| The variety of outdoor recreational opportunities | | | | catfish, and other warm-water types. |
| found in Idaho, like fishing, are a way of life for | | | | But, it is trout fishing that made Idaho famous. A |
| residents and a welcoming beacon for tourists. | | | | large variety of trout, most of which are native |
| Most locals take these pleasures for granted; a | | | | to Idaho, are found in the rivers, creeks and |
| component of their residency. Visitors can be | | | | stillwater locations throughout the state. Trout can |
| envious. | | | | be taken on bait, spinners and other lures, including |
| Fishing is a good example. It is a way of life for | | | | flies. Some fishermen prefer lake and reservoir |
| those who reside in the Gem State. It is not if a | | | | fishing from a float tube, kayak, raft or solid boat |
| local fishes, it is where and how he fishes. With | | | | or from the shore, while other like trout fishing |
| 1000's of miles of rivers and streams (the most in | | | | the rivers and creeks flowing throughout Idaho. |
| the lower 48 states), and more than 2,000 | | | | Fishing from a drift boat is in style on the larger |
| reservoirs and lakes, the choice of fishing venues | | | | rivers, where the fisherman might be on his own |
| is nearly endless. That is also true with the type | | | | or be aided by a knowledgeable guide. Wading and |
| of fish sought. | | | | shore fishing are also employed on these streams. |
| Fishermen explore the depths of the big waters | | | | Fish size is not always important to the trout |
| of Lake Pend Oreille, Lake Coeur d'Alene and | | | | fisherman, who can hook and land up to 100 fish |
| Priest Lake in Northern Idaho for the Kamloops | | | | per day in waters such as the Middle Fork of the |
| Trout. The Mackinaw (or Lake) Trout, and the | | | | Salmon River. Hefty trout are plentiful on the |
| fresh-water Chinook Salmon. The Kamloops can | | | | Middle Fork. Most are 12 to 16 inches in length. |
| be as large as 35 pounds, Mackinaws can go 50 | | | | Idaho's man-made reservoirs and natural lakes |
| pounds, and the Chinook can reach weights of 40 | | | | also offer up scores of trout to the patient angler. |
| pounds or more. | | | | Some of the pristine and picturesque alpine lakes |
| Some anglers pursue white sturgeon, the | | | | in the state are loaded with hungry trout who are |
| prehistoric giant that can live for more than 100 | | | | tempted by a fisherman's offering. Many of these |
| years and reach a weight of up to 1,500 pounds. | | | | mountain lakes are still unnamed. |
| These unique game fish, the largest fresh water | | | | If you fly fish, Idaho is a fly fisherman's paradise, |
| fish in North America, can be found in parts of | | | | with more than 10 designated Blue Ribbon |
| the Snake and Salmon Rivers. Hooking and landing | | | | streams to satisfy an angler's craving for quality. |
| a sturgeon is a challenge, but guides from licensed | | | | Among the more famous dry fly tests are the |
| outfitters can position the angler right over the big | | | | Henrys Fork, the South Fork of the Snake, Kelly |
| fish. | | | | Creek, Silver Creek, the Big Wood River, the |
| Many Idaho residents and visitors alike favor | | | | Teton River, the St. Joe River and the Boise |
| testing their skills against the torpedo-shaped | | | | River. Fly fishing guides can assist you on these |
| salmon and steelhead that frequent Idaho's rivers, | | | | legendary rivers, or you can tackle them on your |
| usually following an arduous trip from the Pacific | | | | own. Fly fishing for the wily trout is undoubtedly |
| Ocean. Popular rivers for salmon and steelhead | | | | the best and most satisfying trout fishing method. |
| seekers are the Clearwater, the Little Salmon, the | | | | If you would like to learn how to fly fish, guides |
| Lower and Upper Salmon and the Snake River. | | | | who teach the unique techniques of the sport are |
| Guides and outfitters are a great assistance in | | | | also available. |
| locating and catching these large fish. | | | | The variety of sport fish and the full range of |
| In addition to sturgeon, salmon and steelhead, the | | | | water types are in Idaho. Quality fishing is |
| state provides opportunities for some of the best | | | | everywhere you look. So is the unsurpassed |
| trout fishing in the world. Several areas around | | | | scenic beauty of the state. The friendly people of |
| Idaho offer up other fish varieties such as | | | | Idaho are more than happy to help you find that |
| whitefish, perch, walleye and northern pike, | | | | fishing spot you will not forget. There is no doubt |
| largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, | | | | about it, Idaho is a fisherman's paradise. |