With year-round recreational options, plentiful fishing spots (Idaho is home to more than 3,000 natural lakes and 26,000 miles of streams and rivers), and 42 game fish, Idaho is an angler’s paradise. Fishing opportunities are around every corner, providing an unforgettable experience for anglers of all skill levels. No matter your experience level or your favorite style of fishing, you can make the most out of your Idaho fishing adventure by checking out these incredible locations.
Amazing Idaho Fishing Locations
Idaho is known for its world-class fishing. Check out these incredible “honey holes,” and we promise you’ll have an unforgettable fishing adventure the next time you visit Idaho.
Henry’s Fork
If you’re looking for a diverse fishing experience, look no further than Henry’s Fork. A tributary of the Snake River, Henry’s Fork is suitable for wade fishing, bank fishing, and boat fishing and is also known as a fantastic spot for fly fishing. Anglers can expect to find a variety of trout in Henry’s Fork, including brown trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and hybrids. And once you’re done fishing, consider taking a short trip to Upper or Lower Mesa Falls, two beautiful waterfalls located on Henry’s Fork.
South Fork
Another branch of the Snake River, South Fork flows for 66 miles across Southeastern Idaho. South Fork is especially popular among fly fishers; it hosted the 1997 World Fly Fishing Championship. Like Henry’s Fork, anglers can expect to find a variety of trout. In fact, South Fork supports the largest native cutthroat fishery outside of Yellowstone National Park. What makes South Fork so unique is the sheer abundance of fish, a whopping 5,000 per mile. With beautiful scenery and copious amounts of fish, South Fork is another excellent spot for a day on the water.
Palisades Reservoir
Located on the Idaho-Wyoming border, Palisades Reservoir is a beautiful fishing hole stocked with cutthroat trout, giving it a high catch rate. Additionally, brown trout, lake trout, and kokanee can be found at this scenic and tranquil location, though the kokanee can be hard to find. Try trolling in the deep water for your best chance at catching kokanee. In the summer months, boat fishing is recommended, though shore fishing is adequate in all other seasons.
Start Your Idaho Fishing Trip at Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch
Start and end each day of your next Idaho fishing adventure at the luxurious, hand-crafted log lodge at Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch. Nestled in the mountains of southeast Idaho, Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch is just a short drive from all of the fishing locations previously mentioned and so many others. Additionally, you can enjoy guided elk hunts, where success is guaranteed. For more information, please visit our about us page or call 208-351-7301.