Press Releases

Fish and Game Offices Closed Friday, June 18

All Idaho Fish and Game offices will be closed Friday, June 18, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Offices will reopen Monday, June 21.

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F&G Commission amends wolf hunting and trapping seasons to align with new state law

During a conference call on Thursday, June 17, Idaho Fish and Game Commissioners amended current wolf trapping and hunting seasons in response to recent legislative direction. 

Weekly Salmon Fishing Update – June 16, 2021

Spring Chinook Salmon Fishing Update 6/15/2021

Check out this week's spring Chinook salmon fishing update!

Two conflicts with deer and dogs in Pocatello's Johnny Creek reported to Idaho Fish and Game

Two Pocatello residents have reported encounters between mule deer does and pet dogs that have resulted in the pets requiring veterinary attention.  Idaho Fish and Game advises that there are a few things people should keep in mind to reduce conflicts with wildlife, especially this time of year when animals are caring for young and are extra protective.

Wildlife Express: Let’s explore Idaho’s mountains!

In this issue of Wildlife Express, we take you to Idaho’s higher elevations for some high mountain lake fishing and unique wildlife watching.

Chinook Fishing Updates - 6/15/21

Little Salmon River (Rapid River Run)

Panhandle Waterlife Discovery Center now open for the summer

The WaterLife Discovery Center is now open for the summer! The center is a habitat education and interpretive area on the shores of the Pend Oreille River near Sandpoint, Idaho. Naturalist on Duty hours are 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through August.

Chinook fishing on Little Salmon River to close June 18

Idaho Fish and Game is closing salmon fishing on the Little Salmon River, effective at the end of fishing hours on Friday, June 18, as Chinook salmon harvest is approaching current harvest objectives.

Handguns 101: A Fundamentals Workshop to be offered at Farragut Public Shooting Range

Under the direction of NRA certified instructors, participants will learn several handgun basics. This workshop is for new gun owners with minimal or no experience with handguns and those considering a first time handgun purchase. Pre-registration is required. 

F&G Commission meeting by conference call June 17

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet via conference call Thursday, June 17 at 9 a.m. MDT. The Commission will consider changes to the 2021-2022 wolf season proclamation related to Idaho legislative action that will take effect July 1, 2021.

Salmon area fishing ponds to be stocked with lunker trout

Clear Springs Foods donated over 300 hatchery broodstock rainbow trout to Idaho Fish and Game. The trophy-sized trout, which average nearly 9 pounds, were stocked at Blue Mountain, Squaw Creek, Kids Creek, and Hyde ponds.

Check out Idaho's warmwater fishing destinations

In Idaho, those waters that support trout, steelhead and salmon might get most of the attention, but the those that support warmwater fish are no slouches.

Fish salvage order issued for the Big Wood River below Magic Dam and Richfield Canal diversion

Fish and Game has ordered that bag and possession limits be removed on portions of the Big Wood River below Magic Dam. The boundaries of the fish salvage are from a point beginning at the railroad trestle, approximately 1.25 miles downstream of the dam, extending to the State Highway 75 Bridge and includes the Richfield Canal from the upstream point of diversion from the Big Wood River to its confluence with the Little Wood River near Richfield. 

Wapshilla Ridge road work on Craig Mountain WMA will result in closure until June 24

To improve access, drainage and prevent future washouts, road work will be conducted on Wapshilla Ridge road starting Monday June 14. Road work is expected to continue 7am-5pm Monday through Thursday. Work is expected to be completed by June 24. 

Lake Pend Oreille acoustic-tagged walleye locations

Walleye continue to concentrate in the Western basin of Lake Pend Oreille and near the Sandpoint bridges. Tracking walleye allows fishery biologists to learn more about walleye distribution and movement.  It also provides information to help anglers better target walleye and participate in the angler incentive program.

Smolt Monitoring Project Week 12: Stepping Stones

Fishing Idaho's mountain lakes: tackle, tactics and tips for anglers

Remember these fish have a very short growing season, so they tend to be pretty aggressive and active feeders. The fishing pressure at mountain lakes also tends to be light, so the fish aren’t real cagey, and basic trout fishing tackle and tactics are usually all you need to catch them.