Press Releases and Articles
Idaho Falls angler lands 43.25-inch lake trout…and returns to the Idaho record books
| idfg-cliess
An Idaho Falls angler miraculously reeled in a new state catch-and-release record lake trout and, even more unbelievably, was able to hoist it up into the boat. Dylan Smith — the lucky angler in question — was fishing on Payette Lake in McCall on May 2 when a 43.25-inch lake trout took the line for a sprint. … more
Walleye are a bad match for Idaho waters, and F&G asks anglers to help stop their expansion
| idfg-rphillips
Walleye are typically a bad match for Idaho because they are native to large Midwestern lakes that have nearly unlimited schools of minnows, shiners and other baitfish that walleye live on. Those large baitfish populations are unavailable in most Idaho waters, which means walleye consume game fish to survive, and most… more
Citizen science is the key to F&G’s hugely successful program, Turkey Tracker
| idfg-cliess
Idaho Fish and Game’s hugely successful project — dubbed Turkey Tracker — launched in the summer of 2024. During its inaugural two years, the project has racked up 2,157 reports of over 15,000 turkeys, all thanks to the public.
Idaho Fish and Game relocates yearling moose from Rupert
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
On Thursday, June 18, a yearling moose was relocated after the Magic Valley Region received a report of the moose in a residential yard in Rupert near Interstate 84.
Idaho Fish and Game wildlife staff safely anesthetized and captured the moose before relocating it to more suitable moose habitat in the… more
Fish and Game begins grizzly bear research trapping in the northern Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Selkirk and Cabinet/Yaak Ecosystems, biologists from Idaho Fish and Game have begun research trapping of grizzly bears in the Panhandle Region. Trapping will occur in Boundary County and potentially in portions of Bonner County, the two… more
Saint Maries trio sentenced in North Idaho deer poaching case
| idfg-tjross
On May 11, the final sentencing was issued for one of three individuals involved in the unlawful killing of seven mature white-tailed deer bucks in North Idaho during November 2024.
The individuals involved in the case were Will Clark, Lucas Mitchell and Laura Willis.
Sentencing for Mitchell (Feb.… more
Upper Salmon River Chinook update - 6/17/2026
| idfg-gschoby
Now available: Controlled hunt drawing results for deer, elk, pronghorn, fall bear, turkey, and swan
| idfg-cliess
Results of the deer, elk, pronghorn, fall black bear, fall turkey, and swan controlled hunt drawings are now available. Hunters are encouraged to review their email to verify their results or log into their online account at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com. For more information about how to view your drawing results, visit Fish… more
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 South Fork Salmon River 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