Press Releases and Articles
Free Fishing Day is June 13, and here's what you need to know for a fun day of fishing
| idfg-rphillips
Free Fishing Day is June 13, and anyone can enjoy a day of fishing without a fishing license, but all other rules still apply.
Free Fishing Day is an Idaho tradition that usually includes Fish and Game employees and volunteers bringing fishing gear to various fishing spots and loaning… more
Hiker attacked by bear near Henrys Lake Outlet
| idfg-jbrower
The victim sustained injuries, but was able to walk out on his own. At around 5:30 p.m. he was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He was treated for his injuries and released.
Idaho Fish and Game along with Fremont County Deputies have secured the scene and are… more
Bonneville cutthroat trout broodstock program improves fishing in southeast Idaho
| idfg-rhillyard
Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT) are one of 14 subspecies of cutthroat trout and unique to the southeast corner of the state. Cutthroat are popular among anglers for their tenacity and willingness to rise for a dry fly. The BCT is no exception and has notoriety among many trout anglers. The productive waters of… more
Fish stocking continues statewide, and here are some highlights for June
| idfg-bgrant
Idaho Fish and Game has continued stocking fish during COVID-19, and despite this being an abnormal year, most of Idaho's angling opportunities remain unchanged. Here's a sampling of some places that will get generous trout stockings during June.
To see more about what waters have been stocked,… more
The lower Boise River: Idaho’s urban fishery
| idfg-tdamico
The Boise River headwater streams originate in the Sawtooth Mountains. The North Fork Boise River, Middle Fork Boise River and South Fork Boise River all eventually make their way into Arrowrock Reservoir and then into Lucky Peak Reservoir. Below Lucky Peak Reservoir is considered the lower Boise River, which flows… more
Parking lot construction will begin early June on top of Eagle Creek Road
| idfg-jbruns
Parking lot construction will begin early as Monday, June 1st and will continue until June 15th on the large parking area at the intersection of Zaza and Eagle Creek Road.The parking area will be closed and motorists should anticipate heavy truck traffic and occassional delays. For those that would like to park and… more
Salmon Region waters to be stocked with trout in June
| idfg-mdemick
Even with COVID-19 concerns changing the way we are currently living, working, and recreating, you can still get outside for some fishing adventures. Just remember to follow public health recommendations for social distancing, even when outdoors.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game will stock over 31,… more
Restoring salmon habitat can prevent harmful floods
| idfg-jkeith
Salmon habitat restoration project on the Eagle Valley Ranch near Salmon, Idaho CAPTION: Salmon habitat restoration project on the Eagle Valley Ranch near Salmon, Idaho
Idaho Fish and Game biologists are applying techniques to restore salmon and steelhead habitat that can reduce the effects of… more
Q&A: Idaho closed its chinook fishing while Washington and Oregon extend theirs, how can that be?
| idfg-jdupont
Most people understand why we had to shut down the fishery in Clearwater basin and reduce harvest shares on the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers. What people don’t understand is how Washington and Oregon were announcing they would extend their Chinook Salmon fishery just when Idaho was closing ours down. The disparity… more
Wildlife Express: Redband trout are Idaho’s native resident rainbow
| idfg-scassinelli
Redband trout are found in a variety of stream habitats in Idaho, from some of the warmest streams in the Owyhee desert, to the smallest mountain streams in remote alpine settings of central and northern Idaho.
This month’s Wildlife Express will have anglers itching to catch these native gems known for their… more
F&G begins annual grizzly bear research trapping in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| idfg-jnicholson
Biologists from Idaho Fish and Game will begin annual research trapping efforts for grizzly bears in the Upper Snake Region on May 31. To avoid conflicts with hunters, current operations will be confined to areas where hunting is prohibited. Larger scale operations will begin July 1st in the Caribou-Targhee National… more
2020 Campground Openers/Closures at Horsethief Reservoir
| idfg-mkoenig
The opening of campgrounds at Horsethief Reservoir has been delayed due to the current COVID-19 situation. The opening date for overnight camping at Horsethief Reservoir Campground has been set for Saturday, May 30th. Basic sanitary measures to address COVID-19 issues for campground users are being… more
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 5/26/2020
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody, it is time for my weekly spring Chinook Salmon update (5/26/2020).
Run Size and Harvest Shares
Counts at Bonneville continue to give periods of hope only to drop back down (see graph below). At this point, the run of Idaho bound spring Chinook Salmon over Bonneville… more
F&G capture and euthanize injured mountain lion near Rexburg
| idfg-jbrower
On the evening of May 23, a young male mountain lion was tranquilized by Fish and Game staff on the outskirts of Rexburg. The young lion had an injury on his right flank and was held overnight for observation. It was later determined that the injury was severe and the lion was euthanized.
… more
Spring bear hunters reminded of baiting rules
| idfg-mdemick
With spring black bear hunting season well underway, Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters that using bait comes with easy to follow rules. Yet each spring, some run afoul with the law when their blunders could easily be avoided.
Here are a few reminders every bear baiter should follow:… more
Please Recreate Responsibly during the Memorial Day Weekend
| idfg-staff
Despite COVID-19, Memorial Day remains the start of the summer recreation season, and state and federal land managers urge the public to enjoy the outdoors – but to do so responsibly.
The Recreate Responsibly Idaho partners would like to remind Idahoans to be safe and respectful of others as they enjoy hiking… more
As you prepare for 2020 big game season, here's a look at 2019 deer and elk harvest statistics
| idfg-rphillips
Here's an overview of the 2019 deer and elk harvests, and links to more stories to let you know where we're headed for 2020.
Controlled hunt information for deer, elk and pronghorn
Apply now for Idaho's Super Hunt drawings, deadline is May 31
Winter survival for radio-collared… more
Riley Pond on the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area to be partially drained to improve waterfowl habitat
| idfg-tthompson
Located 4 miles south of Hagerman on the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Riley Pond will be drawn down following the Memorial Day weekend for a wetland management project. The drawdown is expected to last until early September.
Wetlands benefit from routine and timely drawdowns to increase wetland… more