Ask Fish and Game: Archery Fishing

Question: Do I need an archery permit to bow-fish?

Answer: No. Archery permits are only required for hunting in archery-only seasons. But a valid Idaho fishing license is required to fish with a bow. Fishing with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or mechanical device, excluding firearms, is permitted only in the taking of bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish - such as carp and suckers - and only in those waters during the season set for the taking of game fish. See the 2013-2015 Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure - Page 50 for archery fishing and Page 52 for the definition of nongame fish.