Idaho
Lochsa River fishing guide
The Lochsa River in Idaho holds Rainbow Trout and Mountain Whitefish throughout its course. Anglers can access the river from public bank fishing at several locations, with a boat launch available at Race Track Take Out for those planning a floating trip.
Current conditions
As of September 1, 2026, Lochsa River is running around 364 cfs. The nearest streamgage reports flow but not water temperature, so no temp is shown. Conditions are fair for fishing right now.
- State
- Idaho
- Public access
- Yes
- Access points
- 7
- Species recorded
- 7
These conditions are read from our data about once a day and may not reflect the current moment. For real-time conditions, open Guidepole Fish.
Public access & launches
Extensive public bank access along the Lochsa River, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.
- Whitehouse CampgroundBoat launch
- Race Track Take OutBoat launch
- JOHNSON BAR GROUP SITEBoat launch
- OHARABoat launch
- Split Creek Trailhead and River AccessBoat launch
- Mocus Point TrailheadBoat launch
- POWELL CAMPGROUNDBoat launch
Regulations
- GeneralSection: From Brushy Fork upstream
Clearwater Region general rules apply
- TroutSection: From the mouth to Brushy Fork
- Bag
- catch-and-release
- Gear
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
- TroutSection: From the mouth upstream to Wilderness Gateway Campground Motor Bridge, near Highway 12 milepost 122
- Season
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30
- Bag
- 2
- Size
- none under 14 inches
- Gear
- no bait allowed
- TroutSection: From the mouth upstream to Wilderness Gateway Campground Motor Bridge, near Highway 12 milepost 122
- Bag
- 6
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required
Only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
- TroutSection: From Wilderness Gateway Campground Motor Bridge upstream to the confluence of Colt Killed Creek and Crooked Fork Creek
- Bag
- catch-and-release
- Gear
- No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
- TroutSection: From the mouth upstream to Wilderness Gateway Campground Motor Bridge, near Highway 12 milepost 122
- Season
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
- Bag
- catch-and-release
- Gear
- no bait allowed except maggots
- All fish (netted/trapped)
All fish so taken must immediately be killed except non-invasive crayfish may be kept alive. Nets and seines may not be left unattended. Traps must be checked at least every forty-eight (48) hours. All traps must have a tag attached bearing owner's name and address, license number, or sportsman identification number.
- All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish)Panhandle Region
- Season
- All Waters Open All Year, except as modified in the Special Rule Waters
- Bag
- No bag, length, or possession limits
- All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish)Southwest Region
- Bag
- No bag, length, or possession limits
- All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish)Magic Valley Region
- Bag
- No bag, length or possession limits
As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.Official Idaho regulations
What’s in it
Recorded in/near this water. Occurrence-based unless a higher-confidence source is shown — see it per-species in the app.
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Lochsa River fishing — FAQ
Can you fish the Lochsa River?
Yes — the Lochsa River in Idaho has public access (extensive public bank access). Open the guide to see the public access, launches, and current regulations.
Do you need a license to fish the Lochsa River?
Yes — Idaho requires a valid fishing license for most fishing. The current official state regulations are linked on this page.
What fish are in the Lochsa River?
Species recorded in the Lochsa River include Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Mountain Whitefish, Chinook Salmon. The full list is on this page.
Where can you access the Lochsa River?
Access points include Whitehouse Campground, Race Track Take Out, JOHNSON BAR GROUP SITE. See every launch and access site on this page.
Get detailed fishing conditions for the Lochsa River on your phone
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