Press Releases and Articles
Privy Art - a new look to plain, vandal-prone outdoor restrooms
| idfg-mdemick
Privy, latrine, commode - there are many names for an outhouse.
These small, yet convenient outdoor restrooms have been answering desperate calls of nature for years at boating and fishing access areas across the state. But along the Salmon River between Challis and North Fork, seven of these plain-looking… more
Chinook Salmon update for the Middle Fork Clearwater River (6/13/19)
| idfg-jdupont
Hi Everybody. My weekly Chinook Salmon updates are back on! The reason for this is we have decided to reopen a section of the Middle Fork Clearwater River to Salmon fishing. If this is of interest to you, read on.
I’m sure many of you are wondering why we are opening the Middle Fork… more
Young black bear found in Coeur d’Alene neighborhood on June 12
| idfg-ksiitari
A yearling black bear was spotted in a Coeur d’Alene neighborhood on June 12 near the intersection of Locust and Fourth Street. Fish and Game officials spent the morning monitoring the bear and ultimately determined the best course of action was to give the animal space to return to its natural habitat on its own.… more
Unit 33 and 39 Black Bear Seasons End Saturday
| idfg-eoneale
Hunters pursuing black bears in units 33 or 39 are reminded that the black bear season ends on June 15 this year in these units. A glance at the 2019 big game rule book might lead a hunter to a different conclusion.
Both fall and spring black bear seasons are included in any particular big game rule book. As… more
'Fish Idaho Fest' brings fishing and fun to Boise brewery
| idfg-imalepeai
Idaho Fish and Game will host the “Fish Idaho Fest” from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday June 15 at Payette Brewing at 733 S. Pioneer St. in Boise. The event includes live bands, casting demonstrations, kid’s fly tying, raffles, food trucks, and booths from fishing retailers and conservation organizations. This event is… more
Update on upper Salmon River Chinook fishery
| idfg-gschoby
My apologies for not getting an update out sooner. I’ve spoken to many of you on the phone or by individual email, but thought I’d try to get some more info out there regarding salmon seasons.
Unfortunately, we are not in a position to propose any salmon fisheries for the upper Salmon River this season. As… more
Hayden Lake Sportsman Park boat launch closed June 13 for dock replacement
| idfg-ksiitari
Update 6/13/19: New dock is in and access is reopened. Thank you for your patience!
Fish and Game staff will be replacing the existing dock at the Hayden Lake Sportsman Park on Thursday, June 13. The boat ramp will be closed for most of the day to complete the upgrade.
Public access is expected to… more
Where are the walleye? Updates from the Pend Oreille walleye tracking study
| idfg-prust
Fish and Game biologists initiated a pilot study in March 2018 to better understand walleye movement in Lake Pend Oreille. Walleye were tagged with transmitters that allow biologists to track their movements throughout the lake and rivers using telemetry. Although our sample size was small during the first… more
Update on Priest River cold water alternatives assessment scheduled for June 20
| idfg-ksiitari
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is studying the feasibility of using cold water to improve trout habitat and fishing opportunity in the Priest River. An alternatives assessment was recently completed to explore potential engineering alternatives that would meet temperature needs for cold water fish in this 45… more
No surprises, winter survival estimates for mule deer below average, better for elk
| idfg-bpearson
Significant February snowstorms coupled with a cool, wet spring resulted in below-average survival rates for radio collared mule deer fawns, but it had less effect on collared elk calves, according to the final survival estimates for the 2018-19 winter.
Statewide, 42 percent of radio collared fawns… more
Magic Valley hosts meeting to explain deer plans and take comments
| idfg-staff
Fish and Game wildlife managers from across the state are asking deer hunters to review and comment on the department’s draft management plans for mule deer and white-tailed deer, and the Magic Valley Region will host an open house at the Jerome office in the Highway 93 Business Park on June 12 from 3 to 8 p.m. to… more
Comment period open for negotiated rule proposals for hunting, trapping and big game importation
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game is proposing new rules and rule changes to be considered by the Fish and Game commission, and people have until June 26 to comment. Proposals could affect youth turkey hunting, use of WMA permits where pheasants are stocked, certain deer and elk tags, wolf trapping equipment, and importation of… more
Video: Learn more about draft mule deer plan with mule deer biologist Matt Pieron
| idfg-jbrower
Provide comments on the Mule Deer Plan
See the deer plans open house schedule
Striking a balance with Deadwood Reservoir kokanee
| idfg-bpearson
With June here and lots of sunny days ahead, it is a good time to begin planning extended fishing trips to your favorite summer fishing destinations. One backcountry destination that has grown popular in recent years, particularly with kokanee salmon anglers, is Deadwood Reservoir in Central Idaho southeast of Cascade… more
Wild Salmon and Steelhead Trout Surveys Begin in the Classroom
| idfg-sputnam
The 2019 snorkel season to survey wild salmon and steelhead trout started last week. Crews kicked off the summer with fish identification, snorkel survey methods, swiftwater rescue, first aid, and CPR training. These skills will allow them to collect accurate data and address emergencies while working in remote… more
New Fish and Game Southwest Region Office now open
| idfg-eoneale
After a little more than a year of construction, the new Idaho Department of Fish and Game southwest region office opened to the public on June 10.
The new office is located at 15950 N. Gate Boulevard, near the corner of North Idaho Center Boulevard and Franklin Road, directly east of the College of Western… more
Mule deer, white-tailed deer plans available for review; open houses scheduled in Salmon & Challis
| idfg-mdemick
Idaho Fish and Game wildlife managers are asking deer hunters to review Fish and Game’s draft management plans for mule deer and white-tailed deer and provide feedback to the department on the overall concepts of the plans and whether topics are missing that might improve them.
Two open houses will be held… more
Clearwater area hunters are encouraged to attend deer management plan open house in Lewiston, June 11
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game wildlife managers are asking deer hunters to review Fish and Game’s draft management plans for mule deer and white-tailed deer and provide feedback to the department on the overall concepts of the plans. The plans describe statewide management directions and strategies.
Hunters have until… more