Idaho Youth Fishing License: Quick Answer
Last updated: August 11, 2026. Prices and youth-license rules were checked against current Idaho Department of Fish and Game information.
In Idaho, anglers 14 years or older need a fishing license. Resident children under 14 can fish without a license and have their own fishing limit. Nonresident children under 14 also do not need a license, but they must fish with someone who holds a valid Idaho fishing license and their harvested fish count toward that person’s limit unless the child buys their own license.
For ages 14–17, the regular resident junior fishing license costs $16 for one year or $44.50 for three years. Eligible Idaho Price Lock customers pay $13.75 or $37.75. Nonresident junior licenses cost $23.75 for one year or $67.75 for three years. Access/Depredation Fees and online or phone processing fees can add to the purchase price.
| Youth Angler | License Rule | License Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident under 14 | No license required; child has own fishing limit | $0 |
| Resident 14–17 | Junior license required | $16 annual / $44.50 three-year |
| Resident 14–17 with eligible Price Lock | Junior license required | $13.75 annual / $37.75 three-year |
| Nonresident under 14 | No license when fishing with a valid Idaho license holder; harvest counts toward that holder’s limit unless child buys own license | $0 when using accompaniment option |
| Nonresident 14–17 | Junior license required | $23.75 annual / $67.75 three-year |
Important: These are license prices. Idaho also applies an Access/Depredation Fee when a buyer purchases their first applicable annual or three-year license, and online or phone purchases have processing fees. Check the current Idaho Fish and Game license information before checkout.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Idaho
Anyone 14 years of age or older generally needs a valid Idaho fishing license to fish. Children under 14 are exempt from the general license requirement, but the rules differ for residents and nonresidents.
A resident child under 14 can fish without a license and may keep their own daily fishing limit. The child must still follow the applicable seasons, size limits, daily limits, possession limits, gear rules, and water-specific restrictions.
A nonresident child under 14 may also fish without buying a license, but must be accompanied by the holder of a valid Idaho fishing license. Fish harvested by the child are included in that license holder’s limit. A nonresident child who wants an independent limit may purchase their own nonresident junior fishing license.
Extra permits can apply when fishing for salmon or steelhead or when using two poles. See the special-permit section below before buying.
Age-Based License Rules for Kids and Teens
Idaho’s youth fishing rules become easier to understand when you separate anglers into two age groups: under 14 and ages 14–17.
Children under 14 do not need a general Idaho fishing license. Anglers ages 14–17 need a junior fishing license.
- Resident under 14: No general fishing license is required. The child has their own fishing limit and follows the applicable fishing rules and limits.
- Nonresident under 14: No license is required when accompanied by a valid Idaho fishing-license holder, but the child’s harvested fish count toward that person’s limit.
- Resident ages 14–17: A resident junior fishing license is required.
- Nonresident ages 14–17: A nonresident junior fishing license is required.
Always check current water-specific regulations because individual rivers, lakes, species, and seasons can have rules that differ from the statewide general limits.
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Resident Youth License Options and Costs
For Idaho residents, children under 14 fish without a general license. Resident anglers ages 14–17 can choose an annual or three-year junior fishing license.
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Free for Under-14s
Idaho resident children 13 years old or younger do not need to purchase a fishing license. They can keep their own legal daily bag limit rather than having their catch combined with an adult’s limit.
License-free does not mean rule-free. Resident children must follow the same applicable fishing rules, including seasons, daily and possession limits, size restrictions, and special rules for individual waters.
A resident child under 14 is not generally required to fish under an adult’s license simply to use the license exemption. Parents should still check the current Idaho Fish and Game youth fishing guidance before a trip.
Junior (14–17) Rates
Resident anglers ages 14–17 must have a junior fishing license. The current regular license prices are:
- Annual resident junior fishing license: $16.00
- Three-year resident junior fishing license: $44.50
Eligible residents already enrolled in Idaho’s Price Lock program pay lower license prices:
- Price Lock annual junior fishing license: $13.75
- Price Lock three-year junior fishing license: $37.75
Price Lock is not a discount that every resident can select at checkout. Idaho Fish and Game ended new opt-in through three-year or lifetime purchases after March 5, 2025. Existing eligible participants can continue receiving the discount while meeting the program’s requirements. Check the current Idaho Price Lock rules before assuming the lower price applies.
The license price also does not necessarily equal the final amount paid. Idaho lists an Access/Depredation Fee of $2 for a resident junior annual license buyer or $4 with a three-year license when applicable. Online and telephone orders also carry processing fees.
Nonresident Youth Rules and Pricing
Nonresident youth have a different under-14 rule. A nonresident child younger than 14 can fish without a license only while accompanied by someone who holds a valid Idaho fishing license. Any fish the child harvests are included in that license holder’s limit.
If the child wants an independent fishing limit, Idaho Fish and Game allows a nonresident youth to purchase their own junior fishing license.
Nonresident Youth Requirements
- Under 14 without their own license: Fish with a valid Idaho fishing-license holder. Harvested fish count against that person’s limit.
- Under 14 with their own license: A nonresident youth may purchase a junior fishing license to have their own fishing limit.
- Ages 14–17: A nonresident junior fishing license is required for regular fishing privileges.
- All ages: Follow species limits, seasons, water-specific rules, gear restrictions, and any applicable special-permit rules.
For a current official reference, see the Idaho Fish and Game nonresident fee schedule.
Pricing and Limits
The current nonresident junior fishing-license price is $23.75 for one year or $67.75 for three years.
An applicable Access/Depredation Fee is separate from the license price: Idaho currently lists $4 for a nonresident junior annual buyer and $8 for a three-year license. Online and telephone transactions also have processing fees.
| Age Group | License Cost | Limit Status |
|---|---|---|
| Under 14 | No license when using licensed-adult accompaniment option | Harvest counts toward accompanying license holder |
| Under 14 with own license | Junior license required for independent limit | Own fishing limit |
| 14–17 | $23.75/year or $67.75/3 years | Own fishing limit |
Special Permits and Exceptions for Young Anglers
A general fishing license is only part of the requirement for some Idaho fishing activities. Salmon, steelhead, and two-pole fishing can require additional permits.
- Junior license holders ages 14–17: A separate salmon or steelhead permit is required when fishing for those species under the applicable permit rules.
- Children under 14: Idaho Fish and Game guidance allows a child to fish for salmon or steelhead under a supervising permit holder without buying their own salmon/steelhead permit when the child’s retained fish are recorded against that permit holder’s limit. A child who wants their own salmon/steelhead limit needs the appropriate individual licensing/permit setup.
- Two poles: Idaho requires a two-pole permit for anglers using two poles where two-pole fishing is allowed, including youth anglers.
Permit prices differ for residents and nonresidents. For example, Idaho currently lists a regular resident two-pole permit at $15 and a nonresident two-pole permit at $17. Current permit prices and rules should be checked immediately before fishing because salmon and steelhead seasons and restrictions can change.
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How and Where to Buy Youth Fishing Licenses
You can buy an Idaho youth fishing license through official Idaho Fish and Game sales channels. The main options are online, by phone, at a license vendor, or at an Idaho Fish and Game regional office.
| Action | Where | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase online | Go Outdoors Idaho | Processing fee applies |
| Call | 1-800-554-8685 | Processing fee applies |
| Buy in person | License vendor or IDFG regional office | Useful for in-person assistance |
Idaho residents must meet the state’s residency rules to buy resident-priced licenses. For a child under 18 who does not have a driver’s license, Idaho Fish and Game lists identification from a parent as one method that may be used when establishing residency. Review the official Idaho residency requirements if residency is uncertain.
For all buying methods, use the current IDFG license purchase options rather than relying on an unofficial seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Youth Need Fishing Education Certification in Idaho?
No. Idaho does not require a fishing-education certificate simply to obtain or use a youth fishing license. Fishing-license requirements are based primarily on age, residency, and the type of fishing or permit involved. Do not confuse fishing requirements with Idaho’s separate hunter-education rules.
Can Parents Fish on Behalf of Licensed Children?
A child’s license or fishing limit does not give an otherwise unlicensed parent permission to fish. Every person who is actually fishing must meet the licensing rules that apply to that person. For nonresident children under 14 who use the licensed-adult accompaniment exemption, the child’s harvested fish count toward the accompanying license holder’s limit.
Are There Discounts for Family Multi-Year Youth Licenses?
Idaho Fish and Game’s current fee schedule does not list a special family bundle for several youth fishing licenses. Eligible Idaho residents already enrolled in Price Lock may receive the lower resident Price Lock prices, but Price Lock eligibility is individual and should be confirmed before purchase.
Do Youth Licenses Cover Ice Fishing and Special Seasons?
A valid junior fishing license provides the general fishing-license credential for a youth who is required to have one, including when fishing through the ice. It does not override water-specific seasons, closures, bag limits, gear restrictions, or special permits. Check the current rules for the exact lake, river, species, and fishing method before the trip.
How Are Lost or Stolen Youth Licenses Replaced?
Start with Idaho Fish and Game or the official Go Outdoors Idaho account used for the purchase. Current licenses can also be accessed through Idaho’s licensing system where supported. Replacement procedures can differ for licenses, permits, and physical tags, so use the official licensing channels rather than buying a second license unnecessarily.
Conclusion
The main Idaho youth fishing rule is simple: anglers ages 14–17 need a junior fishing license, while children under 14 do not need a general fishing license. The important difference is residency. Resident children under 14 have their own fishing limit, while a nonresident child using the license exemption must fish with a valid Idaho license holder and have harvested fish counted toward that person’s limit.
For ages 14–17, resident junior licenses currently cost $16 annually or $44.50 for three years, with lower prices for eligible Price Lock customers. Nonresident junior licenses cost $23.75 annually or $67.75 for three years. Remember to account for Access/Depredation Fees and any processing or special-permit charges.
Before heading to the water, confirm the latest license, salmon/steelhead, two-pole, season, and water-specific rules through Idaho Fish and Game.
