If you’re 14–17 in Idaho you need a junior license to claim individual limits: residents pay $16 for one year or $37.75 for three, nonresidents pay $23.75 for one year or $67.75 for three. Children under 14 don’t need a license but must follow youth catch limits and nonresident under-14s must fish with a licensed adult unless they buy their own license. Special permits apply for some fisheries — continue for specifics on permits, limits, and purchase options.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Idaho
If you’re 14 or older, you must hold a valid Idaho fishing license to fish state waters; children under 14 don’t need one but resident youth have specific catch limits. You need a license once you hit 14; that’s the baseline in Idaho’s fishing regulations overview.
You’ll note nonresident youth under 14 aren’t license-exempt in practice: they must fish with a licensed adult or buy their own license to retain independent limits. If you choose to fish with a licensed adult, your catch counts toward that adult’s limit unless you carry your own permit.
You should also be aware special permits apply for certain fisheries—salmon and steelhead require extra authorization regardless of residency.
From a policy perspective, these rules balance access and resource protection while preserving youth fishing benefits like mentorship and skill development.
You’ll comply by verifying age, residency status, accompaniment, and permit requirements before fishing to avoid violations and support sustainable harvest limits.
Age-Based License Rules for Kids and Teens
Building on who needs a license, Idaho sets clear age-based rules that affect whether kids and teens must carry their own permit and what catch limits apply.
You don’t need a license if you’re under 14; resident youth under 14 have distinct catch limits, while nonresident youth under 14 must fish with a licensed adult.
Under-14s don’t need a license; resident kids have special limits, while nonresident under-14s must fish with a licensed adult
If you’re a nonresident aged 14 or older, you must obtain your own license and then you get an individual catch limit. Junior nonresident licenses for ages 14–17 are available at $23.75 for one year or $67.75 for three years, reflecting policy choices that balance access and compliance.
These age specific regulations standardize expectations and enforcement, and they reinforce youth fishing benefits by aligning young anglers with conservation-oriented rules.
You’ll find the framework minimizes ambiguity for officers and families, promotes responsible fishing practices, and makes it straightforward to determine when a youth needs to purchase or carry a permit.
Resident Youth License Options and Costs
If you’re a resident under 14, you don’t need a fishing license in Idaho but each child has an individual catch limit that’s separate from adults.
For residents aged 14–17, a one-year junior license costs $16 and a three-year option is $37.75, and all youth fishing must follow current regulations and limits.
Free for Under-14s
Residents aged under 14 don’t need a fishing license to fish in Idaho, but you must follow the state’s youth-specific catch limits and seasonal or area regulations.
Nonresident youths under 14 need to fish with a licensed adult unless they buy their own license to claim an individual limit, and certain activities (for example, trout-stocking ponds or specialized gear use) may still require additional permits.
You should know resident under-14s have specific bag and size limits distinct from adults under youth fishing regulations.
If you’re a nonresident youth, buying a license lets you retain an individual limit; otherwise the licensed adult’s limit applies.
Follow posted rules and fishing safety tips, carry documentation when required, and secure any special permits for restricted activities.
Junior (14–17) Rates
After noting that under-14s fish under youth limits without a license, you should know that Idaho requires 14–17-year-old resident youths to buy their own junior fishing license to claim an individual catch limit: the one-year resident junior license is $16 ($13.75 with the Price Lock program) and a three-year resident junior license costs $37.75.
You’ll pay these to secure legal individual limits and access junior license benefits such as reduced fees and eligibility for youth-specific promotions. The policy guarantees accountability and consistent catch reporting for teens.
If you’re advising families, note nonresident 14–17 rates differ ($23.75 one year, $67.75 three years). Consider aligning purchases with fishing education programs and multi-year needs to minimize administrative burden and cost over time.
Nonresident Youth Rules and Pricing
When you’re a nonresident youth angler in Idaho, you must fish with a licensed adult unless you buy your own youth license.
A separate nonresident youth annual license costs $23.75 and establishes an independent catch limit; otherwise your catches count against the accompanying adult’s limit.
Note that youth licenses grant the same access as adult licenses but special permits (e.g., salmon and steelhead) may still be required.
Nonresident Youth Requirements
If a nonresident youth is under 14, they must fish with a licensed adult unless they buy their own permit; otherwise their catch counts against the accompanying adult’s limit. You need to follow Idaho nonresident requirements and fishing regulations exactly.
- Nonresident youth under 14: must be accompanied by a licensed adult or purchase their own license to retain individual catch limits.
- Ages 14–17: eligible for a nonresident junior license ($23.75 one year; $67.75 three years) to fish independently with individual limits.
- All nonresident youth: comply with the same species-specific limits, seasons, and gear rules as adult anglers; enforcement treats violations under the adult or individual permit as applicable.
Carry proof of age and license; violations can be cited under state statutes.
Pricing and Limits
1 clear rule governs nonresident youth pricing and catch limits: anglers aged 14–17 must buy a nonresident junior license ($23.75 for one year or $67.75 for three years) to retain individual catch limits, while those under 14 count against a licensed adult’s limit unless they purchase their own license; all nonresident youth must follow the same species-specific limits, seasons, gear rules, and any special-permit requirements (e.g., salmon or steelhead) as set by Idaho fishing regulations.
You should buy the junior license to have independent catch limits; otherwise your catches apply to the accompanying adult’s limit. You must comply with fishing gear restrictions, seasons, catch limits, and special-permit rules. Below is a quick reference:
| Age Group | License Cost | Limit Status |
|---|---|---|
| Under 14 | Optional | Counts with adult |
| 14–17 | $23.75/yr or $67.75/3yr | Individual limits |
Special Permits and Exceptions for Young Anglers
Although anglers under 14 don’t need a general Idaho fishing license, you must follow specific permit and supervision rules: nonresident youths under 14 need a licensed adult with them to fish, and can buy their own license if they want an individual limit, while both residents and nonresidents require special permits for activities like salmon and steelhead fishing; note that under-14 anglers have distinct catch limits separate from adults.
You should know the policy mechanics and where exceptions apply. Key points:
- Nonresident under-14 supervision: must be accompanied by a licensed adult unless they purchase their own license to claim individual limits.
- Special permits: salmon and steelhead require permits for all ages; those permits sit outside standard fishing licenses and follow seasonal quotas.
- Catch limits: under-14 anglers use separate limits designed to reduce harvest impact and align with conservation fishing regulations.
Follow posted regulations on waterways and carry any required permits when targeting species covered by special permits.
How and Where to Buy Youth Fishing Licenses
You can buy youth fishing licenses for 14–17‑year‑olds online, by phone, or in person through Idaho Department of Fish and Game channels; a one‑year resident license is $16 and a three‑year option is $37.75. You’ll use Go Outdoors Idaho online, call 1-800-554-8685, or visit vendors/regional offices. Nonresident youths under 14 need an accompanying licensed adult or must present documentation to buy their own license to meet limits and rules.
| Action | Where | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Go Outdoors Idaho | Immediate access |
| Call | 1-800-554-8685 | Support, confirmation |
| In person | Vendors/Offices | Paper proof, guidance |
Follow policy: carry proof, understand resident vs nonresident limits, and comply with documentation requirements. Link license purchase to youth fishing programs and local outreach to reinforce fishing safety tips and regulation adherence. You’ll reduce violations, protect resources, and keep young anglers safe and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Youth Need Fishing Education Certification in Idaho?
Yes — if you’re under 14 and required, you’ll follow Idaho’s fishing education requirements; the youth certification process involves completing approved classroom or online instruction and presenting proof when purchasing or being exempted from a license.
Can Parents Fish on Behalf of Licensed Children?
Straight to the point: no — you can’t fish on behalf of a licensed child. You must follow fishing regulations; parental responsibilities include supervision, ensuring compliance with bag limits, reporting, and carrying the child’s license during outings.
Are There Discounts for Family Multi-Year Youth Licenses?
Yes — many agencies offer family license benefits and multi year savings: you’ll get reduced rates for bundled family policies and discounted multi-year youth passes, but specifics, eligibility, and exact savings vary by state agency and statute.
Do Youth Licenses Cover Ice Fishing and Special Seasons?
Yes — youth fishing regulations usually include ice fishing permits and special seasons if listed on the license; check specific state rules, seasonal endorsements, and tag requirements to confirm covered activities and any additional permit fees.
How Are Lost or Stolen Youth Licenses Replaced?
Swift solution: you contact the agency online or by phone, follow lost license procedures, submit ID and purchase proof, and pay any replacement fee policies; you’ll receive a reissued credential electronically or by mail per agency timelines and fees.
Conclusion
You now know Idaho’s youth fishing rules, costs, and where to buy licenses—so are you ready to get your kid on the water? Check age cutoffs, resident versus nonresident rates, and limited exemptions before you go; fees and permit types are set by state statute and updated annually. Buy online or at licensed vendors, carry proof, and follow seasonal and species-specific regulations to avoid penalties and protect fisheries for future anglers.
