Idaho Fish Report

Summer fisheries are in full swing throughout the state this month, providing some of the year’s best fishing opportunities in lakes and streams, along the coast, and on the Columbia River.

Some hunters will take to the field for black bear in the first big-game hunt of the season, while others will scout deer and elk hunting areas in preparation for fall seasons.

Popular outdoor opportunities in August include:

• Puget Sound crab: Seasons are ongoing, or starting in August in a variety of marine areas.
• Columbia River salmon: Fall Chinook and coho fishing opens on much of the lower Columbia River in August, including the popular Buoy 10 fishery, which opens a little later this year, on Aug. 14.
• Trout and warmwater fish: The Statewide Trout Derby is still underway, with chances to win all kinds of prizes, while other warmwater fish are biting well. WDFW stocks many small, hike-in lakes with rainbow or cutthroat trout fry, and some also have naturally reproducing eastern brook trout populations. Visit WDFW’s high lakes page on our fishing webpages to find a lake near you.
• Ocean salmon: Ocean salmon fishing continues in many marine areas. For more information, visit WDFW’s salmon season summaries and sport fishing rules pamphlet.
• Halibut: Coastal halibut kicks off Aug. 6 with additional dates to re-open Puget Sound halibut fishing coming soon as well.
• Black bears: Hunting opens Aug. 1 statewide. Hunters are allowed two black bears during the general season.
• Alpine wildlife: August provides lots of opportunity for viewing alpine and subalpine wildlife while hiking at elevation to beat the heat. By the end of the month, migrating raptors should be evident along high elevation ridges.

Hunting and fishing rule booklets are available from license dealers while supplies last and online.

Region-by-region descriptions of fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities are detailed in the Weekender Regional Reports. These reports are updated throughout the month.