Trout & Steelhead Fishing In Idaho

Guide to fishing for rainbow, steelhead, cutthroat, brook, brown and lake trout in Idaho lakes, rivers and streams.

Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Trout Lakes In The State
Available Trout Species
Top Trout Lures & Flies

Idaho is a trout fishing paradise, offering a wealth of lakes and rivers that are home to several trout species. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state. Anglers flock to the state in pursuit of rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and brook trout, each offering unique fishing experiences and challenges.

Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Idaho lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure.

Rainbow trout are abundant throughout Idaho's waterways and are a favorite target for anglers. These beautiful fish are known for their acrobatic leaps and strong fights. Lakes like Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake, and the Henrys Lake offer exceptional rainbow trout fishing opportunities, where anglers can use a variety of techniques such as trolling, casting, or fly fishing. More...

Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout, Idaho's state fish, can be found in many of the state's rivers and streams. Anglers can explore iconic trout rivers like the Henrys Fork, the South Fork of the Snake River, or the Salmon River for thrilling cutthroat trout fishing experiences. These trout are known for their stunning colors, aggressive strikes, and their affinity for dry fly presentations. Cutthroat trout call the Pacific northwest home, however they are also stocked in many lakes. Cutthroat trout fishing holds a cherished place among anglers. While fly fishing reigns supreme as the preferred method, these prized fish are also susceptible to various artificial lures mimicking minnows or grubs, as well as live bait presentations. Cutthroat trout fishing is renowned for the spectacular battles while landing. More...

Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Idaho's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start.

Brook trout, with their vibrant colors and willingness to strike, are a favorite among anglers in smaller mountain streams and high-elevation lakes. These native trout can be found in remote and picturesque locations, offering a serene fishing experience amidst Idaho's pristine wilderness. More...

Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, prized for their wily nature and large size, thrive in several Idaho waters. The South Fork of the Snake River, the Snake River below American Falls Reservoir, and the Big Wood River are known for their excellent brown trout fisheries. Anglers targeting brown trout often employ streamer fishing techniques, presenting large flies that imitate baitfish.

Brown trout can be found in select Idaho lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. More...

Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures.

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Idaho boasts an impressive record of trophy trout catches. The state's record book includes massive fish, such as a 34-pound, 14-ounce rainbow trout caught in Lake Pend Oreille, a 20-pound, 12-ounce cutthroat trout from the South Fork of the Snake River, and a 30-pound, 7-ounce brown trout caught in the Henrys Fork. These records stand as a testament to the exceptional trout fishing opportunities Idaho has to offer.

Whether casting a line in a mountain stream, drifting a fly in a renowned river, or trolling in a pristine lake, trout fishing in Idaho provides anglers with a wealth of opportunities and the chance to catch trophy-sized fish. With its diverse trout species, stunning landscapes, and impressive state records, Idaho remains a top destination for trout fishing enthusiasts.

Idaho Trout Waters

Some of the major lakes with healthy populations of trout include American Falls Reservoir, Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Arrowrock Reservoir, Bear Lake, Blackfoot Reservoir, Brownlee Reservoir, C J Strike Reservoir, Cascade Reservoir, Chesterfield Reservoir, Coeur D'Alene Lake, Deadwood Reservoir, Dworshak Reservoir, Hayden Lake, Hells Canyon Reservoir, Henry's Lake, Island Park Reservoir, Lake Lowell, Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Walcott, Lucky Peak Reservoir, Magic Reservoir, Mormon Reservoir, Paddock Valley Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir, Payette Lake, Priest Lake, Redfish Lake, Ririe Reservoir, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and Spirit Lake. Many lakes in the state offer ice fishing for trout in winter.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

ID trout fishing records

The state record rainbow trout came from the Snake River.

The state record cutthroat came from Bear Lake.

The state record brook trout was yielded by Henrys Lake.

The state record brown trout resided in Ashton Reservoir.

The state record lake trout came from Priest Lake gave up .

The record Dolly Varden trout came out of Lake Pend Oreille.

The state record golden trout was caught from White Sands Lake.

The state record steelhead trout came from the Clearwater River.

Idaho's native trout is the Bull Trout. If you hook one, put it back immediately.

Visit the Idaho Fish and Game Department website for details on trout stocking in Idaho.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Brown Trout — Brown trout being released.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.