Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions. We post here answers to questions we're being asked frequently. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us. Urgent questions should be directed to your nearest office. Some answers change over time; please take note of the "answered" date.
Displaying 2626 - 2650 of 3534 questionsA:
It depends on the region you are fishing in... In the Panhandle Region, Clearwater Region and Salmon regions, the limit on bass is 6 (smallmouth and largemouth) but there is no length limit specified. In The Southwest, Magic Valley, Upper Snake and Southeast regions, the limit is 6 bass (smallmouth and largemouth) and the length limit is none under 12".answered 7/30/2012
Q: History of steelhead fishing on the Nez Perce Reservation in the Orofino area
I am interested in the history of steelhead fishing on the Nez Perce Reservation in the Orofino area. I understand it was closed to sport fishing in the late 70’s or early 80’s then opened back up. Does Idaho F&G have that info or can you point me in the right direction? Maybe a person or a book? Thank you for any help you can offer!A:
Please contact the Tribal authorities; their website and contact information is http://www.nezperce.org/Main.html.answered 7/30/2012
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No, Chinook salmon that are stocked in the Boise River originate from returns to Hells Canyon Dam. Returns to Hells Canyon Dam during 2012 were insufficient to meet both hatchery broodstock needs and allow stocking in the Boise River. However, we still plan to tranfer approximately 1000 adult steelhead in November, if returns are sufficient.answered 7/29/2012
Q: How can an angler tell the difference between a steelhead planted in lake cascade and other rainbow trout?
I noticed that A-run steelhead have been planted in lake cascade along with other trout. Will the steelhead have a clipped adapoise fin or some other telltale sign? Are steelhead tags required? Do you target the steelhead with the same kind of fishing gear you would kamloops or other trout? Is IDFG going to continue stocking cascade and other lakes with stellhead in the future? Detailed info would be greatA:
Rainbow trout and steelhead are the same genus and species. Essentially, a steelhead is an ocean-going rainbow trout. There will be a slight color variation - depending on the time of year, but the only sure-fire way tell a hatchery produced rainbow trout from a steelhead is to check the adipose fin. If the adipose fin is missing, then its one of the steelhead smolts (juvenile steelhead ready to migrate to the ocean) we stocked in Cascade. The number of steelhead smolt released for migration to the ocean are regulated to reduce competition with wild fish. When we have better than average survival at our steelhead hatcheries, this produces excess steelhead. We typically stock excess steelhead in reservoirs where they can't migrate to the ocean. No steelhead card is needed to fish for and keep juvenile steelhead stocked in Cascade. They count in the trout bag limit, so you can keep 6 fish regardless of the size.answered 7/26/2012
Q: What to do with carp?
I don't eat carp but i catch plenty when catfishing and i'd rather not let them go into the water since they are a nuisance/trash fish. So what can be done with them legally? thanksA:
There is a saying that goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” For example, you might find sucker undesirable because you can’t eat them, but they have a valuable place in the food chain--sucker help clean algae from the stream bottom or they feed fish-eating birds like osprey. Carp consume vegetation and are often a tool used in golf course ponds to reduce aquatic plants. To the heart of your question. If you catch a nongame fish and don’t want to keep it, you have a couple of options. You can release it alive; you can kill it and puncture the air bladder, so it doesn’t float, and put it back into the water; or you can take it home and dispose of it in your trash or use it for fertilizer in your garden. If you dispose of it on the bank, you could be cited for litteringanswered 7/25/2012
Q: Can the bridge over the NF of the Clearwater at the confluence of Weitas Cr be used for foot traffic?
This bridge was damaged a couple of years ago and I saw a sign/gate restricting vehicle access. I don't remember if it included foot traffic as well. Any update would be appreciated.A:
The Clearwater National Forest said the bridge has been condemned and is to not have any use at all, including foot traffic, because of the condition. They are taking recommendations at this time. If you want to comment, contact the front desk (208)476-4541 and give your comments to Leann.answered 7/25/2012
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Raccoons are classified as a predatory wildlife species and therefore the take season for them is year round. You may use dogs to hunt/pursue raccoons. The owner and/or handler and/or person taking raccoons must have a hound hunter permit.answered 7/25/2012
Q: I took hunters ed in Utah over twelve years ago. At that time and still Utah's hunters safety has covered archery. Can I get an Idaho archery permit without taking the class here as well?
Archery permit requirementsA:
The requirement in Idaho is that you have taken an archery-only education class or that you have hunted in an archery-only season somewhere. If you haven't done these, you must take an Idaho bowhunter education course.answered 7/23/2012
Q: Do I have to take the entire carcass of an elk if i want to salvage it?
If I want to salvage an Elk and I'm out in a rural area, Can I quarter up an Elk and drag the carcass 100 feet or so from the road? Or do I have to remove the entire animal?A:
No. There is no stipulation that you salvage the entire carcass. You can salvage any part that you choose and leave the rest.answered 7/23/2012
Q: Lifetime license holder fishing with a minor
What is the oldest kid that can hunt and fish without having to purchase a license, when accompanied by a lifetime license holderA:
Children can fish without a license until they are 14. Nonresident children must fish with a license holder; their catch becomes part of the license holder's limit. Resident children can keep their own limit of fish.answered 7/22/2012
Q: Should I report a wolverine sighting?
I observed a wolverine earlier this week near my camp on a backpacking trip. I did not pursue or approach it in anyway but I did take pictures. I also collected some hairs from a nearby stream bank before I saw the wolverine that appear to be from it's coat. Should I report additional details of the sighting to anyone? Thank you.A:
Please! We collect observations of Idaho wildlife to establish distribution and abundance at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/observations You may also upload multiple photos and attach them to your observation. Thanks for sharing!answered 7/20/2012
Q: Are there TENCH in Hayden lake?
On 7-20-2012 at about 10am at Honeysuckle beach I caught a 16 inch what I believe to be a TENCH. Caught it with a worm fished on the bottom off the floating pier at the boat launch.A:
indeed there are!answered 7/20/2012
Q: Is it illegal to hound hunt for raccoon in units that don't have big game hounding seasons?
I have recently moved to the Pocatello area from Moscow. We were in the middle of a great season when we packed up and headed here. Now its obvious that i'm not going to have the bear hunting that i had up north, but i have a couple young dogs that really need worked to keep the energy levels down. The law states that furbears can be persued in a unit only if a hound training or hunting season is open in that unit. Well since there is no bear seasons in units 70 and 72 is a guy allowed to take his dogs out and hunt some creeks at night in search of raccoon, or will he get a ticket?A:
Raccoons are classified as a predatory wildlife species and therefore the take season for them is year round. You may use dogs to hunt/pursue raccoons. The owner and/or handler and/or person taking raccoons must have a hound hunter permit.answered 7/20/2012
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Every hunter (resident or nonresident) who hunts in an archery-only hunt is required to get an archery permit. We accept archery education certifications from other states as well as proof that the hunter has participated in an archery-only hunt in another state. If you don't have the proof anymore, you can fill out an archery affidavit, available at all vendors.answered 7/18/2012
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They will be available in late August or early September.answered 7/18/2012
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They all are. Each separate line refers to a different reach of the Boise River. We currently stock the Boise River from Barber Dam area to Star Rd. We are in the slow process of trying to fix this database glitch by adding a reach descriptor. The only way you can tell the difference currently is to look for fall adult steelhead plants, if you see them, then you have selected the Boise River reach that provides data for stocking locations within the city of Boise and downstream to Garden City.answered 7/18/2012
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Unfortunately, it is not going to be stocked with Chinook salmon during 2012. Those Chinook stocked in the past few years have originated from hatchery returns to Hells Canyon Dam. During 2012, returns were insufficient to meet broodstck needs and to provide fish for transferring. However, adult steelhead will be transferred in November, if returns are sufficient.answered 7/18/2012
Q: Compound let-off limit?
Is there a maximum let-off for compound bows in Idaho?A:
It is illegal to pursue or kill big game animals with any compound bow set at more than 85 percent let-off.answered 7/17/2012
Q: Can you give me some info on Hulet-Sinker creek reservoir in Owyhee county?
The coordinates are Latitude: 43.0927, Longitude: -116.5443. I would like to know: 1. Is it located on public or private land? 2. If on private land, How far upstream is this creek on private land? 3. If on private land, How much of the surounding land is private? Thank you.A:
Hulet-Sinker Creek Reservoir is entirely on private land. Approximately 1.1 miles upstream of the dam, there is about a 0.8 mile section of BLM land. There is about a 0.5-1 mile "buffer" of private land surrounding the reservoir. In order to navigate in this area, you need to print maps from the IDFG map center which is accessible through the Fish/Hunt Planner. Alternatively, you may want to purchase a BLM surface management status map for Murphy. These maps are invaluable for navigating in the Owyhees.answered 7/17/2012
Q: Salvage Requirements?
When salvaging a road kill animal are you required to remove the entire animal from the roadway even if there is very little to no usable meat.A:
No. There is no stipulation that you salvage the entire carcass. You can salvage any part that you choose and leave the rest.answered 7/17/2012
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Yes, you can purchase any general season big game tag after the seasons open.answered 7/16/2012
Q: Does F&G have any geographical unit or regional maps?
We have several maps that show the various unit or regions for hunting but they are outdated. We know this because the map for Unit 36 only shows 36 and 36B but now there is a 36A. My son is going hunting for the first time with our his father (deceased in January) and I don't want our son to get into trouble because he crossed into a unit that is not allowing hunting (Unit 36). If you do not carry them, do you know where we can get the maps? Thank you.A:
We have topographic maps for sale at the headquarters office in Boise; they include big game unit boundaries. These maps can also be ordered by mail. Map ordering information can be found in the 2012 big game rules book, pages 98 and 99.answered 7/16/2012
Q: When will the 2012 Waterfowl regs be out?
I would like to know in order to schedule time off from work.A:
They will be available in late August or early September/answered 7/15/2012
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Yes, you can purchase your controlled hunt tag now and add the archery permit after you take the archery education class.answered 7/15/2012
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The health advisory is still in effect. Here is what the Panhandle Health District said in their advisory regarding eating fish: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2012 Contact: For environmental/water quality questions: For human health questions: Kristin Keith Dick Martindale Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality Panhandle Health District (208) 769-1422 (208) 415-5212 Health Advisory Issued for Fernan Lake Hayden - A health advisory was issued today for Fernan Lake by the Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Water samples confirmed the presence of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. The density of blue-green algae in Fernan Lake is likely to be associated with potentially harmful toxin concentrations in water according to World Health Organization guidelines. Therefore, the public is advised to avoid swallowing or inhaling water and to avoid direct contact with water containing visible algae. Drinking water from the lake is especially dangerous and the toxins can’t be removed by boiling or filtering the water. Children and pets are particularly susceptible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, humans who drink or swim in water that contains high concentrations of cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial toxins may experience gastroenteritis, skin irritation, allergic responses or liver damage. Symptoms of exposure in humans are rare and include numbness, tingling, skin irritation and nausea. If symptoms persist or worsen people should seek medical attention. Pets and livestock should also avoid the area. With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people are encouraged to enjoy other activities near the lake including camping, hiking, biking, catch and release fishing and bird watching. If people choose to eat fish from this area, it is recommended that they remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking since toxins are most likely to collect in those tissues. Blue-green algae are naturally occurring microscopic bacteria. There are many species that occur in Idaho surface waters and only some species release toxins under certain conditions. Blooms can occur in waters with high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen under certain conditions. Above average rain in June combined with rapid recent warming of water created favorable bloom conditions. The physical appearance of blue-green algae blooms can be unsightly, often causing thick green mats along shorelines. Often excess nutrients associated with algae blooms are caused by pollution from human activities. Water quality improvements can be expected to reduce future algae blooms so the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is working with residents and landowners to implement nutrient reduction projects.answered 7/15/2012