Press Releases and Articles
ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting May 22
| idfg-cliess
Watch the full recap of the May 22, 2025 Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting in Idaho Falls.
Topics covered include: Non-resident tag draw framework and tag issuance, 2026 Shooting Range Grant Funding recommendations, draft Mountain Goat Management Plan, and more.
Upper Salmon River Chinook Update - 5/22/2025
| idfg-gschoby
I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting some news about the upper Salmon River Chinook run and the potential for fisheries we may be able to offer this summer. And like you, we are also watching dam counts and fish passage at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.
I’m not going to spend much… more
Dworshak Reservoir Kokanee and Smallmouth Bass Update
| idfg-tzumwalt
Kokanee
Last year was a great year for kokanee anglers. Age-2 and 3 kokanee are the age classes that grow large enough to catch (≥ 8 inches), and both were more abundant than the 20-year average in 2024 (Figure 1). These fish also averaged 10 to 11 inches, which matches the 20-year average. As a result, the 2024… more
F&G Commission increases Chinook limits on the Clearwater River
| idfg-rphillips
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on May 22 increased the daily and possession limits for Chinook in portions of the Clearwater River basin due to a large percentage of the Clearwater return heading back to Kooskia hatchery on Clear Creek. Changes take effect immediately.
New limits are:
… more
Fish and Game is seeking public comment on its draft Mountain Goat Management Plan for 2025-30
| idfg-rphillips
Hunters and other interested parties have until June 8 to comment on a draft Idaho Mountain Goat Management Plan for 2025-30. Commenters are encouraged to review the draft plan and state if they generally support, support with concerns, or do not support the draft plan. Commenters can address specific items of support… more
Two yearling moose relocated out of Twin Falls Park
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
On Wednesday, May 21, Magic Valley Region wildlife staff successfully darted and relocated two yearling bull moose from Idaho Power's Twin Falls Park to suitable moose habitat in the southern portion of the region. The moose were first reported on the evening of May 20, but with park gates closed for the night,… more
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 5/20/2025: Rapid River Run, Hells Canyon, and Clearwater River Fisheries
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody.
It is time for another weekly update for the Clearwater Region’s spring Chinook Salmon fisheries (May 20, 2025).
RUN UPDATE
Idaho’s spring Chinook Salmon returns over Bonneville Dam are now over 90% complete (as of May 19, 2025) which means we can say with… more
Idaho's top spots for big fish; here is where the lunkers lurk
| idfg-rphillips
Whether you’ve been fishing a day or a lifetime, we all dream of landing a lunker. Yes, big fish capture every angler’s imagination. But why stop at dreaming? Idaho has many destinations that have produced record fish, both state and world's records, and though we can’t guarantee you’ll catch one, we can point you to… more
F&G offering cash incentives to harvest rainbow and hybrid trout from the South Fork Snake
| idfg-jbrower
Each year, about 1,000 rainbow and hybrid trout are tagged and released back into the river. The microscopic tags (called “coded wire”) are placed safely in the snout of the fish and can be worth between $50 to $1,000 per fish! There is no limit to how many you can harvest or how much money you can win.
… more
The Best Rivers for Fish Look a Little Wild
| idfg-Ian.Mott
The Lemhi River in Salmon, Idaho was once full of ideal spawning and rearing habitat for endangered Chinook salmon and wild summer steelhead. However, decades of human development have washed away the natural complexities that once supported robust populations of these now-endangered species. The Idaho Department of… more
These 10 Idaho ‘Great Lakes’ provide anglers plenty of spacious fishing opportunities long into summer
| idfg-cliess
Idaho’s “Great Lakes” are not only large in size, but also provide excellent fishing opportunities for trophy-sized fish. In many cases, they offer a user-friendly experience because services and accommodations are typically on the lakes, if not close by. (How many times have you arrived at the fishing dock only to… more
F&G opens opportunity to comment on multiple proposed negotiated rulemaking changes
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has approved the following proposed negotiated rulemaking:
Chapter 13.01.03: Public Use of Lands Owned or Controlled by the Department of Fish and Game Chapter 13.01.19: Rules for Selecting, Operating, Discontinuing, and Suspending VendorsThe written comment period for these… more
Wolf trapper education course offered in Salmon June 14
| idfg-mdemick
A wolf trapper education course will be offered in Salmon on Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Idaho Fish and Game office located at 99 Highway 93 North.
Wolf trapper education courses are usually offered just a few times a year locally - so if you need to complete the course, sign up now.… more
10 tips for taking kids fishing
| idfg-mdemick
Do you want to be a rock star to your kids this summer? Consider grabbing some fishing gear and taking them on a family adventure.
From the fresh air to the excitement of feeling a tug on your line, fishing provides the perfect excuse to spend together-time outdoors. Plus, introducing… more
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 5/13/2025: Rapid River Run, Hells Canyon, and Clearwater River Fisheries
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody.
Time for the weekly spring Chinook Salmon update (May 13, 2025). As a heads up, the commission met today and made changes to the fishery in the Clearwater River basin. Read below for more details.
RUN UPDATE
Spring Chinook Salmon daily counts at Bonneville Dam have… more
Upcoming instructor-led hunter education classes in the Magic Valley
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Do you know someone who needs to take a hunter or bowhunter education course before hunting season this fall? Idaho Fish and Game has two upcoming classes in the Magic Valley for both hunters and bowhunters.
Instructor-led combo hunter and bowhunter education class … more
F&G Commission meeting May 21-22 in Idaho Falls
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet May 21 and 22 at Fish and Game’s Upper Snake Region office at 4279 Commerce Circle in Idaho Falls. A public hearing will begin on May 21 at 7 p.m. MDT at the same location. Those wishing to speak to the Commission during the public hearing will have a three-minute time limit… more
Memorial Day weekend is the perfect chance to spend the holiday at a new (or tried-and-true) fishing destination
| idfg-cliess
It’s had a big red circle around it since the first frosts of winter. Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us, and for a lot of Idahoans, the weekend leading up to May 26 marks the kickoff to fishing season. That's right. Whether you’re a first-time fisher or a seasoned angler, Memorial Day weekend fishing offers up a… more