Idaho Fish Report

New year, new license – do you have yours?‌

If you didn't get a 2024 fishing license from Santa – hey, we tried to put it out there – you'll need to buy one before your first fishing trip of the year. They're available online, at an ODFW office that sells licenses or through a license vendor.‌

Report your hunt‌

If you purchased a tag for a 2023 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn't hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as information from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.‌

Tips for late season duck hunting‌

Duck season remains open until Jan. 28. Here are some late season duck hunting trips to help you finish your season with a bang, or two.‌

Time for winter steelhead‌

Some of Oregon's most popular fisheries are well-underway in rivers up and down the coast. Stay warm, travel safely and check out these tips for catching more winter steelhead.‌

E-taggers: you need to update your app‌

E-taggers and others who use the MyODFW app need to update to the latest version now available in the Apple or Google Play store.‌

Best bets for winter fishing‌

• Anglers have been catching winter steelhead in coastal rivers from the North Coast to the Rogue.
• Waters are still open in most lakes and reservoirs, making this a good time to go trout fishing before they start to ice up. Fishing for holdover trout stocked this past spring and summer can be excellent this time of year as fish are trying to bulk up for the winter.
• Trout anglers should also consider native redband trout in rivers and streams on the eastside. Popular year-round rivers include the Deschutes, Crooked, Fall, Metolius, Blitzen and Wallowa.
• Crabbing in the bays can be good in the winter, especially after a few days of dry weather.

Ocean bottomfishing can be good throughout the winter, as long as the ocean cooperates. When boats have been able to get out, the lingcod bite has been excellent.