Find the 15 Best Fishing Spots in Boise in this extensive guide. I’ll share locations, types of fish you can catch and gear you’ll need for the best places for fishing in Boise.
Boise, Idaho is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities. And for avid anglers, there’s no shortage of top-notch fishing spots in and around Boise.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of great fishing options to explore in the area.
So, if you’re planning a fishing trip to Boise and wondering where to wet your line, look no further! In this article, I’ll introduce you to the 15 best fishing spots in Boise that are sure to provide an unforgettable angling experience. So, grab your gear and let’s hit the water!
1. Lucky Peak Reservoir
If you’re looking for a great spot to catch trout, bass, and catfish, then Lucky Peak Reservoir is the place to be. Located just 10 miles east of Boise, this 2,800-acre reservoir offers plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels.
What’s in it for you?
- Catch trout, bass, and catfish
- Plenty of fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels
- 2,800-acre reservoir
Address: 74 Arrowrock Rd, Boise, ID 83716
2. Boise River
The Boise River is a popular spot for fly fishing and offers an abundance of rainbow trout. This river runs through the heart of Boise, making it an easily accessible fishing spot for locals and visitors alike.
What’s in it for you?
- Abundance of rainbow trout
- Popular spot for fly fishing
- Easily accessible for locals and visitors
Address: As the river runs through the city there are Many locations. Find more info at the website I provided above.
3. Payette River
The Payette River is another great fishing spot in Boise, known for its abundant populations of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. With its clear waters and stunning scenery, the Payette River offers a great day of fishing and relaxation.
What’s in it for you?
- Abundant populations of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass
- Clear waters and stunning scenery
Address: 3948 Development AveBoise, ID 83705
4. Brownlee Reservoir
The Brownlee Reservoir is a popular spot for bass fishing, with largemouth and smallmouth bass being the main attraction. This reservoir is located on the border of Idaho and Oregon, making it a great fishing spot for anglers from both states.
What’s in it for you?
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing
- Great spot for anglers from both Idaho and Oregon
Address: Brownlee Dam, Cambridge, ID 83610
5. Black Canyon Reservoir
The Black Canyon Reservoir is a small but mighty fishing spot, known for its great trout fishing. This reservoir is located in the Payette River drainage and is a popular spot for fly fishing.
What’s in it for you?
- Great trout fishing
- Popular spot for fly fishing
Address: Black Canyon DamEmmett, ID 83617
6. Lake Lowell
Lake Lowell is a popular spot for bass fishing, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass being the main catch. This 8,000-acre reservoir is located just south of Nampa and offers plenty of space for anglers to explore.
What’s in it for you?
- Bass fishing with both largemouth and smallmouth bass
- 8,000-acre reservoir
Address: 12996 Iowa Avenue, Nampa
7. Snake River
The Snake River is a major waterway in the Pacific Northwest and offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers in Boise. With its abundant populations of rainbow trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass, the Snake River is a must-visit spot for any serious angler.
What’s in it for you?
- Abundant populations of rainbow trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass
- Must-visit spot for serious anglers
Address: This river runs through the state of Idaho, so there are many locations to fish, see the website I provide above for more information.
8. Owyhee River
The Owyhee River is a world-renowned fly fishing destination, known for its challenging but rewarding fishing opportunities. This river offers plenty of opportunities to catch rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
What’s in it for you?
- World-renowned fly fishing destination
- Opportunities to catch rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish
Address: This river has many places to fish. The best place to fish the Owyhee is above Snively Hot Springs up to the dam, a distance of about 10-12 miles through a canyon.
9. Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a popular fishing spot located just west of Boise. This refuge offers excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish
- Beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife
Address: 13751 Upper Embankment Rd, Nampa, ID 83686
10. Anderson Ranch Reservoir
The Anderson Ranch Reservoir is a popular fishing spot for anglers looking to catch rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. With its stunning scenery and excellent fishing opportunities, the Anderson Ranch Reservoir is a must-visit spot for any angler in Boise.
What’s in it for you?
- Catch rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass
- Stunning scenery and excellent fishing opportunities
Address: Anderson Dam Rd, Mountain Home, ID 83647
11. Lake Cascade
Lake Cascade is a popular spot for anglers in Boise, offering excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. With its crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery, Lake Cascade is a great place to spend a day on the water.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow and cutthroat trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass
- Crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery
Address: 100 Kelly’s Pkwy, Cascade, ID 83611
12. Bruneau Dunes State Park
The Bruneau Dunes State Park is not only a great spot for camping and hiking but also offers excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout and largemouth bass. With its stunning sand dunes and crystal-clear waters, the Bruneau Dunes State Park is a unique and memorable fishing spot.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout and largemouth bass
- Stunning sand dunes and crystal-clear waters for a unique fishing experience
Address: 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604
13. C.J. Strike Reservoir
C.J. Strike Reservoir is a large and popular fishing spot, known for its excellent walleye and bass fishing. With over 7,500 acres of water to explore, anglers will have plenty of space to cast their lines and try their luck.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent walleye and bass fishing opportunities
- Over 7,500 acres of water to explore
Address: 977 Idaho State Highway 78Bruneau, ID 83604
14. Warm Springs Creek
Warm Springs Creek is a small but productive fishing stream that is popular with fly fishermen in Boise. This creek is home to a variety of trout species, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout, as well as whitefish.
What’s in it for you?
- Productive fishing stream for fly fishermen
- Variety of trout species and whitefish
Address: see the amazing map in the website link above, it has all the best spots for fishing at Warm Springs Creek and around it.
15. Mores Creek
Mores Creek is a small stream located about 45 minutes northeast of Boise. This stream is known for its excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout, and fishing can be done from both shore and wading in the water. Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and camping.
What’s in it for you?
- Variety of trout species
- Camping and hiking closeby
Address: Mores Creek Idaho 83716
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are many species of fish that can be caught in Boise, including trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and more.
Yes, all anglers over the age of 14 are required to have a valid Idaho fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online or in person at various locations throughout the state.
Yes, there are specific regulations and restrictions for fishing in Boise and throughout Idaho, including limits on the number and size of fish that can be caught, restrictions on certain types of bait and gear, and rules about catch and release. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before heading out to fish.
While many fishing spots in Boise are open year-round, some may have specific seasons or restrictions. It’s always a good idea to check local regulations and conditions before planning your trip.
The gear you’ll need will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do and the species of fish you’re targeting. Some basic gear includes a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, hooks, bait or lures, and a fishing license. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best fishing spots in Boise, Idaho, you won’t be disappointed.
With 15 great spots to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next fishing adventure. From small creeks and streams to large reservoirs and rivers, Boise has something for every angler.
So pack up your gear, grab your fishing license, and head out to one of these fantastic fishing spots today, and be sure to check out this Guide to the Boise River as well. Happy fishing!
