Press Releases and Articles
July 28, 2026 South Fork Salmon River Chinook Update
| idfg-jmessner
Well, that's a wrap on another South Fork Salmon River Chinook season.
After opening on June 18, the fishery remained open for 34 days, including six full weekends of fishing. We’re now within 35 fish of our harvest share, and the Director's Office has signed a closure order effective at the end of fishing hours… more
Statewide trout stocking highlights for August 2026
| idfg-cliess
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 75,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this August. Wondering if the stocking trucks are going to be backing up to your favorite fishing hole? We asked our Fish and Game hatchery staff to boil down some of the most… more
IDFG issues closure order for Chinook salmon fishing on South Fork Salmon River
| idfg-cliess
All Chinook salmon fishing on the South Fork Salmon River will close effective at the end of fishing hours on July 29.
Check out the Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules page to check the status of all Idaho Chinook salmon fisheries. Seasons can change quickly, so be sure to check the most current reports and… more
The summer of fish records continues with Moore angler’s alpine trophy
| idfg-cliess
Just when you thought the Idaho fish record books didn’t have any blank pages left, one adventurous angler from Moore, Idaho caught (and released) one of Idaho’s most coveted alpine fish back on June 20.
Like many of us during the dog days of summer, angler Wade Jensen grabbed his collapsible fly rod and… more
Important dates to help plan your August
| idfg-cliess
From tags sales to general season openers, there’s a lot happening in Idaho during August that you should be aware of. Staying in the loop can be the difference between applying for that coveted controlled hunt tag and watching from the sidelines.
Be sure to stay up to date on all Fish and Game happenings… more
Jogger attacked by bear at Henrys Lake State Park
| idfg-jbrower
The man sustained injuries, but was able to walk out on his own. The dog was uninjured and followed him out safely. At around 8:00 a.m., the individual was transported by ambulance to Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg to be treated for his injuries.
Idaho Fish and Game, along with Fremont County… more
IDFG relocates young cow moose from Lewiston
| idfg-jbruns
On Thursday, July 23, Idaho Fish and Game's Clearwater Region staff safely captured and relocated a young cow moose after it was reported in a residential yard in Lewiston.
The yearling moose had been reported in multiple locations around the Lewiston area over a period of time as it moved through neighborhoods… more
The jacks-of-all-trades keeping IDFG’s recreation sites open
| idfg-cliess
There might be a hundred things going on in a person’s mind as they’re launching a boat before sunrise, pulling into a campground for the weekend, or parking at a wildlife management area to begin a hunt. But most never think about the work that goes into keeping those places safe, accessible, and welcoming. … more
Attention hunters: Deadline to purchase controlled hunts is Aug. 1
| idfg-cliess
Attention hunters, the deadline to claim a deer, elk, pronghorn, or fall black bear controlled hunt tags is Aug. 1. All tags not claimed by that date will be forfeited. However, if you are exchanging a regular season tag for a controlled hunt tag, you must still meet the July 31 exchange deadline.
It is… more
New certified-weight record for Westslope cutthroat trout shocks fish biologists
| idfg-cghere
When Luke Anderson headed to the St. Maries River in search of Westslope cutthroat trout, setting a new state record was probably the last thing on his mind. Or was it?
While Luke is officially Idaho's newest certified-weight state record holder, Westslope cutthroat trout in Idaho grow much larger than his 13.6-… more
Conservation Officer Chris Johnson receives American Red Cross Life Saving Award
| idfg-jbrower
Idaho Fish and Game is proud to recognize Conservation Officer Chris Johnson for receiving the American Red Cross Life Saving Award for his decisive and life‑saving actions during an incident on August 10, 2025.
On that day, U.S. Forest Service Officer Branden Smith contacted an individual who was living on the… more
Sage-grouse and sandhill crane tags go on sale Aug. 3
| idfg-cliess
A total of 4,280 sage-grouse tags and 870 sandhill crane tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. MDT. Tags will be available at Idaho Fish and Game license vendors, online at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, and by phone at 1-800-554-8685.
Sage-grouseThe 4,280 tags will be offered… more
Fish and Game reminds Wood River Valley residents to secure attractants as black bear sightings increase
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Idaho Fish and Game enforcement staff have recently received an increase in reports of black bears frequenting residential areas throughout the Wood River Valley.
Each year in the late summer and early fall, Fish and Game staff begin receiving regular reports of bears moving through neighborhoods and… more
ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting July 16
| idfg-cliess
Topics covered include proposed rules for electronic tagging for certain game birds, fiscal year 2028 budget, 2026-2027 sage-grouse seasons, and more.
IDFG Commission awards $100K to groups for conservation and recreation projects
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently awarded $100,000 to help support projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitat, populations, or benefit education and recreational opportunities associated with hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife recreation.
Grants went to the following organizations… more
New state record Northern pike hauled out of northern Idaho
| idfg-cliess
Welcome to the Idaho record fish books, Timothy Hicks!
Timothy was fishing on Lake Pend Oreille on June 13 when he landed a 49.75-inch Northern pike. The Post Falls angler's pike beat out the previous catch-and-release record caught by Scott Blahnik in 2020. Timothy's pike was a mere 3/4 of an inch longer… more
Fish Lake Pend Oreille and earn cash through the Angler Incentive Program
| idfg-tjross
For most anglers and spearfishers, getting paid to fish sounds too good to be true. On Lake Pend Oreille, it can be a reality through the Angler Incentive Program.
IDFG Commission modifies daily bag limit for fall Chinook salmon seasons
| idfg-cliess
During its July 16 meeting in Jerome, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the recommended modifications to the 2026 fall Chinook salmon fishing season in the following fisheries: Snake River, Lower Salmon River, Salmon River, Mainstem Clearwater River, Middle Fork Clearwater River, North Fork Clearwater River,… more