Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Salmon-Challis National Forest is home to, and managed for, excellent habitat for terrestrial and aquatic game species. Eastern Idaho truly is a sportsman's paradise.
The forest presents an abundance of big game and upland game hunting opportunities. Hunters will be challenged by the extremely rugged terrain that the big game species here call home. Whether you’re chasing bugling elk through dark timbered forests, searching for a color-phased black bear in a high alpine meadow, or sitting patiently in a blind waiting for the next flock of ducks to fly in, the hunting adventures here are endless. For more information on big game and upland game hunting information and regulations, please contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
The Salmon-Challis also offers many unique fishing opportunities - from rivers to lakes, steelhead trout to Arctic grayling, and everything in between. The Salmon River is one of the few entirely undammed waterways left in North America. Steelhead and salmon start and end their 900-mile journey to the ocean here, and targeting returning adults is a popular endeavor for forest visitors. Hundreds of alpine lakes in the Bighorn Crags, Pioneer Mountains, and beyond offer opportunities to catch stocked or wild fish including elusive golden trout, grayling, and tiger trout. Lakes and reservoirs including Williams Lake, Bayhorse Lake, and Mosquito Flat Reservoir offer opportunities to fish with easy access via dock or boat. Smaller tributaries like Panther Creek and Camas Creek also offer opportunities to fish, hike, and camp. Anglers are encouraged to reference Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations before wetting a line.
Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps.
Lake and Pond Fishing
- Fishing on national forests and grasslands is sometimes more than a sport. For some, the rewards of lakes, rivers and streams feed families at home or at the campsite.
- State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests and grasslands. Some states prohibit putting fish remains into the waters, lakes, streams or rivers after you have cleaned and gutted your catch. Some states set limits on the number of fish you can catch and when. Other rules are imposed by the national forest and grassland, such as not fishing during derbies or in areas posted as closed. Know the rules before you angle to your favorite fishing spot.
Ice Fishing
Williams Lake, along with many other local lakes, is popular for ice fishing with anglers both local and from around the region. Be sure to check with local ranger stations for ice conditions and special fishing regulations.
River and Stream Fishing
- Many rivers and watersheds in Eastern Idaho are home to endangered and threatened species. Be sure to check with local resources (Ranger Stations and F&G offices) to ensure that you are fishing responsibly.
- If using a boat to fish, follow proper boat sanitation guidelines to limit the travel of invasive species. Check with Idaho State resources for more important information on stopping the spread of invasives.
- If using a boat to fish, wear a life jacket and make sure each passenger wears one, too.
- Inspect waterfronts daily—the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared “off limits” to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
- When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
- Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone or radio.
- Always wear foot gear appropriate to the conditions.
- Stay dry, warm and protected from the elements. Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Wear thin layers of clothing that progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
- Use appropriate insect protection measures, including proper clothing and repellents.
- Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
Current River Flow Information
- Big Lost River near Chilly
- Big Lost River below Mackay Reservoir
- Big Lost River near Arco
- Middle Fork Salmon River at Middle Fork Lodge
- Middle Fork Salmon River at Mouth
- Lemhi River near Lemhi
- Lemhi River near Salmon
- Salmon River near Clayton
- Salmon River at Salmon
Hunting
The Salmon-Challis National Forest offers many types of hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages and experience levels. Each year visitors enjoy hunting, high in the mountains in thick lodge pine stands, in open grassland canyon benches, and in sagebrush valleys.
Check with the state managers for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for area hunting regulations.
Each year, the thrill of big game hunting draws hunters from across the country to the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This forest's habitat supports one of the largest herds of Rocky Mountain elk found on any National Forest in the nation. Other big-game species who make this forest their home include mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, black bear, and mountain lion. Game bird species that are hunted include turkey, blue grouse, spruce grouse, chukar partridge, gray (Hungarian) partridge and mountain quail.
Archery
- Check with the forest or local ranger district before you head out in order to verify archery is permitted where you plan to shoot. Some areas have designated archery ranges.
- If planning to participate in bow hunting, you must follow all Idaho state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing.
- Some areas may be designated as off limits to hunting. Check in with your local Forest Service ranger district to be sure you are following all the rules.
- All bows with arrows should be cased and unloaded while in a recreation area or other public areas.
- Shooting is prohibited:
- In or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be.
- In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
- Across bodies of water or a Forest Service road.
- Into or within any cave, mine or open shaft.
Recreational and Target Shooting
- Target shooting is allowed with some rules within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
- For recommended areas and additional information contact the local ranger district.
- Always shoot responsibly.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Antelope Canyon Area
Bayhorse - Paasasikwana Naokwaide Creek Area
Beaver Creek Campground
Bench Creek Campground
Big Bayhorse Campground
Boundary, Sulphur, Pistol, Indian Creek Area (MF4)
Cape Horn Area (MF6)
Challis Area
Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District
Copper Basin Area