Press Releases and Articles
Clearwater Region Spring Chinook Update (5/12/2026)
| idfg-jthiessen
What a difference a week makes. Throw the cautious optimism right out the window, because the bottom has really fallen out of this year’s spring Chinook run. Daily counts at Bonneville Dam appear to have peaked and have now dropped significantly (see figure below). This is disappointing news given the run has not lived… more
Hunter Education Day Camp set for June 25, at the Magic Valley Regional Office in Jerome
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
The Magic Valley Regional Office will be hosting a two-day Hunter Education Day Camp June 25-26 in Jerome from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This instructor-led course gives students the opportunity to complete their hunter education certification in a fun, hands-on learning environment.
Anyone planning to hunt in… more
F&G Commission approves $280K to improve over a dozen of Idaho’s shooting ranges
| idfg-cliess
During its most recent Commission meeting on May 7, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved roughly $280,000 to help improve several Idaho shooting ranges.
Thanks in large part to hunter education funds, Fish and Game has historically awarded grants to shooting ranges. This year, Fish and Game awarded grants… more
ICYMI: Idaho Fish and Game Commission Meeting May 7
| idfg-cliess
Topics covered include 2026-27 migratory bird season setting, fiscal year 2027 shooting range grants, Lake Pend Oreille rainbow trout management, and more.
Fish and Game staff move 34 elk from Big Willow drainage in Southwest Idaho to the Panhandle
| idfg-bpearson
Idaho Fish and Game crews recently captured 37 elk over two days from a nonmigratory herd that has caused significant agricultural damage on private land northwest of Emmett for years, and released 34 of them in the Panhandle Region's Unit 7. All the elk that were moved are cows.
Now available: Controlled hunt drawing results for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat
| idfg-cliess
Hunters who applied for controlled hunts for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunts can see if they drew a tag by going to www.GoOutdoorsIdaho.com.
Hunters who were not successful in the draw can expect to receive a refund of the tag fees paid during the application process. Applicants who submitted… more
Gates to open two weeks early for motorized vehicles at Portneuf Wildlife Management Area
| idfg-jjackson
Three access gates within Idaho Fish and Game’s Portneuf Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will now open May 15 to allow for motorized vehicle travel on Robbers Roost Canyon Road, Bonneville Road, and the main road leading from the Quinn Creek parking area. Previously, these gates would not open until June 1 every… more
May trout stocking schedule for Clearwater Region
| idfg-jbruns
Spring is in the air!
Fish and Game staff will be stocking 47,900 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout at the following locations across the Clearwater Region in May!
May trout stocking schedule for the Southeast Region
| idfg-jjackson
Grab your fishing pole, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your fishing license! Personnel from Idaho Fish and Game’s hatcheries in the Southeast Region will be releasing over 13,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during May. Fish on!
Temporary area closure within Edson Fichter Nature Area due to pathway work
| idfg-jjackson
On Monday, May 4, Idaho Fish and Game will temporarily close access to Ardith’s Garden within the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello. Construction of a new pathway from the amphitheater to the garden is being donated by a Pocatello business, Iron Horse Asphalt.
In the interest of everyone’s safety, Fish and… more
Being a Steelhead Isn’t Easy
| idfg-tcopeland
Spring in Idaho is spawning time for Idaho steelhead. Steelhead can survive spawning, unlike Chinook, coho, or sockeye salmon, but similar to Atlantic salmon. A post-spawn steelhead is called a kelt. One of the definitions of this word is “a salmon or sea trout that is weak and emaciated after spawning”. A look at a… more
F&G begins annual grizzly bear research trapping in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| idfg-jbrower
As part of ongoing efforts to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, biologists from Idaho Fish and Game will begin their annual research trapping of grizzly bears in the Upper Snake Region this May. Trapping will occur on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest within the caldera in… more
May fish stocking schedule for the Upper Snake
| idfg-jbrower
Fish and Game staff will be stocking 72,975 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout at the following locations around the Upper Snake Region this May. Check the list below for locations near you. If you haven't already been out fishing, now is the time!
Wildlife Express: Aquatic insects
| idfg-sfocht
Everyone knows about the amazing life cycle of a butterfly, but did you know there are other insects that transform body types—and they do it underwater?
"Aquatic insects" is a term used to describe any insect that spends at least one part of its life cycle under water. May's edition of Wildlife Express… more
F&G Commission meeting May 6-7 in Coeur d'Alene
| idfg-cliess
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet May 6 and 7 at Fish and Game’s Panhandle Regional Office at 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. A public hearing will begin on May 6 at 7 p.m. PDT at the same location. Those wishing to speak to the Commission during the public hearing will have a three-minute time limit… more
Statewide trout stocking highlights for May 2026
| idfg-cliess
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking over 240,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this May. 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 notable… more
Important dates to help plan your May
| idfg-cliess
From tags sales to general season openers, there’s a lot happening in Idaho during May 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
Controlled hunt application period for deer, elk, pronghorn, swan, and fall black bear and turkey runs May 1 through June 5
| idfg-cliess
The application period for fall 2026 deer, elk, pronghorn, swan, black bear and turkey controlled hunts begins May 1 and runs through June 5. Hunters can also apply for the first Super Hunt drawing through May 31.
Hunters with a valid 2026 Idaho hunting license may apply for controlled hunts online at… more