Press Releases and Articles
October trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region
| idfg-jjackson
Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 80,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during October! This is no trick… it is all treat!!
Southwest Region rainbow trout stocking schedule - October
| idfg-cliess
Fish and Game staff will be stocking nearly 26,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout throughout the Southwest Region in October.
All fish stocked are rainbow trout. Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to… more
Pheasant stocking returns to the Clearwater Region this fall
| idfg-jbruns
The leaves are changing colors, the temperatures are dropping which means we are entering hunters’ most favorite time of year, fall. Fall brings lots of hunting opportunities including pheasant hunting. This year the season dates for the Youth‑Only Pheasant Season runs Thursday, Oct 8-Oct 14th. Pheasants will be… more
Know your species before heading into the mountains this fall
| idfg-cliess
Is that a mule deer or a white-tailed deer? A moose or an elk? A black bear or a grizzly bear? These are questions asked and thoughts pondered by many a sportsman each hunting season.
While it may seem like an easy task, correctly identifying your target species can be challenging at times. Weather conditions,… more
Hunters should be aware of upcoming prescribed fire in areas of Sawtooth National Forest in October
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Hunters planning to spend time in Units 43, 54, and 55 this October should be aware of prescribed burns planned by the Sawtooth National Forest Service. Depending on weather conditions, burning operations may overlap with fall hunting seasons and temporarily affect access to portions of these units.
The… more
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for October 2026 in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game's Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 41,300 10-12'' catchable-sized rainbow trout in October. The stocking date and number of fish are approximate.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns… more
Fall walleye are on the move in Lake Pend Oreille, and here’s where to find them
| idfg-tjross
Fall is one of the best times of year to find walleye on the move in Lake Pend Oreille. Since 2019, Idaho Fish and Game biologists have followed more than 90 walleye fitted with acoustic tags, using underwater receivers placed around the lake and river to see where the fish go and when.
The map below shows where… more
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for October 2026 in the Clearwater Region
| idfg-jbruns
Fish and Game staff will be stocking nearly 29,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout at the following locations across the Clearwater Region in October!
Hunters reminded of CWD Management Zone rules and encouraged to submit samples
| idfg-jbruns
With big game seasons underway, Idaho Fish and Game’s Clearwater Region is reminding hunters about special regulations that apply when hunting in the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone and encouraging hunters to submit CWD samples whenever possible.
Game Management Units 14 and 18, along with a portion of… more
10 tips for firearm handling safety while out hunting this fall
| idfg-cliess
Statistics from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) show that hunting with firearms is actually one of the safest recreational activities in the country. That’s not to say that accidents can’t happen, and practicing safe firearm handling can greatly reduce the risk.
In recent years, about 280,000… more
Statewide trout stocking highlights for October 2026
| idfg-cliess
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 210,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this October. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most… more
What hunters need to know about CWD requirements for 2026
| idfg-cliess
Hunters in 2026 will have a mandatory testing requirement for chronic wasting disease for deer in seven hunting units, including the addition of Units 64 and 69 near Idaho Falls.
After two consecutive years of no CWD detections, Units 24 and 32A were removed from mandatory testing requirements. Testing is… more
Individual sustains injuries from encounter with raccoon in a Pocatello neighborhood
| idfg-jjackson
On the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 22, Idaho Fish and Game responded to a Pocatello residence where an individual had received injuries from an encounter with a raccoon. According to information provided by those on scene, the raccoon was out during the day, wandering in the cul-de-sac, and “acting strangely.” … more
Youth pheasant hunting season kicks off Thursday, Oct. 8
| idfg-cliess
Youth pheasant hunting season kicks off Thursday, Oct. 8 and runs through Oct. 14. Youth ages 17 years and younger with an Idaho hunting license can participate in the youth pheasant hunt; anyone 18 years or older cannot hunt during the youth hunt.
For full rules on the hunt, see pages 11-13 of the 2026-2027… more
Important dates to help plan your October
| idfg-cliess
From tags sales to season openers, there’s a lot happening in Idaho during October that you should be aware of. Staying in the loop can be the difference between applying for that coveted controlled hunt tag and watching from the sidelines.
Be sure to stay up to date on all Fish and Game happenings. Here are… more
Citizens asked to provide information on wasted moose near Elk River
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are seeking information about a bull moose that was killed the evening of Sept. 14 or early morning of Sept. 15 near the Elmberry Creek/Gold Creek area east of Elk River in Unit 10A.
A small amount of meat and the head were removed from the moose, while the majority of… more
Salmon Region youth pheasant hunt scheduled for Saturday Oct. 10, 2026
| idfg-tschrempp
The Salmon Region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is hosting their annual youth pheasant hunt for hunters aged 10-17. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Participants will begin their day at the Salmon IDFG office learning about pheasant… more
Portion of Boise River WMA to close for invasive grass treatment
| idfg-scassinelli
Editor's Note: The invasive grass treatment has been delayed and is expected to take place Sept. 28 or 29.
Starting the week of Sept. 21, the Charcoal Segment of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area will close for about three days to ensure public safety while a helicopter applies… more