In Idaho, you need a fishing license once you turn 14, and that rule applies whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of state. So the short answer to what age you need a fishing license in Idaho is 14. Children under 14 can fish without a license, but the rules split depending on residency.
Kids Under 14 Who Live in Idaho
Idaho resident children under 14 get the most freedom. They can fish without buying any license, and they’re entitled to catch and keep their own full daily bag limit. If they want to target salmon or steelhead, or use two rods, they can still buy those specific permits without needing the base fishing license.
Kids Under 14 Visiting From Out of State
Nonresident children under 14 can also fish without a license, but with a condition. They must be accompanied by someone who holds a valid Idaho fishing license, and every fish the child catches counts against that adult’s bag limit. If a visiting family wants each child to keep their own fish, the child needs a nonresident fishing license, plus a salmon and steelhead permit if that’s what they’ll be fishing for.
Free Fishing Day
Idaho holds an annual Free Fishing Day, typically on the second Saturday in June, when anyone can fish without buying a license regardless of age or residency. All other regulations still apply, including bag limits, catch-and-release rules, and gear restrictions.
License Options Once You Turn 14
Idaho Fish and Game structures licenses around how long you plan to fish and where you live.
- Annual licenses, valid January 1 through December 31, in resident and nonresident versions.
- Short-term licenses in one-day and three-day options, aimed at visitors and occasional anglers.
- Three-year licenses for residents and nonresidents who want to skip yearly renewal.
- Combination licenses that bundle fishing and hunting privileges for less than buying each separately.
Add-On Permits
A standard fishing license doesn’t cover everything. Salmon and steelhead fishing requires a separate permit on top of your base license. Fishing with two rods at once requires a two-pole permit. Both apply to residents and nonresidents.
Discounted Licenses
Reduced-price licenses are available for disabled veterans with a 40% or higher service-connected disability rating, active-duty military personnel, and seniors aged 65 and older. Eligibility rules and pricing differ by category, so check with Idaho Fish and Game for current rates before you buy.
Proving Idaho Residency
To qualify for a resident license, you must have lived in Idaho continuously for at least six months before applying. Acceptable proof includes:
- An Idaho driver’s license or state ID card.
- Two documents showing your name and Idaho address, such as utility bills or rent receipts.
- A notarized statement from your employer confirming your Idaho residence.
- Proof of Idaho voter registration dated at least six months before you apply.
For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian supplies the residency proof. Federal law under 42 U.S.C. ยง 666 requires states to collect Social Security numbers on recreational license applications for child support enforcement purposes; for minors, the last four digits are typically what’s asked for.
Where to Buy
You can buy a license three ways. The GoOutdoorsIdaho.com portal handles the entire purchase online, and once you’re done, you can save a digital copy to your phone through the Go Outdoors Idaho app, which counts as a valid license and includes access maps and season information.
Authorized vendors around the state, including many sporting goods stores and regional Idaho Fish and Game offices, sell licenses in person. Phone purchases are available at 1-800-554-8685 with credit card payment. A processing fee applies to online and phone purchases, so buying from a vendor in person avoids that extra charge.
If You Fish Without a License
Fishing without a valid license in Idaho is a misdemeanor under state fish and game law. Penalties can include fines and, in more serious cases involving poaching or repeated violations, loss of fishing privileges. Conservation officers check licenses at popular fishing spots, boat launches, and access points.
Idaho also uses a point-based system for fish and game infractions. Enough accumulated points triggers a mandatory suspension of all hunting and fishing licenses. The simplest way to stay clear of any of this is to buy your license before you fish, carry it (the app version works), and make sure any species permits you need are current.