Press Releases and Articles
Pocatello man sentenced to prison for extensive unlawful guiding and wildlife violations in Teton County
| idfg-jbrower
On June 2, 2026, Joelseph Jenkins, of Pocatello, was sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony possession of wildlife taken unlawfully, guiding without a license, and a bear bait site violation in Teton County following an investigation by Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers.… more
Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery closed to the public for construction beginning June 22
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery will be temporarily closed to the public beginning June 22 while construction crews upgrade the facility's predator exclusion mesh panels. These upgrades are necessary to protect hatchery fish reared at the facility from birds and other wildlife.… more
June 16, 2026 Spring/Summer Chinook Update
| idfg-jmessner
South Fork Salmon River Opener: The Fish Are Here!
Hi everyone,
The South Fork Salmon River summer Chinook fishery opens this Thursday, June 18, and I'm sure you're all just as excited as I am.
The run continues to build, and we're refining our harvest share estimate daily as more fish move through… more
Fish and Game, city police and fire departments relocate black bear from Nampa neighborhood
| idfg-bpearson
On Sunday, June 14, Idaho Fish and Game enforcement officers and biologists responded to a report of a black bear in a tree in a residential area in Nampa. In collaboration with the Nampa Police and Fire Departments, Fish and Game staff sedated the yearling male black bear, loaded it into a trap, and transported… more
Cassia Crossbill Interpretive Sign unveiled at Diamondfield Jack Campground in the South Hills
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Visitors to the South Hills can now learn more about one of Idaho's most unique bird species through a new interpretive sign installed at Diamondfield Jack Campground.
The sign is the result of a collaborative effort between the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife… more
Drought and heat can be a bad combination for Idaho fisheries
| idfg-rphillips
With severe drought in Idaho and summer heat on the way, it’s likely anglers will lose some fishing opportunities, but Idaho Fish and Game will work to mitigate if it will provide benefits.
“Drought affects many aspects of Idaho life, including fisheries, and we’re concerned,” Fish and Game Fisheries… more
Public comment opportunity for proposed 2026 sage-grouse season, deadline July 5
| idfg-rphillips
Fish and Game is seeking comments on the 2026–27 sage-grouse seasons and tag proposals. Staff are proposing a decrease in sage-grouse tags offered and a recurring opening date of Sept. 15. Hunters and other interested parties can comment on the public comment webpage until Sunday, July 5 at midnight.
Lek counts… more
Upper Salmon River Chinook update - 6/11/2026
| idfg-gschoby
Below is the third pre-season update for the upper Salmon River Chinook return and upcoming fishery that will open on June 18th. As you are aware the IDFG Commission approved the proposals for Chinook fisheries in the upper Salmon River, South Fork Salmon River, and Lochsa River on 5/29. More details can be found… more
Southwest Region rainbow trout stocking schedule - June
| idfg-bpearson
Fish and Game staff will be stocking more than 91,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout throughout the Southwest Region in June, including around 35,000 in the week leading up to Free Fishing Day, which is Saturday, June 13 this year.
All fish stocked are rainbow trout. Stocking of all waters is… more
Pollinator events planned in Pocatello during National Pollinator Week
| idfg-jjackson
This year, June 22 through June 28 marks National Pollinator Week! The Portneuf Pollinator Partnership composed of various community organizations will be celebrating pollinators during that week in Pocatello with fun, informative public events, culminating with a special celebration at Idaho Fish and Game’s Edson… more
June 9, 2026 Spring/Summer Chinook Update
| idfg-jmessner
That's a Wrap on Spring Chinook
Hi everyone,
It was a busy weekend on the Little Salmon River. With the remainder of the Rapid River harvest share caught over the weekend, we've now issued a closure order for that fishery. Spring Chinook fisheries in the… more
Thirteen Idaho hunters draw Super Hunt tags, second drawing deadline is Aug. 10
| idfg-cliess
Draw results for the first round of Super Hunt applications have been announced. Roughly 153,000 entries were put in for the first Super Hunt drawing. Of those, 51,173 were for eight deer tags, 51,030 were for eight elk tags, 11,778 were for eight pronghorn tags, 25,986 were for one moose tag and 13,509 entries… more
Chinook fishing in the Little Salmon River is closed
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game closed sport fishery for Chinook salmon in the Little Salmon River on June 8 after harvest objectives were met. As of June 8, the Lochsa River is the only remaining Chinook fishery open.
The South Fork Salmon River and Upper Salmon River will open for Chinook fishing on June 18. … more
Blackfoot ranchers Mark and Wendy Pratt receive award from Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
| idfg-rphillips
Mark and Wendy Pratt of Blackfoot were recently presented the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency’s “Outstanding Citizen Wildlife Contributor of the Year Award” for their exemplary work balancing private land stewardship, wildlife conservation and public access.
“Mark and Wendy exemplify the… more
Attention hunters and anglers: New rules for tag exchanges and lifetime licenses will be in effect for 2026
| idfg-rphillips
Deer and Elk Hunters: New deadline date for exchanging general season tagsThe new deadline to exchange general season deer and elk tags is July 31. No exchanges will be processed after that date. This includes exchanging a general season deer or elk tag for controlled hunt tags, Landowner Appreciation Program… more
Tagging and learning about walleye in the lower Snake River
| idfg-mdobos
Anglers are encountering more walleye in the Snake River from Lewiston to Hells Canyon Dam in the past couple of years and some are wondering why. The first walleye documented in this section of the Snake River was in 2019. Since then, the number of reported walleye has substantially increased and the Idaho… more
Summer birding walks planned for the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello
| idfg-jjackson
Did you know that nearly 100 species of birds call the Edson Fichter Nature Area (EFNA) home? If you're curious to learn more about our local feathered friends—and spot some in the wild— here’s your chance!
The Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area invites you to explore the wonders of birding at… more
Catch the fun on Free Fishing Day June 13
| idfg-gschoby
Young anglers will have plenty of opportunity to catch a Free Fishing Day event in the Salmon Region this year, as three fishing derbies are being held on Saturday, June 13.
Kid’s fishing derbies will be held at Kid’s Pond in Salmon (9:00 am to noon), Blue Mountain Meadow Pond in Challis (8:30 am to noon),… more