On July 1, spearfishing for certain game fish in specific locations was legalized in Idaho. Before that, it was only permitted for unprotected, nongame fish species. The effort represents a strong collaboration between the public, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and Fish and Game staff to expand recreational fishing opportunity.

The road to “yes”

The proposal to expand spearfishing opportunities was first presented to the Commission in May 2024. The proposal aligned with the state’s Fisheries Management Plan and supported existing management objectives so the Commission and department went through formal rulemaking to allow taking of game fish with spearguns.

Then regional staff drafted proposals for local waters focused on increasing the harvest of game fish, which were incompatible

See Full Page