Press Releases and Articles
Moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunt application period is now open
| idfg-cliess
The application period for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts is now open and runs through April 30. Hunters can apply online or at any Fish and Game office, license vendor or by telephone by calling (800) 554-8685.
Hunters are reminded that Fish and Game no longer accepts mail-in… more
Kokanee fishing workshops coming to Southwest Idaho on April 2 and April 23
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game and local tackle manufacturer Kokabow Fishing Tackle LLC are partnering to provide a one-stop shop for all things kokanee during two workshops in April.
Idaho Fish and Game staff will be on hand to discuss kokanee biology and management, and talk about the status of our region's most… more
The opportunity to fish for some of the state’s biggest bass is now (and you don’t need to be a seasoned tournament pro to have a successful outing)
| idfg-cliess
During spring, the local weatherman stands before a green screen, strategically circling portions of the state with high and low pressure systems. Predicting spring weather in Idaho can be all over the map. While it might be weeks before most anglers wait for those warm, sunny days to pack coolers and slather on… more
Southwest Region rainbow trout stocking schedule - April
| idfg-bpearson
Fish and Game staff will be stocking more than 41,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout at the following locations across the Southwest Region in April. In addition to the typical catchable-sized fish, Southwest Region hatchery staff will be stocking around 1,500 larger fish in… more
Fish and Game seeks volunteers to plant sagebrush to rehabilitate fire damaged winter range in the Magic Valley
| idfg-tthompson
The Badger Fire in 2020 burned thousands of acres of critical big game winter range and sage grouse habitat in the front country and mountains south of Twin Falls. The intensity of the fire that burned on both BLM and Sawtooth National Forest land destroyed not only mature sagebrush plants but also burned so hot that… more
Young hunters get early shot at a gobbler beginning April 8 near Salmon and Challis
| idfg-mdemick
Fifty young turkey hunters get an early shot during Idaho's Youth-Only controlled turkey hunt that runs April 8 through May 25 in the Salmon and Challis areas.
“These youth-only hunts were created to increase opportunities and promote hunting as a safe, enjoyable and family-oriented activity,” said Dennis… more
'Take Me Fishing Trailer' is returning to Southwest Idaho this spring
| idfg-bpearson
Looking for a fun family friendly activity to enjoy this spring? Look no further than the Fish and Game Take Me Fishing trailer as it travels around the state loaning out all the gear needed to catch fish.
During the events, staff and volunteers will be on-hand to help both kids and adults… more
Helping remove dead wildlife is part of living in a rural town
| idfg-bpearson
As the local deer herd has grown, so has the number of dead and injured deer in town. The McCall Idaho Department of Fish and Game office has received over 50 calls reporting dead or injured deer this winter.
“We are a small office, and have staff in the field during much of the winter conducting wildlife… more
Hunter Education course in Lewiston April 21-23
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game will be hosting a hunter education course in Lewiston April 21-23, 2022. The cost of the class is $9.75. Hunter education is required for all hunters born after January 1st, 1975. If you are interested in attending this course, please register at Event - Hunter Ed Certification:… more
March 28 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report
| idfg-bbeller
Steelhead angler effort on the upper Salmon River began to shift upstream during the past week. The highest amount of angler effort was observed near the Pahsimeroi River confluence in location code 17. Angler effort downstream of North Fork decreased compared to last week's report, and angler effort upstream of… more
Snake River Smolt Trap: Hidden in Plain Sight
| idfg-sputnam
The Snake River trap starts fishing for juvenile salmon and steelhead trout, known as smolts, around the first week of March. Trapping continues until the end of May. This tradition has been repeated at the Blue Bridge since 1984.
Hundreds of motorists pass this… more
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for April 2022 in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-tthompson
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 63,700 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in April.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or staffing constraints.… more
F&G seeking public input on Furbearer Management Plan, 2022-27
| idfg-cliess
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking comments on its Idaho Furbearer Management Plan, 2022-2027. The draft plan is open to public comment through April 20. Fish and Game welcomes input from the public, and encourages references to specific sections or pages of the plan when leaving a general comment.
Click here to… more
April trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region
| idfg-jjackson
April may be known for its finicky spring weather in southeast Idaho, but here is a “forecast” anglers can really rely on to plan their outings. Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 47,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during April.… more
F&G to host Turkey Hunting 101 webinar with BHA and NWTF
| idfg-imalepeai
Interested in turkey hunting this spring, but not sure how to do it? You’re in luck! Idaho Fish and Game, in partnership with the Idaho Chapters of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and National Wild Turkey Federation will host a Turkey Hunting 101 Webinar on Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time. A… more
Spring turkey hunting outlook looking good for 2022, similar to 2021
| idfg-cliess
Another mild winter across much of the state has Fish and Game biologists optimistic about what to expect for this year’s spring turkey hunt.
“I expect to see a good number of two-year old toms to chase this spring. Pattern your shotguns and tune up your calls, gobbles are already echoing through the hills,”… more
Dead trumpeter swan found hanging in tree near Oneida Narrows in southeast Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the illegal killing of a trumpeter swan near Oneida Narrows in Franklin County.
Multiple reports were recently received by Idaho Fish and Game regarding a dead swan hanging in a tree approximately a mile below Red Point Campground.
… more
Kokanee numbers high in Dworshak Reservoir; Expect high catch rates of small kokanee, improved growth of Smallmouth bass
| idfg-efelts
Dworshak Reservoir is expected to be teeming with kokanee in 2022. Annual surveys conducted in late summer 2021 revealed record-high kokanee abundance in the reservoir. The total kokanee abundance was estimated to be nearly 10 million in 2021 which is the highest estimate on record. As a point of reference, the… more