Press Releases and Articles
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 5/19/2020
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody, it is time for my weekly spring Chinook Salmon update (5/19/2020).
From here on out I will be organizing these updates to start out discussing the size of the Chinook Salmon run and the how this influences harvest shares in Idaho's spring Chinook Salmon fisheries. I will then follow with… more
Fishing heats up just in time for Memorial Day weekend in the Clearwater
| idfg-jbruns
As the water heats up, so does the catch rates at most of our local lakes, reservoirs and ponds. Despite COVID-19, Idaho Fish and Game continues to stock the same locations in the Clearwater Region that have traditionally received fish. Check the historical fish stocking page for more information.
… more
Try these Southeast Idaho fishing spots for Memorial Day weekend
| idfg-jjackson
For those who like to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a fishing rod in hand, there are some great places in southeast Idaho where you can reel in some fun.
Bear Lake: Known for its turquoise blue water, this massive lake which sits in both Idaho and Utah is always a popular spot. … more
F&G offices reopened for license services on Monday, May 18
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game offices around the state reopened to the public Monday, May 18 for license services, having been closed to the public since March 27 due to COVID-19. Although open, Fish and Game continues to encourage use of online purchase (idfg.idaho.gov/buy-online) and telesales (1-800-554-8685) to meet… more
F&G captures and relocates grizzly sow and cub in Island Park
| idfg-jbrower
The two grizzlies had been reported in the area several times over the past week prompting wildlife officials to place a trap to capture them should they return. Both sow and cub were captured safely and in good condition.
“These two bears were primarily seen at night and were in the early stages of becoming… more
Idaho Fish and Game enters into Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Agreement with Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
| idfg-jbruns
Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) is a tool used to expand limited federal capacity to plan and implement forest, rangeland, and watershed projects by facilitating partnerships with state agencies. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (NPCNF) staff share a vision of… more
Controlled hunt drawing results for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat now available
| idfg-rphillips
Hunters who applied for controlled hunts for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunts can see if they drew a tag by going to the controlled hunt results webpage.
No luck? You can still apply for a Super HuntHunters who applied for moose, sheep and goat can not apply for most deer, elk and pronghorn… more
Connecting streams, habitat improvements and monitoring efforts support spawning steelhead in the upper Salmon River
| idfg-cmcclure
Each spring, steelhead move from the Salmon River into tributaries to spawn as they have done since long before Lewis and Clark first came through the area in 1805. A lot has changed since then, but steelhead are still returning to the upper Salmon River and its tributaries to spawn.
In 2007, IDFG began… more
F&G Commission denies petitions for lighted nocks for archery and signage for trapping and wolf hunts
| idfg-bpearson
On May 14, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission denied petitions from certain organizations that requested the Commission initiate negotiated rulemaking for allowing lighted nocks for archery hunting, and to require signage near traps and during some wolf hunting seasons.
Denying the petitions means they will… more
F&G will resume sales of nonresident licenses, tags and permits at 10 a.m. on May 16
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved resuming sales of nonresident licenses, tags and permits, which will be available for sale at 10 a.m. M.D.T. on May 16. The decision was aligned with Governor Brad Little’s revised guidance for Stage 2 of Idaho Rebounds, which includes relaxing the 14-day self-… more
Local ponds and lakes in the Salmon Region provide great fishing destinations this Memorial Day Weekend
| idfg-mdemick
Fishing should be good over the Memorial Day weekend in the Salmon Region, but anglers should be mindful that cool temperatures and late spring rain and snow have extended high flows of many rivers and streams. Driving to higher-elevation lakes may be challenging to impossible. Yet, there’s plenty of fishing to be had… more
Low returns cause F&G to close some areas to Chinook salmon fishing and alter others
| idfg-rphillips
Idaho Fish and Game has closed Chinook fishing in the Clearwater River system, and will end fishing on portions of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River on May 17. Fishing days per week will also be reduced after May 17 on sections of Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers that remain open.
Recent changes… more
Fish weirs: Old technology is still a crucial tool for today's biologists
| idfg-mdobos
Fishing weirs are structures historically used by Native Americans and other hunter-gatherer societies to catch fish in streams, lagoons, and other water bodies. An entry from Lewis and Clark’s journals from 1805 described a fence-like structure built by the Shoshone tribe on the Lemhi River in Idaho.
… more
The fish await, but facilities may be limited for Memorial Day weekend
| idfg-rphillips
Due to COVID-19, Memorial Day will be memorable in ways people hadn’t anticipated, but fishing will remain a favorite activity during the holiday weekend. Fish and Game crews have been stocking trout and other fish, and anglers will have ample opportunity to catch them.
“Our hatchery staff… more
Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 5/13/2020
| idfg-jdupont
Hi everybody, it is time for my weekly spring Chinook Salmon update (5/13/2020).
For those of you interested in fishing the Clearwater River, a closure is occurring so be sure to read through the entire update.
We finally documented the harvest of our first spring Chinook, and I bet… more
F&G dispatches mountain lion in Idaho Falls to protect the public
| idfg-jbrower
The mountain lion was reported by a resident of the area who spotted the animal walking through the neighborhood and quickly called local law enforcement. An IFPD Officer patrolling the area saw the adult lion crossing a road at about 3 a.m. Wednesday morning and was able to corner the lion in the parking lot of a… more
Wood River Valley bears are already finding an easy meal in residential garbage containers
| idfg-tthompson
Residents south of Ketchum have been reporting black bears roaming their neighborhoods and getting into garbage cans and bird feeders. Since late April, four reports have come into Fish and Game about bears getting food rewards from residential garbage cans being left outside, and from bird seed and hummingbird… more
Anglers can buy a ready-to-use fishing license with their smartphones
| idfg-bpearson
Imagine this scenario: You’re at your favorite fishing and camping spot for the weekend, and just as you grab your fishing rod to head to the lake or river, you realize you forgot to purchase a fishing license. Don't panic, if you have a smartphone and cell service, you can purchase and download a ready… more