Press Releases and Articles
F&G reminds folks to leave young animals alone as we approach spring wildlife baby boom
| idfg-bpearson
Spring is here, and so is the peak of baby wildlife season. People are bound to see young wildlife when they venture outdoors during the spring and early summer, and there is a pretty good chance that they will see a baby animal that appears to be alone, with mom nowhere in sight.
While a well-intentioned human’… more
2023 Part 3; Snake and Salmon River Smolt Traps: They're Here!
| idfg-jbruns
The Snake River smolt trap is in place. The crews are trained and ready to work. Chinook salmon and steelhead trout smolts are beginning their downstream journey to the ocean.
The trap intercepts a portion of these hatchery- and natural-origin migrants. The livewell can hold several thousand fishes each day.… more
2023 Part 2; Snake and Salmon Rivers Smolt Traps: Swiftwater Classroom
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game uses several fish traps to learn about wild salmon and steelhead trout. One such device is called a rotary screw trap. Several of these are floating in small streams across the central Idaho landscape. Seasonal employees come from across the country to tend the traps. For many, this is their first… more
Eagle Creek road on Craig Mountain closed due to washout
| idfg-jbruns
Due to severe runoff over the last week, Eagle Creek road is washed out at mile marker 2.5. The contractor has arrived on site to begin repair work and the road will remain closed including weekends until it is passable. The road will be open on weekends and the original plan of construction, will resume as soon as… more
May trout stocking schedule for the Clearwater Region
| idfg-jbruns
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Clearwater Region will be stocking approximately 45,500 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in May. All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate.
Don’t forget to purchase your 2023 fishing license!
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on… more
The opportunity to fish for some of the state’s biggest bass is now (and you don’t need to be a seasoned tournament pro to have a successful outing)
| idfg-cliess
During spring, the local weatherman stands before a green screen, strategically circling portions of the state with high and low pressure systems. Predicting spring weather in Idaho can be all over the map. While it might be weeks before most anglers wait for those warm, sunny days to pack coolers and slather on… more
Post Falls Park Pond in North Idaho is closed this season and will not be stocked with trout
| idfg-tjross
Post Falls Park Pond in North Idaho is being closed for the 2023 season to remove an invasive snail species commonly known as the Chinese mystery snail. Mystery snails were illegally introduced to the pond. As a result, the pond will not be fishable and will not be stocked with catchable rainbow trout during spring and… more
Reopening of Fish and Game’s Twin Lakes access site in North Idaho is delayed
| idfg-tjross
The Idaho Fish and Game Twin Lakes boating access site closed for construction on Oct. 1, 2022. The site is located in the channel between Upper and Lower Twin Lakes on West Twin Lakes Road.
The closure was necessary to allow for dredging the channel between Upper and Lower Twin Lakes to provide better water… more
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 5/2/2023: Rapid River Run, Hells Canyon, and Clearwater River Fisheries
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody.
It is time for my weekly spring Chinook Salmon update (May 2, 2023). So, let’s get right to it and discuss what we have learned since my last update.
Run Update
Since my last update, Chinook Salmon counts at Bonneville Dam have picked up. I have updated the figure below so it now… more
Turning the screws for fish in the upper Middle Fork Salmon River
| idfg-cvarie
Another season of screw trapping has begun near Stanley. The rotary screw trap on Marsh Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork Salmon River, is on the border of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. In the winter and spring, it is only accessible via snowmobile or ATV with tracks. There is usually at least 6… more
VIDEO: Rewatch Fish and Game's administrative rulemaking series and comment by May 5
| idfg-cliess
Idaho Fish and Game hosted a series of public meetings in April on administrative rule changes. All five of the recorded meetings are available to rewatch on YouTube or below.
The public comment period for Fish Chapters (11 and 12) is open through May 5. All other chapters closed on April 26. Interested… more
Winter forest health project completed at Little Boulder near Helmer
| idfg-jbruns
The first winter mastication effort on the Palouse Ranger District has wrapped up, with a total treatment across 125 acres. This joint effort between Fish and Game and the Forest Service was made possible because of the Good Neighbor Authority, proving to be a successful tool for the future management of shared… more
F&G Commission meeting May 10-11 in Jerome
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will hold the public hearing and business meeting at Idaho Fish and Game’s Magic Valley regional office at 324 417 E #1 in Jerome. A public hearing will begin on May 10 at 7 p.m. MDT at the same location. Those wishing to speak to the Commission during the public hearing will have a… more
Three F&G wildlife management areas remain closed in southeastern and eastern Idaho
| idfg-jjackson
Tex Creek, Montpelier, and Georgetown Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will remain closed to all public entry until May 15, 2023. Big game animals are still concentrated on these WMAs due to persisting snow levels in some areas of the Upper Snake and Southeast… more
F&G hosting free kokanee fishing workshop in Boise on April 29
| idfg-bpearson
Biologists from Fish and Game's Southwest Region are providing a free presentation about kokanee biology, management, and the status of the Southwest Region's most popular kokanee fisheries on April 29 from 1-3 p.m. at Fish and Game Headquarters at 600 S. Walnut St. in Boise.
Fish and Game's presentation is part… more
Fishing for this month’s Wildlife Express critters might be just what you need to kick off spring
| idfg-cliess
Human beings aren’t the only species hankering for some sun this time of year. Panfish, the subject of April’s Wildlife Express newsletter, tend to be most aggressive as the weather warms in spring, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and fish for them.
Panfish is a general term for a… more
Two Boise River access sites closed due to flooding
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game has closed the Lansing Lane and Bent Lane Sportsman's Access Sites due to minor flooding and dangerous conditions on the Boise River. The two access sites, located between Star and Middleton, will reopen when water levels recede.
Boise River flows are currently around 6,000 cubic feet per… more
Walter's Ferry access closed May 3-4 for maintenance work
| idfg-bpearson
The Walter's Ferry access near Melba will be closed for a period of two days while crews complete asphalt sealcoating and re-striping.
The project will take place on May 3 and May 4. During these dates, boaters looking to access the Snake River can look to use boat ramps at the Bernards Landing downstream… more