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Idaho Fish and Game

Press Releases and Articles

The Rainbows Are Biting In C.J.

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By Joe Kozfkay, Fisheries Biologist, IDFG, Southwest Region Mention the possibility of fishing at C.J. Strike Reservoir to any of Idaho's multi-species anglers, and their heads may explode. Too many possibilities and just too little time. Should you cast small jigs in the tules for crappie and bluegill, or… more

Noxious Weeds are a Growing Problem

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Whether it's wading through yellow starthistle while hunting upland game or finding only knapweed when looking for grass for a pack string on an elk hunt, most outdoor enthusiasts know the annoyance of noxious weeds. While annoying to humans, weeds can be lethal to wildlife. Weeds can degrade plant composition and… more

Brook Trout: Idaho's Most Popular Non-native Trout

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By Kevin Meyer, Fisheries Research Biologist, IDFG, Southwest Region Many anglers love to fish small creeks, brushy beaver ponds, or even high mountain lakes to catch a mess of fish for the frying pan back at camp. One fish in Idaho that is well adapted to all of these environments is the brook trout. But brook… more

Ask Fish and Game

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Q. With spring salmon season closed, can I still fish catch-and-release for salmon? A. You can't fish for salmon in areas closed to salmon fishing-not even catch and release. You can fish for other species that are open for fishing in waters that have salmon. But if you unintentionally hook a salmon it must be… more

Spring Chinook Fishing Closed Statewide

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Tuesday morning, June 27, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game closed spring Chinook salmon fishing statewide. The department director's office signed a closure notice for the Little Salmon River effective Tuesday. The harvest target for spring hatchery Chinook in the Little Salmon has been reached. The Idaho Fish… more

New Disabled License Rule Adopted

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Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday morning, June 22, adopted amended rules for disabled hunting and fishing licenses. Commissioners adopted rules that would grant reduced cost licenses to hunters and anglers with "permanent disabilities," as directed by new state legislation that takes effect July 1. The law… more

Deadline to Buy Controlled Hunt Permits

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Big game hunters must buy controlled hunt permits and tags by August 1. Any permits and tags not purchased by that date will be forfeit. After a second drawing, any left over permits and tags are sold over the counter. Results of deer, elk, antelope and fall black bear controlled hunt drawings are available on the… more

Controlled Hunt Draw Results Online

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Hunters who applied for elk, deer, antelope and bear controlled hunts can learn online whether or not they were successful in the recent computerized drawing. Applicants can enter their hunting license numbers to find out instantly how they did in the drawing. Results are featured in the hunting section of the Idaho… more

Elmore County Horse Shows West Nile Virus

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A horse in Elmore County has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Idaho Department of Agriculture announced Friday, June 23. Magpies in Gem and Gooding counties also have tested positive for West Nile virus. In 2005, West Nile virus turned up in 15 of Idaho's 44 counties, infecting 13 humans, 114 horses,… more

Utah Angler Loses Hunting, Fishing Privileges

| idfg-nnokkentved

A Utah man will have three years to ponder the bargain that is an Idaho fishing license. Christopher Berry, 31, of Hill Air Force Base, won't be able to fish or hunt in Idaho for the next three years and must pay $894 in fines, court costs and civil penalties, as well as forfeit two sturgeon rods, following a Memorial… more

Ask Fish and Game:

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Q. Can I shoot carp with my cross-bow? A. Yes, but only in waters that are open for taking game fish. According to the Fish and Game rule book, fishing with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or mechanical device, excluding firearms, is permitted only for taking bullfrogs and unprotected nongame fish - such as carp -… more

South Fork Salmon Season May be Short

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The preseason expectation was for a return of hatchery summer Chinook to the South Fork of the Salmon River similar to the return in 2005, but the fish are not cooperating. The recommendation to open the South Fork to salmon fishing was based on a forecast that 2,500 to 3,100 summer Chinook raised at the McCall Fish… more

Brook trout: Idaho's most popular non-native trout

| idfg-staff

By Kevin Meyer, Fisheries Research Biologist Many anglers love to fish small creeks, brushy beaver ponds, or even high mountain lakes to catch a mess of fish for the frying pan back at camp. One fish in Idaho that is well adapted to all of these environments is the brook trout. What you may not know is that brook… more

Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "What are the rules for bow fishing?" Answer: Bow fishing is a combination of hunting with a bow for bullfrogs unprotected non-game fish species such as carp. Only bull frogs and unprotected non-game species may be taken and you must possess a valid… more

How to Catch Pend Oreille Trout

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A new video production has been recently released that provides tips on how to catch rainbow trout in Lake Pend Oreille. "Catch a Kam with Captain Ken", is a 73 minute DVD made by a professional guide that is now available for anglers wanting to improve their success at catching rainbow trout in Idaho's largest… more

Spring Chinook Fishing Closed Statewide

| idfg-staff

Tuesday morning, June 27, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game closed spring Chinook salmon fishing statewide. The department director's office signed a closure notice for the Little Salmon River effective Tuesday. The harvest target for spring hatchery Chinook in the Little Salmon has been reached. The Idaho Fish… more

Help prevent wildfires

| idfg-staff

JEROME - After a wet spring, tall stands of cheat-grass and other vegetation from the valleys to the mountains are beginning to dry. To help protect Idaho's wildlands from fire, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking sportsmen and others enjoying the outdoors to be extremely cautious. "With the 4th of July… more

State agencies prepare for West Nile virus

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JEROME - Nobody likes being bitten by a mosquito and outdoorsmen and horse owners have a good reason to avoid them - West Nile virus. This year, the first case of West Nile virus was found in Idaho six weeks earlier than last year. Locally, several magpies from Gooding County along with a horse in Elmore County have… more