Press Releases and Articles
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
Attention hunters and anglers: New rules for tag exchanges and lifetime licenses will be in effect for 2026
| idfg-rphillips
Deer and Elk Hunters: New deadline date for exchanging general season tagsThe new deadline to exchange general season deer and elk tags is July 31. No exchanges will be processed after that date. This includes exchanging a general season deer or elk tag for controlled hunt tags, Landowner Appreciation Program… more
Tagging and learning about walleye in the lower Snake River
| idfg-mdobos
Anglers are encountering more walleye in the Snake River from Lewiston to Hells Canyon Dam in the past couple of years and some are wondering why. The first walleye documented in this section of the Snake River was in 2019. Since then, the number of reported walleye has substantially increased and the Idaho… more
Summer birding walks planned for the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello
| idfg-jjackson
Did you know that nearly 100 species of birds call the Edson Fichter Nature Area (EFNA) home? If you're curious to learn more about our local feathered friends—and spot some in the wild— here’s your chance!
The Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area invites you to explore the wonders of birding at… more
Catch the fun on Free Fishing Day June 13
| idfg-gschoby
Young anglers will have plenty of opportunity to catch a Free Fishing Day event in the Salmon Region this year, as three fishing derbies are being held on Saturday, June 13.
Kid’s fishing derbies will be held at Kid’s Pond in Salmon (9:00 am to noon), Blue Mountain Meadow Pond in Challis (8:30 am to noon),… more
No matter where you live in Idaho, Free Fishing Day on June 13 offers fun for the whole family
| idfg-cliess
On June 13, anyone can get out and enjoy a day of fishing without a fishing license, but all other rules still apply.
Free Fishing Day is an Idaho tradition that includes Fish and Game employees and volunteers bringing fishing gear to various fishing spots and loaning rods, reels and tackle, and helping people… more
So you want to take your kids fishing...
| idfg-cliess
If you want to be rock star to your kids this summer, there's one surefire way to achieve stardom: Taking them fishing. And there's no better time to do so than Free Fishing Day in Idaho.
From the fresh air to the excitement of feeling a tug on your line, fishing provides the perfect excuse to… more
2026-27 Idaho Migratory Game Bird seasons and rules booklets are now available online
| idfg-cliess
The 2026-27 Idaho Migratory Game Bird seasons and rules booklets are now available (digitally) online. Printed booklets are expected to arrive at Fish and Game offices and license vendors in early July.
Over 11,000 catchable rainbow trout are headed for lakes in the Panhandle Region in June
| idfg-tjross
Students will soon be released from school, and rainbow trout are being released in waters all over the Panhandle in June! Over 11,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in June.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond… more
Parking area at Fish and Game access site on Crystal Lake near Priest River closed for emergency road repairs
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game has temporarily closed the parking area at the Crystal Lake access site, located about two miles east of Priest River along Highway 2, after staff discovered a sinkhole beneath the roadway that poses a hazard to vehicles.
The closure will allow Fish and Game to assess the extent of the damage… more
Clearwater Region Spring Chinook Update 6/2/2026
| idfg-jthiessen
What an ominous and challenging spring Chinook season this has been. Unfortunately, that trend will continue, as the Clearwater, Lower Salmon, and Hells Canyon fisheries are closed to Chinook fishing moving forward (see official closure order HERE).
The Little Salmon River will remain open Saturday and… more
June trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region
| idfg-jjackson
Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license! Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 14,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during June. Don’t forget, June 13 is Free Fishing Day this year and Idaho Fish… more
June 2, 2026 Spring/Summer Chinook Update
| idfg-jmessner
Well folks, this spring Chinook season has been disappointing to say the least. Most of our spring Chinook fisheries will close this week, with the exception of the Little Salmon River.
Read the season closure announcement here: Four Chinook salmon seasons closed or modified starting Wednesday, June 3 |… more
Dust off that old fishing gear for Free Fishing Day and beyond
| idfg-rphillips
Free Fishing Day is June 13, and it’s a great opportunity to be outdoors and get acquainted with Idaho’s great fishing spots. Fishing is an inexpensive sport because you can get all the gear you need for about $50 (or less). But odds are good you have some old fishing gear laying around the house, or someone in your… more
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for June 2026 in the Clearwater Region
| idfg-jbruns
Fish and Game staff will be stocking nearly 40,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout at the following locations across the Clearwater Region in June!