North Central Idaho is legendary for its fishing and it’s no wonder. The Nez Perce people have fished from these clear waters since the beginning of time. Lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs—it’s your choice. Some of the nation’s hottest steelhead (a rainbow trout over 20 inches) fishing is here. The rivers and lakes are full of steelhead, salmon, trout, bass, kokanee, and dolly vardin. You won’t want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch a sturgeon in Hells Canyon. The largest freshwater fish in the United States, the white sturgeon can reach lengths in excess of 10 feet and weigh more than 1000 pounds. Fish North Central Idaho waters on your own or with an outfitter or guide. Be sure to check with Idaho Fish and Game for licensing rules and regulations.
With the most square miles of wilderness in the lower 48 states, Idaho offers the best in big game hunting and experienced outfitters to escort you. Elk, mule deer, big horn sheep and black bear are among the favorites. Grouse, quail, chukar and pheasant are a few of the upland game birds available, while Canada geese and mallards are the most common waterfowl. For the best in hunting, set your sights on Idaho.
Idaho's elk herds are renowned. An Idaho elk hunt offers the opportunity to experience real nature and wilderness, spend time with family or friends, and harvest a nice animal. Idaho's percentage of older bulls presents a unique trophy hunting opportunity in the West.
Idaho's whitetail deer populations have also have grown. Their distribution, concentrated in forested areas of northern Idaho, has expanded in recent years. Idaho's mule deer populations are rebounding from years of drought and the severe winter of 1992. Mountain lion populations are extremely strong. Record book cougars have been taken recently. Moose hunting is on the rise. Bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunts are in high demand. Idaho continues to offer outstanding black bear hunting in fall and spring.
Idaho's non-wilderness areas are accessed by backcountry roads, while wilderness areas are accessed by horseback or on foot. Idaho outfitters offer archery, rifle and muzzleloader hunts. Customized services range from drop camps to fully guided trips. Accommodations are provided in comfortable camps or lodges.
Hunters who book through an Idaho outfitter will find their deer and elk tags easy to get. Each year the Fish and Game Commission sets aside and/or allocates a number of elk and deer tags for non-resident hunters who book with licensed outfitters. This system means that Idaho outfitters have tags long after surrounding states, such as Montana and Wyoming, have sold out.
To enjoy a hunting experience without a gun, be sure to visit the Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center located on the banks of the Snake River in the heart of beautiful Hells Gate State Park. Located just south of Lewiston on Snake River Avenue, the Center is the permanent home of the O'Connor wildlife collection - offering access to public viewing of his wildlife trophies obtained from all over the world. W: www.jack-oconnor.org
W: www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/hunt
***Featured Businesses listed on the menu are exclusive members of North Central Idaho Travel Association and have committed to supporting tourism by providing the visitor with hospitality and a valued experience.
