Boat Ramps In Idaho: Open For Business?

Idaho has a plethora of boating access points, including public and private boat ramps and launches. The state offers over 300 fishing and boating access sites, with amenities and facilities listed for each site. Idaho Power maintains several parks, boat launches, and day-use areas, including the Hells Canyon Park boat launch, Copperfield boat launch, and Old Carter's Landing. Idaho Fish and Game also provide boating etiquette tips for busy boat ramps, such as being patient and prepared, using multiple lanes efficiently, and keeping boat launch facilities exclusive to boat launching activities.

Idaho boat ramp and launch points with trailer access

Idaho offers a variety of boat ramp and launch points with trailer access, catering to both public and private use. These sites provide access to major lakes, rivers, and waterways across the state. It is always advisable to check ahead to determine whether a location is a public or private ramp.

Kootenai County Boat Ramp

The Kootenai County boat ramp, located at latitude 47.5535202 and longitude -116.45885468, is a concrete ramp approximately 20 feet wide. It provides access to the Coeur d'Alene River, known for its clear waters and abundant fish populations. This ramp can accommodate a range of watercraft, from small fishing boats to larger recreational vessels.

Living the Toon Life Boat Ramps

Living the Toon Life provides a comprehensive list of boat ramps and launches in Idaho, including locations such as:

• Anderson Ranch Reservoir at Boise National Forest
• Arrowrock Reservoir at Boise National Forest
• Banks Grde in Banks
• Beehive Bend in Horseshoe Bend
• Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park in Boise
• Bitter End Marina in Bayview
• Blue Diamond Marina in Coolin
• Boardwalk Marina in Coeur d'Alene

Idaho Fish and Game

The Idaho Fish and Game website offers a guide to over 300 fishing and boating access sites, with amenities and facilities listed for each site. Some of the locations include:

• Anderson Lake Outlet
• CDA River - East of Rose Lake
• Clark Fork Driftyard
• Freeman's Eddy- North Fork CDA River
• Hawkins Point - Pack River
• Hayden Lake Sportsman Park
• Pringle Park - East Hope
• Rose Lake - Sportsman Park and Watson Road
• Round Lake - O'Gara Bay Road
• St Maries River / Spicer Pond
• Thompson Lake Outlet

These boat ramp and launch points in Idaho offer convenient access to the state's waterways, catering to a range of watercraft and outdoor enthusiasts.

Boat ramp etiquette in Idaho

Boat ramp etiquette is a set of rules that every boater should follow when using a boat ramp. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of everyone around the ramp and yourself. Here are some tips for good boat ramp etiquette in Idaho:

Before Launching:

• Complete all prep work in the staging area out of the way of the ramp where other boaters are launching. Make sure you have the plug in, the cover and tiedowns off, and the boat is loaded with safety equipment and the day’s necessities.
• Check that the key is in the ignition and the battery is working.
• Install the boat drain plug.
• Load all your gear, fishing tackle, coolers, tubes, and skis into the boat.
• Attach fenders and dock lines to the boat.
• Remove the transom tie-down straps and the outboard motor brace if you use one.
• Unplug the trailer lights from the tow vehicle to prevent water damage.
• Visit the pay station and take care of any launching fees.

During Launching:

• Launch quickly and efficiently. Have others in your crew assist you if possible.
• Start the engine before releasing the boat from the trailer. This way, if your engine won't start, you can simply drive back up the ramp.
• Use dock lines to walk the boat down a dock and away from the launching area, or have your driver move the boat out of the way.
• As soon as the boat is off the trailer, pull back up the ramp and park in a designated spot.

Retrieving Your Boat:

• When retrieving your boat, use a courtesy dock or tie up away from the launch area until your trailer is in place.
• Tie your boat up to a courtesy dock and ready the tow vehicle or have the boat driver stand off until it’s your turn.
• Load the boat onto the trailer, secure the winch at the bow, and the safety chain.
• Proceed to the staging area to finish unloading and securing your trailer.

General Etiquette:

• Be respectful of the ramp queue and don't cut in line.
• Don't load gear or people onto the boat while it's on the ramp.
• Don't chat with your crew or other boaters while on the ramp.
• Always motor slowly up or down the ramp.
• It's recommended to not power load. Instead, use the winch and strap to pull the boat the rest of the way after getting the bow on.
• Check if the boat ramp has specific rules.
• Be efficient and recruit help from friends to make your launch quick and smooth.
• Once your boat has launched, remove your car and trailer, parking in the designated area.

Big Foot Bar Boat Ramp

The Big Foot Bar Boat Ramp is a Snake River access point in Idaho. It is located west of a ditch, with 120 feet of shoreline on the Snake River. The boat ramp is on private land, with 3 acres of private land and no public land accessible. The site is open for use from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026, with unlimited access.

To get to the Big Foot Bar Boat Ramp, follow these directions: From the junction of Highway 78 and Highway 167 in Grand View, Idaho, head north on Highway 167 for 2.9 miles, then turn left onto Bennett Road and follow for 0.1 miles. Next, turn left onto Whitted Road and follow for 1.0 miles, then turn right at the first cross street onto Collett Road and follow for 1.0 miles. Finally, turn left onto Gravel Pit Road and follow for 2.0 miles; the access gate will be on your left (south) side of the road.

The Big Foot Bar Boat Ramp offers a river access road, a boat ramp, and a parking area. Vehicle use is restricted to existing roads, and no overnight camping is allowed. The site offers hunting and fishing opportunities, with 120 feet of shoreline on the Snake River available for fishing. However, wolf trapping or hunting is not permitted on this parcel.

Idaho Power's boat ramps

Idaho Power Boat Ramps

Idaho Power owns and maintains over 50 recreational sites along the Snake River, from American Falls downstream to Hells Canyon. These sites include boat ramps, campgrounds, parks, and day-use areas. In March 2020, Idaho Power closed its campgrounds and other recreational facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In late May or early June 2020, Idaho Power announced plans to reopen campgrounds and additional boat ramps. The reopening was to be phased, with the first phase beginning on May 1, 2020, and dependent on the state of the pandemic in Idaho. Idaho Power's recreation supervisor, Fred Noland, emphasized the importance of protecting employees, customers, and the community while keeping the lights on as their core mission.

The first phase of reopening included sites in Hells Canyon, Swan Falls, C.J. Strike, Hagerman Area, and American Falls. While some boat launches and day-use areas became accessible, developed campgrounds, parks, and many day-use sites remained closed. Idaho Power advised visitors to check the list of recreation facilities to ensure their destination was open.

To limit crowding and enable social distancing, access was restricted at certain sites. Idaho Power's decisions regarding site openings were guided by the recommendations of state and federal health officials, as well as the governors of Idaho and Oregon. The trend in COVID-19 cases was also a critical factor in determining the timing of subsequent phases of site openings.

Idaho boating access sites

Idaho has over 300 fishing and boating access sites, with a mix of public and private marinas, boat launches, and ramps. Some of the sites are listed below:

• Anderson Lake Outlet
• CDA River - East of Rose Lake
• Clark Fork Driftyard
• Freeman's Eddy- North Fork CDA River
• Hawkins Point - Pack River
• Hayden Lake Sportsman Park
• Pringle Park - East Hope
• Rose Lake - Sportsman Park and Watson Road
• Round Lake - O'Gara Bay Road
• St Maries River / Spicer Pond
• Thompson Lake Outlet
• Clearwater Confluence
• Deer Creek Reservoir
• McKays Eddy - Myrtle
• Moose Creek Reservoir
• North Fork Clearwater River
• Payette River - Main
• Palisades Dam Boat Ramp
• Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir
• Sandpoint Marina
• Silver Beach Marina
• Spring Valley Reservoir
• Upper Bluff - Mile Post 190
• American Falls Park
• Big Foot Bar Boat Ramp
• Blue Diamond Marina
• Boardwalk Marina
• Bonneville
• Bruneau Dunes State Park Lakes
• Cabarton Putin
• Carlin Bay Resort
• CDA Moorage
• Chief Parrish (II)
• Climax Wave (III)
• Conkling Marina And Resort
• Gifford Spring at Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge
• Hells Gate Marina
• Holiday Resort/East Hope Marina
• Hope Marine Services
• Joe T. Sallini Campground
• Kirkham Campground
• Lake Pend Oreille at City Beach Park
• Lake Walcott at Lake Walcott State Park
• Macdonalds Hudson Bay Resort
• North Idaho Maritime
• Priest Lake Marina
• Sacajawea Hot Springs
• Seventh Heaven Rec
• SF Canyon Putin
• SF Canyon Takeout
• SF Swirly Canyon Putin
• SF Swirly Canyon Takeout
• The Resort Boat Shop

Boat ramp etiquette

The Idaho Fish and Game Department recommends that boaters be quick and courteous at boat ramps, especially during the busy summer season. It suggests that boaters prepare their vessels before reaching the ramp, use any open lane, and launch portable craft at the ramp's edge to allow access for trailered boats. Additionally, boaters should avoid using ramps for fishing, picnicking, or sunbathing.

Frequently asked questions