Idaho
Selway River fishing guide
The Selway River flows through central Idaho and offers extensive public bank access for anglers. This river supports populations of steelhead and salmon. The abundance of accessible shoreline makes it convenient for both wading and bank fishing throughout much of its length.
Current conditions
As of September 1, 2026, Selway River is running around 542 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
- 1
- Species recorded
- —
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 Selway River, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.
- MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSEBoat launch
Regulations
- All speciesSection: From Selway Falls cable car upstream to Selway Falls Bridge at Meadow Creek
- Bag
- Closed to fishing
Closed to fishing
- GeneralAll other sections
Clearwater Region general rules apply
- TroutFrom the mouth upstream to Selway Falls cable car
- Season
- Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30
- Bag
- 2
- Size
- none under 14 inches
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required; no bait allowed
Trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches, no bait allowed
- TroutFrom the mouth upstream to Selway Falls cable car
- Season
- December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend
- Bag
- 0 (catch-and-release)
- Gear
- Barbless hooks required; no bait allowed except maggots
Catch-and-release, 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
- All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish)Upper Snake Region
- Bag
- no bag, length or possession limits
No bag, length or possession limits
- All Other Fish Species (includes bullfrogs and crayfish)Salmon Region
- Season
- All Waters Open All Year
- 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
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Selway River fishing — FAQ
Can you fish the Selway River?
Yes — the Selway 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 Selway River?
Yes — Idaho requires a valid fishing license for most fishing. The current official state regulations are linked on this page.
Where can you access the Selway River?
Access points include MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE. See every launch and access site on this page.
Get detailed fishing conditions for the Selway River on your phone
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