Press Releases and Articles
Southwest Region rainbow trout stocking schedule - April
| idfg-bpearson
Fish and Game staff will be stocking nearly 68,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout throughout the Southwest Region in April.
All fish stocked are rainbow trout. Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather… more
Over 25,000 catchable rainbow trout headed for lakes in the Panhandle Region in April
| idfg-tjross
Warm weather is here and so are the rainbow trout! Over 25,000 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) rainbow trout will be stocked in the Panhandle Region in April.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns); dates may change due to weather or… more
ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting March 25
| idfg-cliess
Topics covered include spring Chinook salmon seasons; Unit 40 bighorn sheep season modification; 5-day waiting period to buy capped elk zone tags; and more.
Reminder: Turn in Kootenai River Angler Science Program packets by April 1 for a chance to win prizes
| idfg-tjross
If you participated in the 2026 Kootenai River Angler Science Program, thank you for contributing your time and information. The data you collected plays an important role in helping Idaho Fish and Game monitor and manage the burbot fishery in the Kootenai River.
Here’s what Southwest Idaho hunters need to know before spring turkey, bear hunts kick off in April
| idfg-bpearson
April is just around the corner, which means two of Idaho’s popular spring hunting opportunities are, too. Whether you’re chasing beards or bears, there’s plenty of reason for optimism if you’re hunting in the Southwest Region, but there are also a couple of changes you need to know about before heading out into the… more
Big game scoring day to be held in Idaho Falls
| idfg-gsteel
Ever wonder how that big buck you shot last year would score in the record books? Well, April is your chance to get big game antlers, horns or skulls measured and scored by official Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young scorers.
Idaho Fish and Game is hosting a free scoring event on April 6 at… more
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report (3-24-2026)
| idfg-bbeller
Hi everyone, this is the Upper Salmon River steelhead fishing report for March 24, 2026. The data discussed in this report were primarily collected between Wednesday, March 18 and Sunday, March 22.
Steelhead angler effort continued to consolidate towards the Pahsimeroi and Sawtooth fish hatcheries last… more
Idaho Fish and Game investigating fish loss at Kiwanis Park Pond in Lewiston
| idfg-jthiessen
Idaho Fish and Game is currently investigating a fish loss event at Kiwanis Park Pond in Lewiston, where approximately 150 of the 900 recently stocked fish were found dead two days following release.
Despite the loss, fishing conditions at the pond remain favorable. Anglers on site have reported high catch rates… more
Fish and Game lifting Boise River WMA closure on April 1
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game will lift the all-entry closure on the Boise Front segment of Boise River WMA on April 1. The decision to lift the access closure roughly two weeks early comes in response to the recent warm weather and an exceptionally mild winter.
"Given the winter we experienced, and where deer and elk are… more
Idaho and Utah fish and wildlife agencies to provide Bear Lake fishery updates at public meeting on April 8
| idfg-jjackson
Fisheries staff from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will share updates on the Bear Lake fishery, as well as work plans for 2026, at an upcoming public meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. at the National Oregon/California Trail… more
Idaho Fish and Game to do second fish survey in the Snake River below American Falls Reservoir
| idfg-jjackson
On March 24 and 26, Idaho Fish and Game’s Southeast Region will be surveying fish populations on the Snake River below American Falls Dam from Oregon Trail Boat Launch to Pipeline Boat Launch.
This is a repeat of the fall survey completed last November to get a post-winter abundance estimate for comparison. Plus… more
Little Camas Reservoir and Mormon Reservoir trout stocking will not occur in 2026
| idfg-tucker.brauer
Hatchery trout stocking operations will not occur at Mormon Reservoir and Little Camas Reservoir for the 2026 season due to low water levels. Hatchery trout originally intended for Mormon and Little Camas Reservoirs will be stocked elsewhere in the Magic Valley Region to provide additional opportunity for anglers.… more
These instructor-led hunter education courses are coming up in Southwest Idaho
| idfg-bpearson
With the controlled hunt application period fast approaching, now is the time to complete hunter education so that you're certified and ready to apply between May 1 and June 5. Luckily, our instructors have you covered in the Southwest Region.
A total of 10 instructor-led courses with open seats are slated to… more
Applications for F&G Commission Community Challenge Grants are due by April 30
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission's Community Challenge Grant program is open for applications March 23 through April 30. Grants provide competitive funding for officially recognized nonprofit organizations to implement projects that are broadly supported by the local sporting community and enhance fish and wildlife… more
McGill Spur access site on Clearwater River closed until further notice
| idfg-jbruns
Due to extensive storm damage and unstable terrain, the McGill Spur Access Site, which provides public access to the Clearwater River west of Ahsahka, is closed until further notice. Recent torrential rains caused the creek adjacent to the site to flood out of its channel, carving a new flow path through the access… more
Anglers help Fish and Game monitor trophy rainbow trout fishery on Lake Pend Oreille
| idfg-tjross
Anglers on Lake Pend Oreille continue to play an important role in helping Idaho Fish and Game monitor the lake’s trophy rainbow trout fishery. Through the Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program, anglers voluntarily record details about their fishing trips and the trout they catch.
The data they collect … more
Annual Fish and Game fur auction to run online April 6-20
| idfg-bpearson
This year’s auction of furs, hides, antlers and other items will be run through Wears Auctioneering West. The online auction opens on April 6 and ends on April 20 at 3 p.m. (MDT). Buyers can preview photos of auction items on Wears Auctioneering West’s website. There will be no in-person viewing of items… more
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report (3-17-2026)
| idfg-bbeller
Hi everyone, this is the Upper Salmon River steelhead fishing report for March 17, 2026. The data discussed in this report were primarily collected between Wednesday, March 11 and Sunday, March 15.
Most steelhead anglers began focusing their efforts closer to the Pahsimeroi and Sawtooth hatcheries last… more