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 10,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout at various locations during July. Fish on!
What in the world do excavators, construction fencing, and chainsaws have to do with wildlife management on the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area in southeast Idaho? If you don't know, there is a way to find out!
Students from Lemhi’s After School Promise recently used their creative talents to paint vibrant fish inside the Kid’s Creek Pond restroom, transforming the plain walls into colorful works of art.
“This is something the kids and the community can be proud of, said Caryll McConnell, an Idaho Fish and Game employee who coordinated the renovation with Sheri Miller and Barb Fisher from Lemhi’s After School Promise.
McConnell, a self-described “hobby artist” who majored in art in college, also works seasonally for Fish and Game to maintain boating and fishing access sites in the Salmon-Challis area. She and others thought combining art with community involvement as a creative approach to reduce vandalism, maintain cleanliness and instill community pride in these sites.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the shooting of an adult female mountain lion found on the Snake River Road near Deer Creek in Swan Valley.
On the evening of June 25, a member of the public spotted the lion as it struggled to cross the road and immediately reported the injured animal to Fish and Game. The lion was quickly dispatched and further inspection of the animal revealed multiple gunshot wounds that appeared to have been inflicted several days prior.
If anyone has any information that may be useful in solving this case, please call the Upper Snake Regional Office 208-525-7290, the Citizens Against Poaching hotline 1-800-632-5999 or fill out an online form at https://idfg.idaho.gov/poacher. Callers can remain anonymous and a reward is available for information that leads to a citation in the case.
Walleye are still concentrated in the Western basin of Lake Pend Oreille, especially near the Sandpoint bridges. In the last couple of weeks, some walleye have begun moving down into the Pend Oreille River as well, with several located near Laclede and Thama. Later this summer, fisheries staff will be including counts of lake trout in the table as well.
To view the latest map of walleye locations click here.
Biologists track acoustic-tagged walleye to help anglers catch walleye and participate in the Lake Pend Oreille angler incentive program and to learn more about walleye movements.
To make sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable experience at this southeast Idaho gem -- please do these “Dos” and don’t do the “Don’ts”.
Time to grab your fishing rod and enjoy the summer sun! Fish and Game staff will be stocking 1,050 catchable-size (10 to 12 inch) trout across the Clearwater Region in August.
Local conservation officers are investigating a cow elk that was shot and left to waste approximately 1/2 mile north of Headquarters, ID on Forest Service road 246. The incident likely occurred on or around June 18th. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Senior Conservation Officer Dave Beaver 208-791-5118 or the CAP line at 1-800-632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous, and cash rewards are available if the information is sufficient for a citation or a warrant to be issued.
Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 32,100 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in July. All stocking dates and numbers of fish are approximate and may change without notice due to water or weather conditions.
For maps of these fishing locations and other angling destinations in Idaho please visit the Idaho Fish Planner.
|
Body of Water |
Week to be Stocked |
Number to be Stocked |
Idaho Department of Fish and Game will stock over 38,700 rainbow trout in the 10-12 inch range at the following location in July.
Location, Week Stocked, Number of Trout
The number of trout actually released may be altered by weather, road conditions, equipment problems or schedule changes. If delays occur, trout will be released when conditions become favorable.
Anglers can find more detailed information on each of these waters, including maps, facilities, species present, stocking records, and fishing rules by visiting the Fishing Planner on Fish and Game’s website.
There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than to head to the water with fishing pole in hand. Here are the locations around the Upper Snake Region that will be loaded with fish this July.
With near record temperatures heading into the Fourth of July weekend, grass and other vegetation from the valleys to the mountains are drying out and the risk of fires is heightened. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is reminding users of federal forest and rangelands, state endowment lands and department-managed lands and access sites, that fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
If you plan to enjoy the outdoors during the Fourth of July holiday and beyond this summer, be extremely cautious, and leave the fireworks at home. People should also be aware that some municipal and county governments in Idaho have banned fireworks this year – including on private lands – due to fire risk, and they should check with their local government for more information.
Possessing and/or using fireworks on federal public lands is strictly prohibited. During closed fire season (May 10 to October 20), it is illegal to throw away any lighted material, including fire crackers or fireworks on any forest or rangeland in the State of Idaho (Idaho Code 38-117). Starting a wildfire by the use of fireworks is considered negligence, and the person who started the fire will be billed for the cost of fighting the fire (Idaho Code 38-107).
According to Sal Palazzolo, Statewide Wildlife Habitat Manager for Idaho Fish and Game, the department’s regulations prohibit the use of fireworks or explosives at any time. These regulations cover not only lands owned by Fish and Game, such as Wildlife Management Areas, but also department-managed access sites, including Access Yes! and "Large Tracts" properties.
“One person’s negligence can close down a large area for the year, destroying critical habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen, and impact the livelihood of the property owners,” Palazzolo said. “We are asking people to follow the rules and think before acting.”
