General Information The Gem State is a land mass of 82,413 square miles of some of the most naturally scenic landscape in North America. Unbridled rivers, icy-cold mountain lakes, majestic, emerald green mountains, and vast Bitterroot forests shape this land called a paradise by explorers Louis and Clark. Capital City: Boise Largest City: Boise National Parks and Forests: Boise National Forest Caribou National Forest Challis National Forest Clearwater National Forest Coeur d'Alene National Forest Nez Perce National Forest Payette National Forest Sport Fishing Idaho is graced with a seemingly limitless variety of water resources within its boundaries. Trout are the most predominant species, inhabiting the deep mountain lakes, meadow streams, forest creeks, and massive rivers. Seven species of trout exist in Idaho watersheds, often attaining record sizes including a 32-pound Dolly Varden and a 37-pound rainbow taken from northern Idaho's famed Pend Oreille Lake. Idaho is the only inland state that has runs of steelhead and Pacific salmon. The Clearwater, Snake, and Salmon rivers all offer year-round fishing for trout and salmon, and steelhead are frequently caught in the spring and fall. Idaho's many water resources also provide warmwater fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, catfish and finally, sturgeon, of which a 360-pounder was caught in the Snake River some years ago. Hunting Idaho's vast wilderness and low population density make Idaho "hunter friendly" with a wide variety of game to pursue. A large portion of the 83,000 square miles are publicly owned, and much of the state continues to be roadless. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goat, antelope, moose, bear, bighorn sheep, cougar, upland birds and waterfowl are native to the Gem State's many forests, mountains and meadows. Idaho was the first state to license guides and outfitters and today there are over 360 that can assist in making a hunting or fishing trip a success. For information on licensing, seasons, limits, rules and regulations, please visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.