Press Releases and Articles
Low-level aerial spraying flights to occur in the Magic Valley Region beginning Sept. 1
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Those looking to recreate in the South Hills, Soldier, and Smoky Mountains in September may see a low-flying helicopter spraying pre-emergent herbicide on the hillsides in game management units 43, 44, 48, and 54 to control the spread of invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass.
The best way to combat… more
Conservation officers seeking information on mule deer does shot and left to waste in the Fall Creek drainage
| idfg-jbrower
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are asking for the public’s help in solving a case involving two mule deer does that were shot and left to waste in the Fall Creek drainage of Game Management Unit 66.
The animals were discovered lying just off the shoulder of the road approximately two miles up the Fall… more
Payette Lake produces new state catch-and-release lake trout — yes, again
| idfg-cliess
By now, if you follow Idaho Fish and Game’s stringer of record fish stories, you’re well aware that there’s one lake that comes to mind when you mention the words lake trout: Payette Lake. But if not, allow me to bring you up to speed.
Bringing back Payette’s lake troutLake trout (also known as… more
Second controlled hunt draw results now online
| idfg-cliess
Results of the second controlled hunt drawing for elk, deer, pronghorn, and black bear have been posted through Fish and Game’s licensing system.
Log in to your account at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com to see if you drew a controlled hunt tag.
Applicants who provided an email address will receive an… more
Kendrick hunter overcomes limited vision to return to the field
| idfg-jbruns
For Tom Perrigo of Kendrick, Idaho, the moment he had spent weeks preparing for had finally arrived. The rifle was ready, and Luke Austin was watching the live image from the scope. Perrigo has only 1–2% of his vision remaining because of retinitis pigmentosa, so returning to rifle hunting meant finding a way to bridge… more
Updates for the Godde/Kroetch Access Program
| idfg-tjross
Idaho Fish and Game's access agreement with the Godde Family and Kroetch Land and Timber Company typically opens this property to permitted public access on August 30 for archery deer and elk season. Due to current fire conditions, this opening is delayed indefinitely until landowners are comfortable allowing public… more
Black bears continue to move through the Wood River Valley in search of food
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Idaho Fish and Game continues to receive reports of black bears around homes, neighborhoods, and public areas across the Wood River Valley. Many of the recent reports involve bears finding easy sources of food, including residential garbage containers and barbecue grills.
Bears are currently in an intense… more
2026 Fall Chinook Season Opener: What anglers need to know
| idfg-jthiessen
Idaho’s 2026 fall Chinook Salmon season opens Tuesday, Aug. 18, and anglers heading to the Clearwater, Snake and Salmon rivers should be aware of an important change to the daily bag and possession limits for this year’s fishery.
2026 Fall Chinook Season
Season dates: Aug. 18 through Nov. 1, 2026
… more
Fish salvage order issued for Karolyn’s Pond
| idfg-jthiessen
Idaho Fish and Game has issued a fish salvage order for Karolyn’s Pond near Elk City, effective immediately through Sept. 30, 2026.
During the salvage order at Karolyn’s Pond:
Fish may be taken by any method except the use of firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current. All bag, possession and size… more
Winners announced for second 2026 Super Hunt drawing
| idfg-cliess
The second wave of Idaho Super Hunt drawing winners has been selected.
Of the 66,843 total entries, 12,627 were for two deer tags, 17,993 were for two elk tags, 4,862 were for two pronghorn tags, 25,091 were for one moose tag, and 6,270 entries were for one Super Hunt Combo, which includes a tag for each… more
Fire and Fall Hunting: What Idaho hunters need to know
| idfg-cliess
As wildfire activity continues across Idaho, hunters preparing for upcoming seasons should be aware of potential impacts to their hunting areas and know what options are available if a fire affects their hunt.
Idaho Fish and Game is monitoring wildfire activity. The department may temporarily close Fish and Game… more
F&G seeks information regarding cow elk shot and wasted in Unit 11A
| idfg-jbruns
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are seeking information about a cow elk that was shot and left to waste on private property in Clearwater County, unit 11A.
Officers located the shot elk in a farm field located off Albers Road and Russell Ridge Road. No meat was taken from the elk, and officers… more
Twin Bridges Boat Ramp on the Salmon River to Close Monday, August 17
| idfg-jbruns
Twin Bridges boat ramp on the Salmon River will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, while crews pull the screw trap from the river.
The work will require the ramp area to be occupied and unavailable for public use during that time. Boaters are asked to plan ahead and use an alternate… more
What the Big Grass and Tartar fires mean for hunting in Southwest Idaho
| idfg-bpearson
Two large wildfires have burned through some of Southwest Idaho's most popular hunting units this summer, and with some early seasons opening Saturday, Aug. 15, hunters have questions. Here’s what the Big Grass and Tartar fires currently mean for hunting seasons, access, and wildlife in the region, how Idaho Fish and… more
IDFG receives $1.65M grant to increase hunting/angling public access
| idfg-cliess
Thanks in part to a $1.65 million federal grant recently awarded to Idaho Fish and Game, hunters and anglers can look forward to more public access on private land through the Access Yes! program.
The grant will help support and expand Access Yes! — a program which improves hunting and fishing by compensating… more
Fish salvage order issued for Winder Reservoir in Franklin County
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for Winder Reservoir in Franklin County, effective Aug. 14 through Oct. 31, 2026.
During the salvage order timeline at Winder Reservoir:
Fish may be taken by any method except use of firearms, explosives, chemicals, or electric current.All bag… more
Parking area at Crystal Lake Fish and Game access site reopens for public use
| idfg-tjross
After a temporary emergency closure in June, Idaho Fish and Game has reopened the parking area at the Crystal Lake access site, located about two miles east of Priest River along Highway 2.
The closure was necessary after a sinkhole was discovered beneath the roadway that posed a hazard to vehicles. While… more