Press Releases and Articles
Hunter education courses offered in July and August in Salmon
| idfg-mdemick
Do you know someone that needs to complete a hunter education course before hunting season this fall? Two instructor-led courses will be held in Salmon this summer that are designed for youth 9 years of age or older.
July 21, 22, 25, and 26 from 8 a.m. to noon. August 11, 12, 13 and 14 from 8 a.m. to… more
Idaho Fish and Game sees uptick in black bear sightings in Wood River Valley communities
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
With summer vegetation and berries peaking, bears are actively foraging and working to pack on fat before the long winter ahead. Unfortunately, some are finding their way into residential areas in search of easy meals.
Bears have an incredible sense of smell—and that’s the problem
It’s estimated… more
Upper Salmon River Chinook Fishery update: 7/9/25
| idfg-gschoby
Fish and Game K9 Officer Hudson in the Panhandle Region is retiring
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Region’s first K9 Officer, Hudson, is retiring after working alongside his K9 handler, Senior Conservation Officer Matt Haag for nearly ten years. Hudson is a yellow Labrador Retriever.
Here's everything you need to know to fish for walleye in Lake Pend Oreille
| idfg-tjross
Fishing for walleye in Lake Pend Oreille should be on your fishing to-do list this summer. With no size or bag limits, it’s a great opportunity to fill the freezer and enjoy fish fries all summer long. Recent surveys by Idaho Fish and Game show there is an abundant year class of 14-17 inch, “eater size” walleye.… more
Two Saint Maries men charged for alleged unlawful take of seven white-tailed deer in North Idaho
| idfg-tjross
Two Saint Maries men were charged on June 27 with 8 felonies related to the alleged unlawful take of seven mature white-tailed deer bucks. The investigation was conducted by Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers in the Panhandle Region and resulted in documentation of 56 wildlife violations. Alleged violations were… more
Coeur d’Alene man convicted of unlawful killing of a trophy bull elk in North Idaho
| idfg-tjross
Following a two-day jury trial on June 26 and 27 in Kootenai County, Coeur d’Alene resident, Joel Rose was convicted of a felony for the unlawful killing, possession or wasting of wildlife.
F&G Commission meeting July 16-17 in Coeur d'Alene
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will hold the public hearing and business meeting at Idaho Fish and Game’s Panhandle Regional Office at 2885 W. Kathleen Avenue in Coeur d'Alene. A public hearing will begin on July 16 at 7 p.m. PDT at the same location. Those wishing to speak to the Commission during the public… more
South Fork Salmon Update: July 8, 2025
| idfg-jmessner
Hi everyone,
The South Fork Salmon River Chinook Salmon fishery has officially closed for the season. As such, this will be my final update for the year. Read on for a recap of the final week and a few closing thoughts on the 2025 season.
South Fork Recap
The final interval of the season (June 30… more
Recent grizzly bear sightings are a reminder that North Idaho is bear country
| idfg-tjross
As summer unfolds and wild berries begin to ripen across the landscape, bears are on the move—and recent sightings in the Panhandle are a good reminder that humans share this landscape with wildlife. It’s time to secure attractants and be proactive in living responsibly in bear country.
Black bears and grizzly… more
Nampa Fish Hatchery is closed to the public as Phase 2 of major construction project ramps up
| idfg-bpearson
Effective immediately, the Nampa Fish Hatchery is closed to visitors as construction crews begin Phase 2 of the ongoing rebuild of the facility.
Work during Phase 2 will consist of ripping out existing hatchery raceways and rebuilding new ones with updated technology and infrastructure improvements. The… more
Announcing Idaho Fish and Game’s newest podcast series ‘Shootin’ the Bull’
| idfg-cliess
Back in March 2024, Idaho Fish and Game debuted its first ever podcast — the Hook and Bulletin —and if you’ve been enjoying our weekly podcast series, then we have some good news for you. Premiering Wednesday, July 9, Fish and Game will roll out its second podcast featuring in-depth, long-form discussions with the men… more
Heads up, elk hunters: Magic Valley sees new season changes and tag opportunity for 2025
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Fall may still be weeks away, but Idaho elk hunters are already gearing up. Before you finalize your hunting plans or jump into the capped tag sales, Idaho Fish and Game reminds hunters of some important changes coming into the 2025 elk season in the Magic Valley Region.
Unit 53 Moves to the Big Desert… more
Upper Salmon River Chinook Fishery update - 7/3/2025
| idfg-gschoby
Hi everyone,
During the second week of the Upper Salmon River Chinook Salmon fishery (6/24 to 6/29/25) we estimated that anglers harvested 163 hatchery adult salmon and 31 hatchery jack salmon. Anglers also released an estimated 11 hatchery adult salmon, 8 hatchery jack salmon, and 23 unclipped adult salmon.… more
Grizzly trapped and relocated on Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| idfg-jbrower
Wildlife Services began trapping near Coyote Meadows, in an area that has experienced confirmed cattle depredation from grizzly bears over the past week. On the night of July 1, a young grizzly bear was captured while visiting the kill site. Given the bear's smaller track size when compared with tracks previously found… more
Does boat electrofishing harm aquatic insects?
| idfg-staff
In an effort to reduce the population of non-native rainbow trout and benefit native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the South Fork Snake River, Idaho Fish and Game has used boat electrofishing — a fish sampling technique that temporally stuns fish by applying electrical current to the waterway. This technique is used… more
July trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region
| idfg-jjackson
Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license (or the bug spray)! Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing nearly 10,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during July. Fish on!
F&G issues closure order for adult Chinook salmon harvest on South Fork Salmon River
| idfg-cliess
Effective at the end of fishing hours on July 2, harvest is closed for adult Chinook salmon on the South Fork Salmon River. The fishery will remain open from July 3-6 for jack-only harvest. All Chinook salmon fishing on the South Fork Salmon River will close at the end of fishing hours on July 6.
Check out… more