Fishing

Visit Idaho's Fish and Game website for
stocking information,
fish counts, stream
flows, and regulations.

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Fishing in Adventure Alley

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Lodging options on the water

Salmon River

Idaho is the only inland western state with ocean-run salmon and steelhead, and when conditions are right, the hatchery part of these runs provide an exciting fishing experience. State records are 54 pounds for salmon and 30 pounds, 2 ounces for steelhead. The Salmon River as it runs through the Riggins area is a popular area to catch these exciting specimens. Along with the big fish, you'll also find cutthroats, rainbows and other trout species.

Snake River

The Snake river near White Bird is an extremely scenic river fed by the Salmon and other smaller rivers. With some of the river designated as "wild and scenic" the river is popular for boaters, rafters and, of course, fishermen. The river is a popular location to catch the giant sturgeon, (state record is over 600 lbs!), steelhead, trout and bass.

High Mountain Lakes

Located throughout the area including McCall, Cascade, New Meadows, and the Garden Valley area you will find high mountain lakes accessible by foot, motorcycle, atv, and automobile. These lakes offer a great opportunity to fish in some of Idaho's most spectacular scenery. A great way to explore the fishing opportunities is with a guide.
» Find a fishing guide in the area

Payette Lake

This large glacial lake with about 21 miles of shoreline is home to some big lake trout called Mackinaws. The fish in Payette lake exceed 25 pounds and are available for catch and release only. While these fish are found in the depths of Payette Lake, the occasional trout can be caught closer to shore or even off the dock of your vacation rental on the lake.
» View private homes, hotels, and condominiums to stay at on Payette Lake

Lake Cascade

This reservoir encompasses the area from Cascade to Donnelly, Idaho and is one of Idaho's largest bodies of water. Great effort has been made to make this one of Idaho's best stocked fisheries. Perch, rainbows and bass fishing is available year round, including ice fishing which is popular on Lake Cascade in the winter. There are even a few home rentals on Lake Cascade for the fishing enthusiast near Donnelly.