Press Releases and Articles
F&G provides hundreds of boating access sites and asks people to use them responsibly
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho has an abundance of rivers, natural lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and Idaho Fish and Game provides about 400 recreation sites throughout the state that allows access to these waterways for fishing, boating, hunting, trapping and more.
New state record burbot hoisted out of Kootenai River
| idfg-cliess
Caleb Wilson, a local angler from Troy, hauled up the Kootenai River’s most legendary fish. And not just any legendary fish, a new state catch-and-release record.
Burbot—also known as cusk, freshwater cod, ling, lingcod, and eelpout—are the only freshwater cod species found in North America, and they have… more
Clearwater Region Spring Chinook Update 4/23/2026
| idfg-jthiessen
Greetings folks,
The 2026 spring Chinook salmon season opens Saturday, April 25. Throughout the season, Idaho Fish and Game will provide weekly updates covering the Clearwater River Basin, Rapid River Run (Lower Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers), and the Hells Canyon Run (Snake River). These updates… more
Youth Outdoor Skills Day event set for May 9, at Beaver Dick Park
| idfg-jbrower
Idaho Fish and Game is once again hosting its annual Youth Outdoor Skills Day event. Come join in on the fun Saturday, May 9th, at Beaver Dick Park on Highway 33 from 9am-2pm. The entire event is free and open to the whole family. Those participating in six or more skills booths will be entered into a drawing for… more
Catchable rainbow trout returned to Long Gulch Pond!
| idfg-cghere
Fish stocking in Long Gulch Pond was suspended during road construction on Highway 95, but this year we are bringing back this unique fishing opportunity! Approximately 500 catchable-size (10-12 inch) rainbow trout were stocked in Long Gulch Pond this month. Long Gulch Pond is a great pit stop on your next scenic road… more
Look, don't touch: Despite good intentions, 'rescuing' baby wildlife can lead to bad outcomes
| idfg-cliess
It's officially spring, folks. And that means the peak of baby wildlife season is in full bloom. And it doesn't matter whether you're a backwoods hunter, hiker, bird watcher or sidewalk stroller: People are bound to see young wildlife when they venture outdoors during the spring and early summer. And there is a pretty… more
Lake Pend Oreille “State of the Lake” video now available ahead of April 22 open house
| idfg-tjross
The Lake Pend Oreille “State of the Lake” informational video is now available online. Visit the Lake Pend Oreille Fisheries website or click the video below to watch it.
F&G seeks grants to repair Winchester Dam
| idfg-rphillips
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is pursuing grant funding to support critical infrastructure repairs at Winchester Dam near the town of Winchester.
At its most recent meeting, the Fish and Game Commission authorized agency staff to move forward with grant applications aimed at offsetting the estimated $2.8… more
Idaho Fish and Game’s Brett High Honored with Native Fish Conservation Award
| idfg-jbrower
Upper Snake Regional Fisheries Manager Brett High has been named the 2026 Richard L. Wallace Native Fish Conservationist of the Year, a national award recognizing outstanding contributions to native fish conservation.
High has dedicated nearly two decades to native fish research and conservation in… more
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report (4-15-2026)
| idfg-bbeller
Hi everyone, this is the Upper Salmon River steelhead fishing report for April 15, 2026. The data discussed in this report were primarily collected between Wednesday, April 8 and Sunday, April 12.
Steelhead angler effort on the Upper Salmon River last week was almost exclusively observed in the uppermost… more
Fish and Game seeks information on two elk illegally killed in Farragut State Park
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking information related to the illegal killing of two elk at Farragut State Park.
On April 12, Fish and Game conservation officers received a report of a dead cow elk and a bull elk calf within the park. The animals were located less than a half mile from the visitor center near State… more
Attention birds and bird lovers: Boxes are NOW available at regional office in Lewiston
| idfg-jbruns
ATTENTION BIRDS! Have you just returned from a long winter in the sun? Are you looking for a place to build a nest, lay a few eggs, and raise a family? New homes are available!
ATTENTION BIRD LOVERS! Idaho Fish and Game volunteers recently constructed bird boxes for cavity nesting birds (… more
Mark your calendars: Fish and Game to host Lake Pend Oreille “State of the Lake” open house April 22
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game will host its annual Lake Pend Oreille “State of the Lake” open house on April 22 at 6 p.m. PDT at the University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (10881 N. Boyer Road).
Anglers and community members interested in Lake Pend Oreille’s fishery are encouraged to attend to learn more… more
Hunter Harvest Report: Elk and mule deer keep on climbing in 2025
| idfg-cliess
It’s that time of year again. As we foam at the mouth anticipating which hunting units, weekends, and drainages to scope out this fall, here’s a summary of how last fall went, thanks to hunter harvest reporting.
Let’s kick off this year’s harvest summary with the one species that didn’t see an increase from the… more
E-Tagging: A better way to track your catch in Idaho
| idfg-jbruns
For salmon and steelhead anglers looking to simplify their time on the water, e-tagging offers an alternative to traditional paper tagging. Available through the GoOutdoorsIdaho app, this digital option makes it easy to record salmon and steelhead harvests quickly and efficiently.
How does it work?Instead of… more
New early season fishing opportunities coming to ponds in Council, McCall, New Meadows and Cascade
| idfg-bpearson
More than 2,000 hatchery rainbow trout are headed to four community ponds in the Southwest Region in mid-April, creating new early-season fishing opportunities for anglers in Council, McCall, New Meadows and Cascade.
Browns Pond, located south of McCall, Fischer Pond in Cascade, and Meadow Creek Pond in New… more
F&G reminds public how simple steps can keep you safe in bear country
| idfg-jbrower
As bears have emerged from winter dens across Idaho, Fish and Game is reminding residents and visitors in bear country to stay Bear Aware and take simple steps to prevent attracting bears into neighborhoods, campsites, and recreation areas.
Early spring is an especially sensitive time for bears. After months of… more
Southeast Region to host hunter education open house for volunteer instructors in April
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Fish and Game's Southeast Region will be hosting an upcoming Hunter Education Program Open House for current and prospective volunteer instructors. The event will take place on Friday, April 24 at the regional office in Pocatello located at 1345 Barton Rd. Those interested are welcome to stop by during the open… more