Press Releases and Articles
Brook trout: Idaho's most popular non-native trout
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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… moreAsk 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… moreHow 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… moreSpring 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… moreHelp prevent wildfires
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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… moreState 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… moreOsprey Banding Cruise Planned for July 8
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The osprey is a fish-eating hawk common to northern Idaho. At least 100 pair nest annually in the Coeur d'Alene Lake region including the lower reaches of the St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene Rivers. By mid September, the adults and the young of the year birds begin their annual migration all the way to Baja California, or… moreAsk the Conservation Officer (CO)
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by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I was talking to a fellow angler about the markings to determine cutthroat trout from other species. We both thought the red slashes along the bottom of the jaw or "throat" was the most definitive markings. Now I'm hearing that is not true. Can you clear… moreShort Bass Cost Utah Man Hunt/Fish Privileges
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A Utah man will have the next three years to ponder the bargain that is a $26 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… moreWildlife Mothers Know Best
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By Jennifer Jackson, Regional Conservation Educator dnd James Rich, for IDFG Glorious summer weather is great for everyone, including Idaho's wildlife. This is the time of year when baby birds are learning to fly, mule deer does are dropping fawns, and elk and moose calves are walking on shaky little legs. Camping… moreThe Rainbows of C.J.
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By Joe Kozfkay, Fisheries Biologist, Southwest Region Mention the possibility of going fishing at C.J. Strike Reservoir to any of Idaho's multi-species anglers and their head may explode. Too many possibilities and often just too little time! Should you cast small jigs in the tulies for crappie and bluegill, or… moreSouth Fork Salmon Season Set
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The Idaho Fish and Game Commission in a telephone conference call on the morning of the first day of summer, June 22, adopted a summer Chinook salmon season on the South Fork of the Salmon River, starting June 29. The commissioners also agreed to close the spring Chinook season on the Lower Salmon River two days early at… moreIDFG Takes Action Against Stationary Migratory Waterfowl
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IDAHO FALLS - Everyone knows that the ducks and geese fly south for the winter and then head back north in the spring. That's just what migratory waterfowl are supposed to do. Unfortunately, Idaho Falls is like many communities across the nation where a population of these birds has found a comfortable niche and… moreGovernor Supports Sockeye Program
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Idaho Gov. Jim Risch June 14 called for a greater effort to recover endangered sockeye salmon that migrate to spawn in central Idaho's Redfish Lake. "It would not be the policy of this administration to abandon the recovery of sockeye salmon, Risch told the Northwest Power Planning Council. His comments came in… moreConservation Officers Honored
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Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers Marshall Haynes and Barry Cummings are the 2006 recipients of the agency's Conservation Officer of the Year award. Two conservation officers are honored with this award each year. Southwest Region District Conservation Officer Bill London nominated Haynes, whose patrol… moreNature Center Gets New Fish
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Only a few hours from the river and still full of energy from their spawning drive, four full-grown Chinook salmon arrived at the MK Nature Center Thursday afternoon, June 16. The four fish, each about three feet long, came by truck from the Rapid River Hatchery near Riggins, where they were trapped upon their return… moreAsk Fish and Game:
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Q. Is it legal for American Indians to sell fresh salmon even after the season has closed? A. Yes. When salmon returns are estimated, the fishable surplus after hatchery needs are met is split between sport anglers and tribes. Sport anglers must follow state Fish and Game rules. The tribes have their own fishing… moreNoxious Weeds - A Growing Problem
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By John Nelson - IDFG Sr. Wildlife Technician, Clearwater Region Every outdoor enthusiast has encountered noxious weeds on their outdoor excursions. Whether wading through Yellow Starthistle, hunting upland game or looking for grass for elk-packing stock and finding only knapweed, hunters know how annoying weeds can… more