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 476 - 500 of 3534 questionsQ: Is the salmon fishing good on the little salmon/rapid river in Riggins?
Good fishing? Worth my money and time at the moment? Just curious I'm a broke college student.A:
As of the first week of June, salmon fishing was very good. Anglers were averaging less than 10 hours per fish. Over 2,100 fish have been harvested from the Little Salmon River as of 6/7.answered 6/7/2015
Q: 2nd salmon permit
With all the salmon we have this year I was wondering if fish and game was going to let us buy a 2nd permit for another 20 fish.A:
Sorry, you only get one salmon permit for the spring/summer Chinook season. The first 20 notches are to record Chinook salmon from the Spring and Summer Chinook seasons. The second group of 20 notches are for the Fall Chinook and Coho season.answered 6/2/2015
Q: Expected hatchery salmon returns Pahsimeroi hatchery 2015?
What are the expected hatchery salmon returns to the Pahsimeroi this year?A:
Our preseason forcast for Spring Chinook returning to Pahsimeroi was just over 2,100 adults. Incomplete PIT tag data is currently suggesting numbers may be less than our forecast - but it's still early and subject to change.answered 6/1/2015
Q: chinook Salmon juvenile or adult
How do I tell the difference between an adult Chinook and a juvenile chinook.A:
Are we talking about a water with landlocked Fall Chinook or a river system that Chinook Salmon can use to reach the ocean? Anadromous (ocean-going) juvenile Chinook are typically defined as being two years of age or less. They will be 3 - 5" in length - depending on their diet and water temperatures. At approixmately 18 months of age they begin to smolt (body change to adapt to salt water). They become silvery and usually begin their downstream migration to the ocean. When they return to fresh water (1 - 3 years later) they are considered adults. Chinook Salmon that live one year in the ocean are mostly males and will be 20 - 24" in length. Two and three-ocean fish will be considerably larger. Land-locked Chinook Salmon are stocked in several locations around Idaho to help manage Kokanee Salmon populations. They are raised in a fish hatchery for their first year of life and will grow to 8 - 10". When stocked in reservoirs they typically begin eating juvenile Kokanee and add roughly 8 - 10" of length per year. Land-locked Fall Chinook will live 4 - 5 years in most Idaho reservoirs. Most are unsuccessful at naturally reproducing.answered 5/31/2015
Q: tiger musky in dog creek Res.
Is there a size limit on tiger musky in dog creek reservoir? And what is it?A:
Yes, there is a size limit on tiger muskie in Dog Creek Reservoir. You can keep 2-tiger muskie that are 40" or longer in length, per day.answered 5/26/2015
Q: loaches for catfish bait
what are the laws on using loaches (an invasive species ) alive or dead, for catfish bait?A:
You can use dead loach for bait when fishing for catfish, however, live crayfish are the only live bait that can be used, and they must be used on the water where they were collected. See the following text on page 50 of the current fishing seasons and rules: "Note: Use of live fish, leeches, frongs, salamanders, waterdogs, or shrimp as bait is prohibited in Idaho, except that live crayfish may be used if caught on the body of water being fished." You can download a copy of the fishing rule book here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/seasonsRules.pdf Thanks!answered 5/26/2015
Q: South fork salmon river quota
What is the quota for salmon on the south fork salmon river for 2015?A:
We haven't finalized the quota for the South Fork Salmon River - as of the last week in May. The number of fish that are in excess of our brood stock needs and available to anglers (harvest quota) is not actually determined until we have data on the number of passive induced transponder (PIT) tags detected over Lower Granite Dam - the last dam before the fish enter Idaho. PIT tagged fish destined for the South Fork Salmon River are currently below our pre-season forecast, however there are still PIT tagged South Fork fish coming over Bonneville Dam in the lower Columbia River. At this point in time, we are going to wait until the second week in June to release our harvest quota estimates for the South Fork Salmon run. Ask this question again in two or three weeks.answered 5/26/2015
Q: Catch and release
If you are doing catch and release fishing, do you need a fishing license in Idaho?A:
Yes, you need a fishing license to harass, bait, attempt to take, etc. any fish in public waters in Idaho.answered 5/25/2015
Q: How do I look up my purchase history online?
I can't find my hunting license number that I purchased online through the website. I would like to view my purchase history.A:
If you access our license purchase page found at https://id.outdoorcentral.us/ and complete a search for your information, the system will display the items you have purchased in the current license year at the bottom of the license, tag and permit selection page.The system will display your license number like:License #DescriptionPurchase Date 199-15-999999 HUNTING 03/16/2015answered 5/8/2015
Q: How often are there openings for Fish and Game conservation officers?
I was thinking of going into the fish and game career. I was just wondering how often conservation officers jobs open or what's my chances of getting into this career around this area. Thanks ErikA:
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game typically posts an announcement for applicants to apply to Conservation Officer once a year. However, this can change at any time depending our department's needs. The Conservation Officer patrol areas are located in various locations throughout the state. The patrol area available to a successful applicant will depend on where the vacancy is located. For more information about becoming an Conservation Officer with IDFG please visit the following link - http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/enforce/?getPage=204.answered 5/8/2015
Q: Chinook hatchery returns
Will they be updating the hatchery returns this year here on the website?A:
The short answer is yes. Hatcheries are starting to trap chinook salmon and we are finalizing our website content and procedures for updating the trapping numbers. As of May 7, Rapid River had trapped 7 adipse fin clipped adult chinook salmon and Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery (on the Clearwater) had trapped 2 adipose fin clipped adults. Browse to the hatchery returns.answered 5/8/2015
Q: Answering a question!
On March 12 a person asked about the super hunt tags, in no surprise it was talked about in circles, its all about money, not quality or Quantity of the animals it's what Idaho Fish and Game gets in their pocket. That's the whole deal. It has been brought to their attention about how to manage the herds of both deer and elk but severely refused. It would actually make Fish and Game accountable for doing their jobs. New Vehicles, and such other items as boats, campers, trailers, ie. What ever happened to the feed program we had, all of us chipped in and agreed to pay that year for feed, next thing we know is the feed never got put out, and a 80% winter kill happened because of the severe winter, where were the repercussions then, we suffered, no two deer tag season ever. Wow. really and now 80% of all our Super hunt tags are going to out of State residence who have a big pocket books. Please at least be honest to the public. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! Again I have spoke to a co worker who has approached the Idaho Fish and Game and offered advise and a plan to get us back on track and he was laughed at and refused, he was told it was a biologist deal and not enforcement deal. I digress, Again back to the question about the super tags, it's about the money, fix it and make no out of State residence eligible to draw for super tags, that is a privilege, and should just be a right because that person has money. Leave the rest of the draws open to out of State residence but at least give the residence of Idaho a chance to enjoy OUR State. If you must charge the out of State residence more to make up for the difference. I am sure they will pay.A:
The Super Hunt program is about generating money, specifically for the Access Yes! Program, which compensates landowners across the state to open up their private property to hunting, fish and wildlife dependent recreation. The Super Hunt is a raffle and is open to anyone wishing to participate. People interested in participating can purchase as many opportunities as they wish. Last year, the Super Hunt generated just under $225,000. That money was used to open up over 840,000 acres for hunting, fishing and trapping. Resident hunters are the primary beneficiaries. Last year, Idaho Fish and Game issued over 41,000 controlled hunt tags. 40 of those tags were Super Hunt tags. In 2013, 51% of Super Hunt tags went to residents hunters. In 2012, 62% of Super Hunt tags went to resident hunters. When the Fish and Game Commission approved the Super Hunt program, commissioners instructed staff to maximize revenue in order to maximize access to private land.answered 5/7/2015
Q: Nonresident 2nd Tag Discount
Similar to 2014, will the nonresident elk tags be discounted to $299 for both residents and nonresidents after August 1, 2015?A:
https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/question/purchase-second-non-resid...answered 5/7/2015
Q: Clarification on bass size regulations in Lake Lowell
I would like some clarification on the Bass rules in Lake Lowell. SW Idaho regulations state "None under 12 inches" in regards to both species of bass but Lake Lowell special regulations state " none between 12 and 16 inches". My understanding is this should be taken as "None under 16 inches" as there seems to be no specific exemptions in the lowell regulations to indicate one can keep bass under 12-in. Some have said to me that Lowell's rule of "none between 12 and 16 inches" means you can keep bass under 12in. You Might see why there is a bit of confusion. Any clarification would be helpfulA:
Thanks for your question on Lake Lowell! The "General" bass rules for the Southwest Region do in fact state 6 bass per day, 12-inch minimum. However, Lake Lowell falls under the "special rule waters" which are listed separately (page 23 of the rules book). These waters have their own rules that are separate from the general rules. Lake Lowell: January 1 – June 30, bass limit is 0, catch/release only. July 1 – December 31 – bass limit is 2, none between 12-16 inches. This means that you can keep only 2 bass per day, and they must be either below 12” or over 16”. There is no harvest before the July 1 to December 31 period. These rules are intended to manage for higher numbers of 12-16” bass to maintain good catch rates of medium sized bass, and still allow some harvest of smaller fish and occasional large bass, while protecting spawning bass before July 1. Good luck fishing! Martin Koenig Sportfishing Program Coordinatoranswered 5/7/2015
Q: Landlocked chinook salmon catch limit
What are the rules for chinook salmon in Anderson ranch resevoirA:
In Idaho Code, landlocked salmon are considered "trout" unless otherwise denoted. In the case of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, Fall Chinook salmon are included in your daily trout bag limit. Therefore, you can keep 6 "trout/Fall Chinook" per day.answered 5/7/2015
Q: Can you own an otter in Idaho? if so, what permits would you need but if not, why?
Can you own otters here if you have the area and if you can't is there any way at all to get one?A:
The short answer is no. Otters are classified as furbearers and are protected willdlife that can be trapped in limited numbers, but may not be kept alive. Non native otters might be allowed to be imported into Idaho with an import permit if they were shown not to be a genetic, competitive or disease threat to native wildlife in Idaho.answered 5/6/2015
Q: 2015 fishing status of Paddock Reservoir?
What is the fishing status of Paddock in 2015? Obviously the last few years have been bad for a variety of reasonsA:
Unfortunately, this will be another bleak year for Paddock Reservoir. With little to no snowpack remaining in the Paddock drainage and the unusually warm and dry spring; there is no chance of the reservoir filling. We just hope enough water will remain in the deepest part of the reservoir for a few crappie, bass and bluegill to survive. I fished Paddock Reservoir back in the late 1980's when it produced numerous, large crappie. The key is water. If we can get back to consecutive years of average or above average precipitation, Paddock will again produce some of the best fishing in Idaho.answered 5/5/2015
Q: 0.015 inches thick
How is anyone supposed to know if their broad head has "a primary cutting edge less than 0.015 inches thick"? Aren't most broad heads made to be larger than this, thus meeting the criteria of Idaho in this aspect, or is it common to have ones thinner than 0.015 inches (which is equal to about 0.381 mm)?A:
The reason for the regulation is to avoid thin broadhead blades from collapsing causing the broadhead to be rendered ineffective in the event it hits hard objects like bone. Today most broadhead manufacturers produce blades in excess of the 0.015 inch minimum, but it is still possible to purchase these “thin” blade broadheads or find old broadheads that do not meet the standards. The best way to find out the specifications on your broadhead is to check the internet which should give you the blade thickness. You can also contact the manufacturer. If you have access to a micrometer, you can check the thickness yourself or take your broadhead to your nearest IDFG Region Office or your local archery pro-shop.answered 5/4/2015
Q: Alabama rig
I was wondering how many hooks you can use for a Alabama rig on Lake pend Oreille. I was wondering if there's any lures you couldn't use on Lake Pend Oreille or any of IdahoA:
When fishing in Idaho, it doesn't matter if you have an "Alabama rig" or gear names after any other state - you can only have 5 hooks per line under your direct control. I will say a "qualifying yes" to your question on lures. Provided the lure isn't scented, they would be legal. Scented lures would be considered "bait" and illegal in "no bait" waters. The only other way a lure would be illegal is if the hook gap was greater than 5/8" and you were fishing for anadromous Chinook Salmon or Steelhead. All of those lighted, vibrating, battery operated lures are legal for use in Idaho.answered 5/2/2015
Q: Reloaded shotgun shells with non-lead alloys
Hello, I reload my own shotgun shells. Can I cast non-lead alloys, say bismuth-tin, and load them to hunt ducks? What proof shall I carry with me to prove this? Is it legal to reload shells that previously held lead shot with non-lead shot to hunt ducks?A:
As long as you reload your shotshells with a USFWS approved shot, you may shoot waterfowl with reloaded ammunition.answered 5/2/2015
Q: Buoys at no wake zone
Can a waterfront homeowner anchor a buoy to mark the 200-ft no wake zone?A:
Fish & Game isn't the agency that regulates this activity. We suggest contacting the Idaho Department of Lands local office (www.idl.idaho.gov/areas/index.html), and the city or county involved regarding permits and requirements for placing buoys.answered 4/30/2015
Q: South Fork of the Salmon
I don't see any mention of Chinook fishing in the South Fork of the Salmon for 2015. Do you anticipate this will be opened?A:
We are anticipating a very successful Chinook Salmon season on the South Fork Salmon River in 2015. Actual dates of the season and bag limits will be set at the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game Commission meeting that will be held in Lewiston on May 19th and 20th, 2015. With the low flow conditions I would anticipate late June/early July to be prime fishing on the South Fork. What a way to spend the 4th of July weekend!answered 4/30/2015
Q: bear
Does anyone in the Region 1 office know how to access Packer Meadow in the priest lake area? Have heard it is very good bear hunting, but that it is also ground zero for Grizzly bears?A:
Yes, that's very likely. Please call the Panhandle Regional office to learn more.answered 4/30/2015
Q: Boat tags
Where do I go online to get invasive species boat tags?A:
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation administers the Invasive Species stickers. You can purchase invasive species stickers online here. The Idaho Department of Agriculture has an FAQ of why we have these required stickers in Idaho.answered 4/30/2015
Q: When do crawfish start becoming active in Idaho?
Hi. I started crawfishing last year. I started around June and I caught over 150. I'm waiting for the temperature to warm up so they become active. I put the traps in about a month ago and caught nothing. Then I tried again on the 21st of April and did catch only one. I tried today and caught nothing. I'm using the same tactics that I was using last year. I have 3 traps that I use. Also, there's a lot of algae on the rocks and I'm not positive if that would affect the crawfish's activity. So to summarize everything, when do crawfish become active? It's in the 70s so I would think they would be active. Thanks.A:
Crayfish, just like other species of coldwater fish, become more active as water temperatures increase. As afternoon water temperatures begin to climb into the high 50 degree/low 60's crayfish become more active. Typically, crayfish activity is high by mid-May. Just because air temperatures are warm doesn't necessarily mean water temperatures are warm. This time of the year, many reservoirs are fed by snowmelt yielding water temperatures in the high 40's/low 50's. River systems like the Boise River, also have bottom releases of water from their dams which tends to promote cooler downstream water conditions which in-turn, slows crayfish activity. The best places to start looking for crayfish are shallow, early filling reservoirs and then transition to main river reservoirs as we get into June and July.answered 4/29/2015