Press Releases and Articles
Fish and Game begins grizzly bear research trapping in the northern Panhandle Region
| idfg-tjross
As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Selkirk and Cabinet/Yaak Ecosystems, biologists from Idaho Fish and Game have begun research trapping of grizzly bears in the Panhandle Region. Trapping will occur in Boundary County and potentially in portions of Bonner County, the two… more
Saint Maries trio sentenced in North Idaho deer poaching case
| idfg-tjross
On May 11, the final sentencing was issued for one of three individuals involved in the unlawful killing of seven mature white-tailed deer bucks in North Idaho during November 2024.
The individuals involved in the case were Will Clark, Lucas Mitchell and Laura Willis.
Sentencing for Mitchell (Feb.… more
Upper Salmon River Chinook update - 6/17/2026
| idfg-gschoby
Now available: Controlled hunt drawing results for deer, elk, pronghorn, fall bear, turkey, and swan
| idfg-cliess
Results of the deer, elk, pronghorn, fall black bear, fall turkey, and swan controlled hunt drawings are now available. Hunters are encouraged to review their email to verify their results or log into their online account at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com. For more information about how to view your drawing results, visit Fish… more
Pocatello man sentenced to prison for extensive unlawful guiding and wildlife violations in Teton County
| idfg-jbrower
On June 2, 2026, Joelseph Jenkins, of Pocatello, was sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony possession of wildlife taken unlawfully, guiding without a license, and a bear bait site violation in Teton County following an investigation by Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers.… more
Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery closed to the public for construction beginning June 22
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery will be temporarily closed to the public beginning June 22 while construction crews upgrade the facility's predator exclusion mesh panels. These upgrades are necessary to protect hatchery fish reared at the facility from birds and other wildlife.… more
June 16, 2026 South Fork Salmon River Chinook Update
| idfg-jmessner
South Fork Salmon River Opener: The Fish Are Here!
Hi everyone,
The South Fork Salmon River summer Chinook fishery opens this Thursday, June 18, and I'm sure you're all just as excited as I am.
The run continues to build, and we're refining our harvest share estimate daily as more fish move through… more
Fish and Game, city police and fire departments relocate black bear from Nampa neighborhood
| idfg-bpearson
On Sunday, June 14, Idaho Fish and Game enforcement officers and biologists responded to a report of a black bear in a tree in a residential area in Nampa. In collaboration with the Nampa Police and Fire Departments, Fish and Game staff sedated the yearling male black bear, loaded it into a trap, and transported… more
Cassia Crossbill Interpretive Sign unveiled at Diamondfield Jack Campground in the South Hills
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Visitors to the South Hills can now learn more about one of Idaho's most unique bird species through a new interpretive sign installed at Diamondfield Jack Campground.
The sign is the result of a collaborative effort between the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife… more
Drought and heat can be a bad combination for Idaho fisheries
| idfg-rphillips
With severe drought in Idaho and summer heat on the way, it’s likely anglers will lose some fishing opportunities, but Idaho Fish and Game will work to mitigate if it will provide benefits.
“Drought affects many aspects of Idaho life, including fisheries, and we’re concerned,” Fish and Game Fisheries… more
Public comment opportunity for proposed 2026 sage-grouse season, deadline July 5
| idfg-rphillips
Fish and Game is seeking comments on the 2026–27 sage-grouse seasons and tag proposals. Staff are proposing a decrease in sage-grouse tags offered and a recurring opening date of Sept. 15. Hunters and other interested parties can comment on the public comment webpage until Sunday, July 5 at midnight.
Lek counts… more
Upper Salmon River Chinook update - 6/11/2026
| idfg-gschoby
Below is the third pre-season update for the upper Salmon River Chinook return and upcoming fishery that will open on June 18th. As you are aware the IDFG Commission approved the proposals for Chinook fisheries in the upper Salmon River, South Fork Salmon River, and Lochsa River on 5/29. More details can be found… more
Southwest Region rainbow trout stocking schedule - June
| idfg-bpearson
Fish and Game staff will be stocking more than 91,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout throughout the Southwest Region in June, including around 35,000 in the week leading up to Free Fishing Day, which is Saturday, June 13 this year.
All fish stocked are rainbow trout. Stocking of all waters is… more
Pollinator events planned in Pocatello during National Pollinator Week
| idfg-jjackson
This year, June 22 through June 28 marks National Pollinator Week! The Portneuf Pollinator Partnership composed of various community organizations will be celebrating pollinators during that week in Pocatello with fun, informative public events, culminating with a special celebration at Idaho Fish and Game’s Edson… more
June 9, 2026 Spring/Summer Chinook Update
| idfg-jmessner
That's a Wrap on Spring Chinook
Hi everyone,
It was a busy weekend on the Little Salmon River. With the remainder of the Rapid River harvest share caught over the weekend, we've now issued a closure order for that fishery. Spring Chinook fisheries in the… more
Thirteen Idaho hunters draw Super Hunt tags, second drawing deadline is Aug. 10
| idfg-cliess
Draw results for the first round of Super Hunt applications have been announced. Roughly 153,000 entries were put in for the first Super Hunt drawing. Of those, 51,173 were for eight deer tags, 51,030 were for eight elk tags, 11,778 were for eight pronghorn tags, 25,986 were for one moose tag and 13,509 entries… more
Chinook fishing in the Little Salmon River is closed
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game closed sport fishery for Chinook salmon in the Little Salmon River on June 8 after harvest objectives were met. As of June 8, the Lochsa River is the only remaining Chinook fishery open.
The South Fork Salmon River and Upper Salmon River will open for Chinook fishing on June 18. … more
Blackfoot ranchers Mark and Wendy Pratt receive award from Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
| idfg-rphillips
Mark and Wendy Pratt of Blackfoot were recently presented the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency’s “Outstanding Citizen Wildlife Contributor of the Year Award” for their exemplary work balancing private land stewardship, wildlife conservation and public access.
“Mark and Wendy exemplify the… more