Idaho fish

Although not native to Idaho, these fish adapted well to Idaho's high mountain lakes, creeks, and ponds with cold, clean water. Once they reach adulthood, they are usually smaller than other trout species in Idaho.

This is Idaho's most abundant variety of trout. Idaho hatcheries supply about three-quarters of the U.S. commercial production of this fish.

North America's largest freshwater fish species is greatly affected by Idaho's dams. These bottom feeding river monsters are catch and release only. They are enormous, but don't worry, these gentle giants will not bite you. They have no teeth.

This native fish species prefers cool, clear water. They can live in moving water or still water. They have slender bodies, silver scales, and small mouths.

Arguably Idaho's most adaptable fish species, this non-native species can be found in the Snake. Salmon, and Clearwater River tributaries, as well as many still bodies of water across Idaho. Pound for pound, this red eyed species puts up the best fight of any freshwater fish.

Also known as ling, this slimy, slithery member of the cod family lives in the Kootenai River drainage in North Idaho. Once nearly extinct in Idaho, a conservation effort led by the Kootenai Tribe has significantly increased the population of these fish.

Known to eat mice and small birds, this non-native fish lives in many Idaho bodies of water including Silver Creek and the main Boise River. Don't let the name fool you, these fish have orange and olive colored bodies with black spots on their backs. Their sides have vibrant blue and red spots.

The state fish of Idaho gets its name from the red color on its gills. They can breed with rainbow trout to make a hybrid.

An anadromous (ocean going) version of the kokanee, this fish was nearly extinct in Idaho as recently as 1992. Lonesome Larry was the lone fish of this species to return to Redfish Lake before conservation initiatives repopulated Idaho waters with these fish.

Listed as a threatened species, it is legal to fish for these fish, but illegal to harvest them. Native to Idaho, these fish can be identified by bluish, olive colored backs and white bellies. Commonly confused with brook trout, these fish do NOT have blue rings around their spots.