Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Hunting, fishing and shooting opportunities are available on all districts of the Sawtooth National Forest. 

Lake and Pond Fishing

Nearly 7,600 acres of lakes on the Sawtooth National Forest offer a variety of angling opportunities. The high, cold, streams and lakes within the Sawtooth Valley have resident redband and cutthroat trout and kokanee. In the backcountry, some of the lakes within the Sawtooth, White Cloud, Smoky, Pioneer, and Boulder Mountains are also stocked by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Please contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game for the latest fishing regulations.

River and Stream Fishing

Over 3,500 miles of perennial streams offer a variety of angling opportunities. The best early season fishing is in the southern forest, where rainbow and brook trout can be found in small mountain streams. The Big Wood River and its tributaries, the North Fork Wood River, Trail Creek, and Warm Springs Creek, are stocked with hatchery rainbow trout by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and offer good fishing after spring runoff.  Big and Little Smoky Creeks and the South Fork Boise River are stocked with native redband trout. Please contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game for the latest fishing regulations.

Hunting

The Sawtooth National Forest encompasses lands in Idaho Game Management Units 35, 36, 36A, 36B, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56, and 57. Please contact Idaho Department of Fish and Game for more information and the latest hunting regulations. 

Recreational and Target Shooting

Recreational shooting is allowed on National Forest System lands outside of developed campgrounds and away from roads. Refer to the Occupancy and Use orders on the Alerts page for further restrictions.  

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Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Lake & Pond (38)

Fishing - River/Stream (56)

Hunting (1)

Showing: 31 - 40 of 85 results

Grandjean Campground

Grandjean Campground is composed of 31 campsites near the border of the Sawtooth Wilderness and the Boise National Forest. All sites are first-come, first-serve. It is situated in an old growth…

Harrington Fork Picnic Area

CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE Harrington Fork Picnic Area is accessible for a season that varies usually between April and October. The picnic area is fully accessible. Amenities include hand pumps and…

Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness

This special area is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and was designated a wilderness area, along with the Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, in 2015. The Hemingway-Boulders…

Holman Creek Campground

Holman Creek Campground is composed of 10 campsites including 1 double-site near the Salmon River east of Stanley. Visitors will find excellent fishing for trout and steelhead in the Salmon River…

Hunter Creek Transfer Camp

Located 20 miles northwest of Fairfield through Cow Creek Reservoir on Road No. 055, the campground offers 3 single camping units, and 1 multi-family unit.  Corrals, mangers and barrier free stock…

Independence Lakes Campground

Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites.  This area is accessible for a season that varies…

Iron Creek Campground

Iron Creek Campground is composed of 9 campsites alongside Iron Creek located in a lodgepole pine overstory to the south-west of Stanley. All sites are first-come, first-serve. Iron Creek trailhead…

Lake Creek Lakes Picnic Area

Picnic area with one table, one fire ring, and an ADA-accessible vault toilet.

Lake View Campground

Lake View Campground is composed of 6 campsites including 1 double site, situated in a lodgepole pine overstory on Stanley Lake. All sites are first-come, first-serve. There is a boat ramp near…

Little Redfish Lake

Motorized boats are not allowed on Little Redfish lake.