A science-backed guide to the fish we cover — identification, habitat, diet, and practical angler notes linked to rivers, hatches, and regulations across the state.
32+ fish species
Profiles and growing
15 Native / 14 Introduced
Diverse & resilient ecosystems
Linked
Rivers, hatches & regulations
Science-based
Field guides with research depth
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Idaho’s most widespread trout, quick to rise and willing to chase nymphs and small streamers.
(Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi)
Idaho’s native westslope cutthroat thrives in cold, clear mountain rivers and eager dry-fly water.
(Salmo trutta)
Wary, hard-fighting trout that reward careful presentations and can grow into true fish-eaters.
Thymallus Arcticus
Salmonidae
Introduced · 14–30 in
Lepomis Macrochirus
Centrarchidae
Introduced · 7–16 in
Oncorhynchus clarkii utah
Salmonidae
Native · Up to 39 in
Salvelinus fontinalis
Salmonidae
Introduced · 10–34 in
Salmo trutta
Salmonidae
Introduced · 28–55 in
Salvelinus confluentus
Salmonidae
Native · 25–41 in
Ameiurus nebulosus
Ictaluridae
Introduced · 10–22 in
Lota lota
Lotidae
Native · 16–60 in
Cyprinus carpio
Cyprinidae
Introduced · 12–47 in
Ictalurus punctatus
Ictaluridae
Introduced · 22–52 in
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Salmonidae
Native · 28–59 in
Acrocheilus alutaceus
Leuciscidae
Native · 7–12 in
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Centrarchidae
Introduced · 11–19 in
Oncorhynchus clarkii × mykiss
Salmonidae
Hybrid · 12–39 in
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Salmonidae
Native · 8–39 in
Micropterus salmoides
Centrarchidae
Introduced · 16–38 in
Salvelinus namaycush
Salmonidae
Introduced · 20–59 in
Prosopium williamsoni
Salmonidae
Native · 9–28 in
Esox lucius
Esocidae
Introduced · 16–54 in
Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Leuciscidae
Native · 9–25 in
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmonidae
Native · 24–48 in
Micropterus dolomieu
Centrarchidae
Introduced · 3–27 in
Oncorhynchus nerka
Salmonidae
Native · 18–33 in
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmonidae
Native · 24–48 in
Esox masquinongy
Esocidae
37–72 in
Salmo trutta × Salvelinus fontinalis
Salmonidae
Hybrid · 28–55 in
Gila atraria
Leuciscidae
Native · 7–22 in
Sander vitreus
Percidae
Introduced · 21–42 in
Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi
Salmonidae
Native · 10–39 in
Acipenser transmontanus
Acipenseridae
Native · 8–240 in
Perca flavescens
Percidae
Introduced · 8–20 in
Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri
Salmonidae
Native · 10–39 in
This guide synthesizes Idaho Fish and Game data, peer-reviewed fisheries research, and field-guide references into practical species profiles. Angler tactics are clearly separated from life-history science so you can trust what you read on the water.
Species are linked to featured waters, hatch calendars, and regulation notes where available. Coverage expands as we publish more research and water associations.
Learn more about our methods