Press Releases and Articles
McCall Fish Hatchery closed to the public for construction through Nov. 29
| idfg-cliess
Idaho Fish and Game's McCall Fish Hatchery is closed to the public for construction and is expected to last through Nov. 29. Tours are still available by appointment only led by staff on site.
Once the work is completed, visitors will be able to once again walk around the hatchery and enjoy improved… more
Beyond Trout: Idaho anglers set three state records for fish you never heard of
| idfg-bbowersox
Idaho is famous for big trout, powerful bass, and trophy-sized sturgeon, but some of the state’s newest fishing records prove that memorable catches can come from fish that rarely make the cover of a fishing magazine.
In August, Idaho anglers set new catch-and-release state records for lesser-known species… more
Conservation officers seeking information about a bull elk harvested unlawfully in Unit 31
| idfg-bhurd
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are seeking information about a bull elk that was harvested unlawfully on the evening of Sept. 12 in Unit 31. Officers believe the elk was a 6x6 antlered bull, last seen being transported out of the Adams Creek drainage. Witnesses say the individual was driving an early-2000s… more
Idaho hunters: Know the new technology rules before heading into the field
| idfg-cliess
Hunters heading into this year’s batch of hunting seasons should be aware of technology rule changes after legislation was passed earlier this year.
The Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 939, addressing the use of advanced technology during big game and game bird hunting seasons. The legislation comes on the… more
Idaho Fish and Game investigating illegal killing and waste of bull elk in Bingham County
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the illegal killing and waste of a bull elk in southeast Idaho.
The dead bull was discovered by a member of the public on Sellars Creek Road between Blackfoot Reservoir Road and Long Valley Road in Bingham County. The elk was shot from the road multiple… more
IDFG modifies fall Chinook and steelhead bag limits
| idfg-cliess
Effective at the end of fishing hours on Sept. 17, Idaho Fish and Game will modify bag limits for both fall Chinook and steelhead fishing.
“The bag limit modification for fall Chinook is necessary because the return of natural-origin fish is lower than the preseason forecast, and the fishery is approaching the… more
Drought and natural food scarcity push bears into places they don’t normally go
| idfg-cliess
For most Idahoans, seeing a bear in the wild is an exciting reminder that we live in a state rich with wild charm. But seeing one up in a tree in a Nampa neighborhood, roaming a Pocatello backyard, or searching for food around homes in the Wood River Valley is a much different story.
Black bears are generally… more
2026 Idaho Steelhead Update
| idfg-jthiessen
If you’re a steelhead angler you’ve probably been hearing rumors or seen news articles stating that this year’s steelhead return is in rough shape. Unfortunately, those reports are correct. The 2026 steelhead return is shaping up to be one of the lowest on record. As a result, IDFG will be reducing steelhead bag limits… more
Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee seeks Clearwater Region representative
| idfg-scassinelli
Idaho Fish and Game's Citizens Shooting Range Advisory Committee is seeking a volunteer representative from the Clearwater Region to help guide shooting range decisions and provide input on annual public shooting range grant applications.
Eligible candidates should regularly use public… more
Hunters urged to be extra cautious this season as bear activity increases
| idfg-jbrower
Because of ongoing drought conditions that have reduced natural food supplies for bears, Idaho Fish and Game is urging hunters to be especially vigilant while hunting in bear country this season. Wildlife managers have documented increased bear activity across the state, and hunters may encounter bears more frequently… more
North Idaho Bear Fair returns Sept. 26 with free bear spray, electric fence demos and cider pressing
| idfg-tjross
If you live in north Idaho, you live in bear country. Plain and simple.
Black bears range across the entire Panhandle, and Bonner and Boundary counties sit squarely in grizzly country. Fall is the hardest season to share with them, as bears are packing on calories ahead of winter. Oftentimes, apple trees,… more
Waterfowl season for youth and veterans/active military personnel runs the weekend of Sept. 26-27
| idfg-cliess
Duck and goose hunting is among the coolest ways to introduce a youngster to the excitement of hunting. There's usually plenty of birds in the sky and the opportunity for a novice to experience the blinds, the decoys, and the dogs — all under the supervision and guidance of an adult.
But, you don’t just have to… more
Fish salvage order issued for two southeast Idaho reservoirs
| idfg-jjackson
Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for two southeast Idaho water bodies: Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs in Franklin County. This salvage order is effective from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, 2026.
During the salvage order timeline at Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs:
Fish may be taken by any method… more
Salmon Region helicopter flights treating invasive cheatgrass and noxious weeds begin Sept. 14
| idfg-tschrempp
The Salmon-Challis National Forest, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game, is leading the charge to prevent invasive plants from becoming established after the Hayden Fire burned over 24,000 acres of important deer and elk habitat in 2023. Treatments will help combat the spread of… more
Register now for upcoming instructor-led hunter education class in Rupert
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
For those looking to hunt in Idaho this fall and still needing their hunter education certification, the Magic Valley Region will be offering an instructor-led hunter education class in Rupert coming up in October.
Instructor-led Hunter Education CoursesAnyone born after January 1, 1975, is required to… more
Rainbow trout stocking schedule for September 2026 in the Magic Valley Region
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 33,050 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in September. The stocking date and numbers of fish are approximate.
Stocking of all waters is tentative and dependent on river/lake/pond conditions (angler safety concerns);… more
IDFG continues working with landowners to reduce big game depredations in the Magic Valley
| idfg-Kenzie.Baratti
Idaho Fish and Game staff in the Magic Valley Region continue to work with landowners to reduce big game depredation on agricultural crops as the growing season progresses.
Consistent use of prevention measures has helped reduce or prevent chronic depredation in some areas of the region. However, new and ongoing… more
2026 Upland Game Bird Forecast
| idfg-cliess
Co-authored by Upland Game and Migratory Gamebird Coordinator Jeff Knetter & Public Information Specialist Connor Jay Liess
Idaho, with one of the most rugged landscapes in the union, offers a ton of upland game bird hunting opportunities. Whether you find yourself in the high-mountain timber or the lowland-… more