Press Releases and Articles
Ashton Reservoir Update
| idfg-jvincent
This July, we conducted a fisheries survey on Ashton Reservoir. Ashton Reservoir is located just north of Ashton, Idaho along the Henrys Fork Snake River, and is a popular location for anglers. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) staff have previously conducted surveys on Ashton… more
Angler comments wanted on proposed fishing rule changes in the Salmon Region
| idfg-mdemick
Idaho Fish and Game is currently seeking public comments on proposed fishing regulation changes for the 2022-2024 seasons. In the Salmon Region, the three proposed changes are:
Proposal 1: Remove the 14-inch minimum length limit on trout in the Lemhi River (maintain no harvest of cutthroat trout). Proposal 2:… more
F&G wants to hear from you on proposed changes to fishing regulations in the Panhandle and elsewhere in the state
| idfg-tjross
Angler input on proposed regulation changes helps fishery managers understand angler preferences and shapes fishing seasons for the next three years.
Fish and Game is currently seeking public comments on statewide proposed fishing regulation changes for 2022-2024. There… more
Fish salvage order issued for Lost Valley Reservoir
| idfg-mthomas
Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for Lost Valley Reservoir, effective August 14, 2021 through November 30, 2021, due to drought conditions impacting water levels.
The Lost Valley Reservoir Company recently communicated to Fish and Game that the reservoir will be drained over the next several… more
Idaho's Fall Chinook Salmon Update for 2021
| idfg-jdupont
Fall Chinook Salmon Update 2021
by Marika Dobos and Joe DuPont
Fall Chinook Salmon are trickling in at Lower Granite Dam. This means anglers will soon have an opportunity to catch these big guys. The current estimate for this year’s fall Chinook Salmon return to Lower… more
The diverse diet of Idaho's adult bull trout
| idfg-bbowersox
Bull trout are a bit of a misunderstood and sometimes misrepresented Idaho native trout (technically a char). They grow big, are willing to chase lures and flies alike, and are absolutely gorgeous creatures. This should add up to bull trout being one of our most popular game fish. While this is absolutely true for a… more
Super-male brook trout could improve angling in alpine lakes
| idfg-croth
Caption: Brook trout can be found in many alpine lakes in Idaho.
Although not native to the western United States brook trout have been introduced throughout the west and now thrive in many western waters, including alpine lakes in… more
Is that a mule deer or white-tailed deer?
| idfg-aevans
Knowing the difference between mule deer and white-tailed deer is vitally important when hunting.
Here are the characteristics to keep in mind.
Mule Deer Characteristics
White rump White, rope-like tail with black tip Antlers (on older males) branch equally, often ending in a "… more
First sockeye of 2021 returns to the Stanley area on Aug. 7
| idfg-rphillips
The first sockeye of 2021 has naturally returned to the Stanley Basin on Aug. 7 after dangerously warm water in the Snake and Salmon rivers in July prompted Idaho Fish and Game biologists to trap and transfer fish from Lower Granite Dam to Eagle Fish Hatchery. Biologists safely transported 201 sockeye from Lower… more
Jack Chinook salmon stocked in Hayden Pond
| idfg-mdemick
Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game's Pahsimeroi Hatchery released 61 jack Chinook salmon in Hayden Pond on Monday, August 9.
Jack Chinook salmon are less than 24 inches in length, and are considered in the trout bag limit when stocked in ponds. The trout daily bag limit is six (6), all species… more
It’s Trout Slam Time!
| idfg-mkoenig
Looking for a new fishing challenge? Here's why the Western Native Trout Challenge is the best "trout slam" program out there, and hear from anglers who took the challenge and shared their experiences.
“I think that my most memorable experience was backpacking into a Wilderness Area… more
More Jack Chinook stocked in Mosquito Flat Reservoir
| idfg-mdemick
Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game's Pahsimeroi Hatchery released another 184 jack Chinook salmon in Mosquito Flat Reservoir near Challis on Friday, August 6.
Jack Chinook salmon are less than 24 inches in length, and are considered in the trout bag limit when stocked in ponds. The trout daily bag limit is six… more
Accounting for hatchery salmon and steelhead with adipose fins
| idfg-jhargrove
Idaho boasts amazing salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities. From monster B-run steelhead to sporty spring Chinook Salmon, the options abound. Interested in keeping your catch? Harvest of anadromous fish is often restricted to fish with a clipped adipose fin. Why? An adipose clipped fin indicates that a fish is… more
F&G biologists track wild Chinook as they journey back to Marsh Creek in Central Idaho
| idfg-efelts
In fall of 2019, a new instream detection system was installed on Marsh Creek which is at the headwaters of the Middle Fork Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho. This structure is essentially a series of antennas buried in the stream bed which detects salmon and steelhead that have been marked with a Passive Integrated… more
American bullfrog fishing opportunity in the Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
Fishing for bullfrogs? Is that a thing? According to Regional Wildlife Biologist Brandon Flack, it most certainly is! With nothing more than a fishing license, basic fishing gear and a good bullfrog spot, one could be frigging for bullfrogs in no time.
Check out the article (link here… more
Identifying animal sign can increase your odds when hunting
| idfg-aevans
Looking for signs of game and knowing how to read them can mean the difference between a stocked or empty freezer. Tracks, rubbings and scat (droppings) are all valuable clues. Reading animal sign is a bit like reading a mystery novel. You discover clues then use those clues and your knowledge to… more
F&G snorkelers "float" down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to survey fish populations
| idfg-mheller
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System and flows 104 miles through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness to its confluence with the main Salmon River in central Idaho. It is a highly valued river for its amazing scenery and abundant backcountry recreational… more
What biologists learn as the screw trap turns and captures fish
| idfg-nsmith
Personnel working in the field for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are frequently asked by the public about the purpose of the odd, floating, and spinning aluminum contraptions found in some Idaho streams. Some questions include:
“Does that thing power the lodge?”
“I have to ask, is that for… more