trout. Some bodies of water prohibit the harvesting of cutthroat trout altogether.

Idaho Fishing Season 2024

In Idaho, all waters are open year-round except for specified times of closure for specific bodies of water. Some areas have specified closure times for the harvesting of rainbow trout, or all trout species. Other areas have closure periods for all fishing. Be sure to check the Idaho Fish & Game’s Fishing Seasons and Rules 2022-2024 guidebook for specific closure listings before you plan your trout fishing trip.