Why Have an “Other Fish” Page?
When you're just starting out, it's more than enough to focus on trout, bass, panfish and catfish. But as you spend more time on Idaho water, you're going to hear other names: kokanee, mountain whitefish, tiger muskie, burbot, and more.
This page isn't a full how-to manual for each one. Instead, think of it as a quick orientation so when someone at the boat ramp mentions a kokanee bite or a whitefish hatch, you have a sense of what they're talking about and where those species might fit into your own fishing journey.
Kokanee — Landlocked “Mini Salmon”
Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon that spend their entire lives in freshwater. In Idaho, they're usually found in deeper lakes and reservoirs and are often targeted from boats, especially during the open-water season.
For beginners, kokanee are worth knowing about because:
- They can provide fast action when you get dialed in.
- They're a popular food fish with bright, firm meat.
- Techniques often involve trolling small dodgers and lures at specific depths.
Bank access for kokanee can be limited in many systems, and gear is a little more specialized, so most new anglers start with other species first and circle back to kokanee once they're comfortable with boats, electronics or fishing deeper water safely.
Mountain Whitefish — The Underappreciated Native
Mountain whitefish are native to many of Idaho's cold rivers and are often found right alongside trout. They have a more rounded body, a small downturned mouth and a reputation for being “bycatch” when people are trout fishing.
The reality is they can be fun, willing biters and, in some places, a sign of a healthy river. They often eat nymphs and small flies or natural baits drifted near the bottom.
If you start catching whitefish while fishing for trout, it's usually a good sign you're getting your depth and drift right. Just make sure you know the local regulations for harvest and size limits if you're thinking about keeping any.
Other Names You Might Hear
Depending on where you fish in Idaho, you might also hear people talk about:
- Tiger muskie: A large, toothy predator stocked in a few selected waters. Very much an advanced-target fish.
- Burbot: A freshwater cod species found in some colder systems, often targeted through the ice or at night in winter.
- Kokanee-eating predators: Lake trout, bull trout or large trout in deeper reservoirs, usually an advanced pursuit with boats and specialized gear.
These species are interesting and can be exciting to learn about, but they're not where most new anglers should start. Think of them as future chapters once you've logged more time with the core species on Fish Finder Outdoors.
Regulations Matter Here Too
As with every other species in Idaho, regulations for these “other fish” can be very specific to each lake, reservoir or river system. Some waters have special harvest rules for kokanee or whitefish; others have strict protections for certain predator species.
Always:
- Check the current Idaho regulations for the exact water you're fishing.
- Pay attention to any special seasons, size limits or gear restrictions.
- When in doubt, release fish you're not sure about and get clarity before your next trip.
Where This Fits in Your Progression
The main Fish Finder Outdoors species guides are built around trout, bass, panfish, catfish, salmon/steelhead and sturgeon. Those pages give you the biggest return on your time as a new or growing angler.
This “Other Idaho Fish” page is here so that as you expand into new waters, you have a mental map of what else is out there. You might decide that:
- Kokanee become a new boat goal after you're comfortable on your home reservoir.
- Whitefish are a welcome bonus while winter nymphing for trout.
- Tiger muskie and burbot are long-term “bucket list” species for the future.
However you approach it, the idea is the same: build a strong foundation first, then branch out into the more specialized fisheries that catch your interest.
How This Fits Into Fish Finder Outdoors
Right now, most of the detailed gear recommendations on Fish Finder Outdoors focus on the core beginner-friendly species: trout, bass, panfish and catfish, with overview pages for salmon/steelhead and sturgeon.
As I have time on the water and real experience to share with these other species, this page is where I'll link to any kokanee, whitefish or other “off the beaten path” setups that actually earn a spot in the lineup.
Until then, treat this page as a quick map of what else lives in Idaho water — and a reminder that there's always something new to learn once you're ready to branch out.