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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations.

Register a Boat in Idaho

While it may not be a requirement to obtain an Idaho boat license, responsible boaters sign up to take a boater education course before operating a boat so that they understand all of the boat laws that apply. When you take a boating education course, it helps you become a more knowledgeable boater and may reduce your insurance rates in some cases.

IDAHO BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Every boat owner is responsible for knowing and obeying the laws that regulate the vessel’s registration, titling and operation. You will need to have your boat registration paperwork, your Certificate of Title, all required safety equipment, and follow the boating rules of the road.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Before you take your new boat out for the first time, you will need to register the vessel with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and pay the associated registration fees. Boat registration dollars are collected to help fund the maintenance of state waterways.

IDAHO BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Since Idaho boating laws are subject to change and vary from the boating laws in other states, visitors or new residents should always check the current laws that apply.
Whether the laws apply to obtaining an Idaho boat license, navigation, emergency procedures or special regulatory zones, never assume the laws are the same from one state to the next.
While it may not be a requirement to obtain an Idaho boat license, responsible boaters sign up to take a boater education course before operating a boat so that they understand all of the boat laws that apply.

ID BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Idaho has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

ID BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

ID BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Idaho State Parks and Recreation site.

BOATING FAQS