Totally Boise Blog

Idaho is a unique land with many prime fishing holes right beneath your eyes. If you're looking for where one of those fishing spots is, you've come to the right place. While the land of the Treasure Valley is now highly developed, the cities and environmental conservators have assured that Idahoans still have free, immediate access to quality fishing holes within 30 minutes to an hour.

There are roughly 83,000+ square miles of water all across the state of Idaho. The fishing spots listed below are either common waterways, like our mighty Snake River, or multiple reservoirs, meaning that you can easily access them from a designated parking lot, with minimal to no hiking required, and fish regularly stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. These are great spots to have a picnic, teach the little ones how to fish or cast your line within minutes of leaving work.

What to Know Before You Go Fishing.

There are some rules to remember when fishing in Idaho. Make sure to follow them, because some can come with hefty fines or consequences.

• Purchase a yearly fishing license for $30.50 for adults
  • Must be on your person, in your name, and you cannot borrow someone else's license
• Do not overfish by exceeding your daily bag limit, consult your license or local Fish & Game office for bag limits per fish species.
• Barbless hooks are required for most fish, and certain species of fish are strictly caught and release (Like the Bull Trout).
• Download the Idaho Fish and Game current rules and regulations booklet here
  • View Booklet
• Do not crowd other people fishing.
• Wear the proper gear, sandals, sun protection, water-safe sunscreen.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and refreshed.
• If you're getting into the water, consider a flotation device, life jacket, or motorized boat.
• Leave no trace! Idahoans and animals alike all use the waters of Idaho, be sure to not leave any fishing waste like line, hooks, bait, or other rubbage behind.
• Chairs are always a good addition since many of these fishing holes are perfect to set up a bobber and wait at.

Fish That Can Be Found in Southwest Idaho

If you're familiar with fishing in Idaho, you know there's no shortage of fish to catch. Here are some common Idaho fish that are caught time and time again.

• Bass
• Bluegill, Pumpkin Seed, or Sunfish
• Brook Trout
• Bull Frogs
• Bull Trout
• Crayfish
• Salmon
• Steelhead
• Sturgeon
• Tiger Muskie
• Trout
• Whitefish

Where to Catch Fish in the Treasure Valley in Less Than An Hour

Central Boise

• Boise River
• Esther Simplot Ponds
• Quinns Pond
• Silver Lake
• Boise Cascade Lake (Veterans Park Pond)
• Riverside Pond

Eastern Boise

• Lucky Peak Reservoir
• Arrowrock Reservoir
• Loggers Pond
• Parkcenter Ponds
• Williams Pond (Marianne Williams Pond)

Meridian/ Eagle Area

• Julius M. Kleiner Park Ponds
• Eagle Island Park Pond
• McDevitt Pond (Norms Pond)
• Settlers Park Pond

Highway 55/ Payette National Forest or North of Treasure Valley

• Lake Cascade
• Warm Lake
• Payette Lake
• Deadwood Reservoir
• Horsethief Reservoir
• Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond
• Brownlee Reservoir

Southern Treasure Valley/ Nampa Area

• Lake Lowell
• Snake River
  • Swan Falls
  • Celebration Park
• Caldwell Gravel Pond #2 & #3
• Caldwell Rotary Pond
• Sego Prairie Pond
• Wilson Springs Beachs Pond
• Wilson Springs Norths Pond

Eastern Idaho

• Anderson Ranch Reservoir
• CJ Strike

The Totally Boise team is FULL of avid outdoors enthusiasts, and as such, we do our best to share the best recreational opportunities while respecting the still-wild lands of Idaho. Make sure you continue to preserve the lands your exploring. It is our responsibility to take care of the Idaho land.

If you're looking for more blogs like this, head over to our Local Stories page to learn more!