IdahoReporter.com

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) says that fishing in the state is  better than ever, based on recent increases in fishing license sales.  Ed Mitchell, spokesman for the department, believes the increases may be due to several factors, including the slumping economy.

IDFG figures this week showed that sales of licenses in 2009 were at their highest levels since 1999, and sales for the beginning of 2010 are also up.  According to the department, fishermen purchased 473,576 licenses last year, and sales for this year are keeping paces with last year’s trend.  Some licenses are seeing double-digit gains. Residential licenses, up 19 percent, resident junior licenses, up 27 percent, resident disabled licenses, up 36 percent, three-day salmon and steelhead permits, up 33 percent, and steelhead licenses, up 15 percent, are all seeing increased interest from consumers.

Mitchell told IdahoReporter.com it is impossible to pinpoint a single factor contributing to the increased sales.  He said that several things, including the poor economy, could be leading families to pursue less-costly and more traditional activities in the outdoors.  ”People are looking for something to do closer to home,” said Mitchell.  ”Something that might even make a meal.”  The department has also been the benefactor of a small ad campaign by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, which is funded by boat and fishing supply manufacturers.  The campaign, entitled “Take Me Fishing,” encourages parents to go fishing with their children.

Idaho fishing licenses can be purchased through vendors, online, by phone, or at local IDFG offices and have varying costs, depending upon the type of license  and whether the buyer lives in Idaho. Residents of Idaho pay $25.75 for a yearly license.  Daily resident licenses cost $11.50 for the first day and $5 for subsequent days.  Steelhead or salmon permits cost $12.75, while a two-pole permit is sold for $13.75. Residents can also purchase lifetime permits, which, depending on the age at which it is purchased, costs between $400 and $800.

Non-residents will pay $98.50 for a season-long permit, $21.75 for a season-long license for children under 18, $15.50 for a two-pole permit, $25.75 for a season salmon-steelhead permit, $37.50 for a three-day salmon or steelhead license and permit is $37.50 and $12.75 for a one day fishing license, which is not valid for salmon or steelhead.  Non-residents who use one-day permits for additional days are charged $6 for each extra day.

Most licenses, both resident and non-resident, put some cap on the amount of fish that  people are allowed to catch.  View the department’s full layout of licenses and associated fees and catch limits here. (PDF)