Press Releases and Articles
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
Recent study shows trout fishing during low water and high temperatures does not harm trout populations
| idfg-mkoenig
Last summer was particularly dry and hot in much of Idaho, renewing concerns among some trout anglers about fishing when water temperatures climb. Anglers are often concerned that maybe they shouldn’t be fishing on the hottest days for fear that they might be reducing trout populations, but a recent study on… more
F&G responds to sheep 'pile up' caused by wolves in the Boise Foothills
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game and Wildlife Services investigated and responded to a report of two wolves responsible for a “pile-up” that killed 143 sheep in the Boise Foothills in mid-May. According to reports from the sheep herder, wolves caused the sheep to flee in panic and then crush or suffocate each other in an effort to… more
No matter where you live in Idaho, Free Fishing Day on June 11 offers fun for the whole family
| idfg-cliess
On June 11, anyone can get out and enjoy a day of fishing without a fishing license, but all other rules still apply.
Free Fishing Day is an Idaho tradition that includes Fish and Game employees and volunteers bringing fishing gear to various fishing spots and loaning rods, reels and tackle and helping people… more