Press Releases and Articles
As summer approaches, it's important to be bear smart
| idfg-jbruns
With spring temperatures continuing to increase and natural food sources for bears becoming harder to find, human interactions with bear will be on the rise. With thousands of campers spending time in the outdoors, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game cautions people to be careful with their food and garbage. The… more
Hunter education courses offered in the Clearwater Region this summer
| idfg-jbruns
IDFG is offering several hunter education classes in the Clearwater Region in the coming months. Students attending the Lapwai or Clearwater classes will be certified for both hunter and bowhunter education. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a class, these are the options currently available (… more
Idaho Power’s Oxbow Fish Hatchery Closed to Visitors for Renovation
| idfg-jbruns
OXBOW, Oregon — Idaho Power’s Oxbow Fish Hatchery in Hells Canyon will be closed to the public beginning June 1 while the hatchery’s water intake system is being upgraded. Pending approval from federal regulators, an extensive remodel and expansion of the hatchery itself will begin later this summer, extending the… more
South Fork Clearwater River Broodstock Program : Video Series Part 2- Hatchery Spawning and Smolt Release
| idfg-jbruns
The South Fork localized broodstock program is a collaborative effort with Idaho Fish and Game Clearwater Hatchery, Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, the Nez Perce Tribe and volunteer anglers. Volunteers fish for adult Steelhead to be used as broodstock to supply the needs for Dworshak and Clearwater hatcheries.… more
F&G fish crews get some unwanted guests of the smelly and venomous varieties at their fish traps
| idfg-sputnam
Stepping onto the mainstem Salmon and Snake River smolt traps is like arriving at the tree on Christmas morning. One never knows what surprises may be in store. While biologists expect to find fish, Mother Nature may surprise them with a fanged or smelly intruders.
Beginning in early March and… more
From horses to huckleberries: June’s 'Wildlife Express' takes a look at Idaho’s state symbols
| idfg-cliess
Whether you moved to Idaho or were born and raised in the Gem State, it may surprise you to learn that there’s more to the state’s iconic image than just blue turf and potatoes. Idaho is a diverse outdoors state, characterized by several historic, economic and natural symbols from the mountain bluebird to the Western… more
First year-class of sturgeon reared at the Niagara Springs hatchery stocked in the Snake River
| idfg-tthompson
After rearing for one year in the new Niagara Springs Sturgeon Hatchery south of Wendell, several hundred sturgeon were recently stocked in four Magic Valley locations in the Snake River. Hatchery staff from the Niagara Springs hatchery stocked the fish at Relish Beach, Bell Rapids, Thousand Springs and Niagara… more
Learn to Fly Fish – Episode 2: Equipment (VIDEO)
| idfg-cliess
The older we get, it seems there are fewer opportunities to learn new hobbies or skills. But learning can be a fun challenge, and learning to fly fish is no different. Not only do you get to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s an opportunity to constantly challenge one’s self and improve, and knowing the equipment… more
Fungus that causes white-nose syndrome detected in three Idaho bat species at Minnetonka Cave
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game received confirmation that six bats tested positive for a fungus that leads to a deadly disease known as “white-nose syndrome.” The bats were located in Minnetonka Cave in Bear Lake County, and it’s the first case of the fungus ever being detected in Idaho after a decade of testing.
“We’re… more
June trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region
| idfg-jjackson
Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license! Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing nearly 25,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during June. And, check it out, 1000 tiger trout are headed to Montpelier… more
Let your kids kick off their summer by learning the basics of fly fishing on June 11
| idfg-tjross
Summer is here, and as kids get out of school and begin looking for something to do, here is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
On June 11 (Free Fishing Day), Idaho Fish and Game is partnering with the Idaho Master Naturalists, Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited and North 40 Outfitters Fly Shop from… more
Idaho Fish and Game forest restoration work underway on Craig Mountain WMA
| idfg-jbruns
Approximately 1,100 acres of forest restoration work will be completed on Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) following last year's Snake River Complex fire. Forest restoration operations are currently underway and expected to last through this summer. Restoration work will include removal of dead and dying… more
Over 27,000 rainbow trout are headed to the Panhandle Region in June
| idfg-tjross
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the fish are biting! It's time to grab your fishing gear and enjoy the nice weather! Over 27,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout are headed to the Panhandle Region in June.
Stocking of all… more
Shepherd Lake fishing and boating access site in the Panhandle Region will be closed June 6-17
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game will soon begin a construction project to improve the Shepherd Lake fishing and boating access site.
Construction activities will require closure of the site from June 6-17. Public use, including access to the boat launch and dock, will not be possible during the closure.
The… more
Reminder that grizzly bears can frequent any game management unit in the Panhandle
| idfg-tjross
Spring brings lots back to life after a cold, dark winter, including grizzly bears. Idaho Fish and Game Staff in the Panhandle Region have confirmed the presence of a grizzly sow and cub in the area of Johnson Saddle in Game Management Units 4A/4.
Although grizzly bears are most commonly observed in the… more
Kootenai River Angler Science Program was a hit among anglers and a win for the burbot fishery
| idfg-tjross
Staff with Idaho Fish and Game and anglers on the Kootenai River struck a sweet partnership to benefit how the burbot fishery in the river is managed.
Anglers got to do what they do best - fish! While fishing, they could opt to participate in the Kootenai River Angler Science Program by filling out… more
F&G staff euthanize fish at Hagerman State Fish Hatchery to minimize spread of disease
| idfg-cliess
On June 1, Idaho Fish and Game staff at Hagerman State Fish Hatchery euthanized about 188,000 young rainbow trout after the fish contracted a viral disease called infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN). There are no treatments to cure fish with IHN, so euthanasia is the best way to stop an outbreak and prevent the… more
Birding Island North boat ramp on the Payette River is now open to the public
| idfg-bpearson
A new boat ramp on the Payette River Wildlife Management Area’s Birding Island North segment near New Plymouth is now operational, providing improved access to the WMA and public islands within the Payette River. The property was purchased with Bureau of Reclamation mitigation funds from 201. Fish and Game will… more