Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Federal & State
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is responsible for regulating and managing sport hunting and fishing on State and Federal lands. Visit the Idaho Fish and Game web site for more information.

Tribal
The Treaty of 1855 guaranteed the Nez Perce Tribe certain rights, including hunting, gathering and fishing. Visit the Nez Perce Tribe web site for more information.

Idaho Outfitters & Guides
Explore Idaho Outfitter and Guide Licensing Board website at: IOGLB, where you can search for outfitters by activity.

Lake and Pond Fishing

There are many lakes and ponds available for fishing on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The Fenn Pond, near the Historic Fenn Ranger Station, is stocked by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. It has a smooth accessible trail and boardwalk and is ideal for children and those who cannot traverse rugged terrain.

River and Stream Fishing

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are famous for wild waters. We are bordered to the south by the Salmon River, also known as “The River of No Return.” Portions of this river are designated Wild and Scenic. To the west, the Snake River cuts a deep swath through Hells Canyon, a National Recreation Area. To the northeast is the Selway River, a Wild and Scenic River with premier rafting opportunities. Through the middle is the South Fork of the Clearwater River, which offers prime steelhead and salmon to the fishing enthusiast. Many streams feed into these mighty rivers and lakes can be found nestled in the high mountain peaks.

Hunting

There are several Big Game Hunting Areas on the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forests, including the Highway 14 Corridor, Lochasa - Highway 12 Corridor, North Fork of the Clearwater Corridor, Palouse Corridor, and the Salmon River - Highway 95 Corridor. Contact your local Forest Service or Idaho Department of Fish & Game offices for more information.

Archery

If you want to hunt with bow and arrow, you must follow state laws as well as Forest rules. You must follow state laws and regulations pertaining to seasons, dates, and licensing.

Visit state fish and game or wildlife websites for hunting licenses or permits, regulations, and season dates.

Recreational and Target Shooting

Target shooting
- Target shooting is allowed some of our national forests.
  - For recommended areas and additional information contact the local ranger districts
- Fundamentals of shooting:
  - Treat every gun as if as if it is loaded
  - Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
  - Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
  - Always be sure of your target and what is beyond.
  - Ricochets can cause fires. Conditions in the forest can be dry at any time of year. When shooting firearms, please take safety precautions and be mindful that hot projectiles and sparks from ricochets can ignite fires in dry, grassy, brushy fuels.
- Federal Rules
  - According to the Code of Federal Regulations (title 36), recreational shooting can take place on the National Forests and Grasslands under these conditions:
    - You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area
    - You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
    - You are not shooting into or within a cave
    - You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage due to such discharge
    - You are not firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.