Press Releases

Ice fishing update, Jan. 14: Lake Cascade, Payette Lake and Horsethief Reservoir ice, snow and travel conditions

Due to current surface conditions, we do not recommend bringing wheeled-ATVs onto Lake Cascade at this time. Additionally, those using snowmobiles should use caution and avoid staying in one spot for too long as to sink and/or freeze their machine in a slush area. Expect slush areas to be partially frozen in the morning and thaw as the day progresses, making travel difficult from one area to another on the lake.

Reflecting back on 2020- A year in review: Dworshak Reservoir

This summer’s trawl and hydro-acoustic surveys in Dworshak Reservoir have found a record number of kokanee fry. These surveys estimate there are 5.8 million fry in the reservoir. The previous high was 4.0 million fry. This is both good news and not-so-good news.

Reflecting back on 2020- A year in review: Clearwater wildlife highlights

Clearwater region wildlife staff have been busy in the field this year monitoring wildlife populations. 

Reflecting back on 2020: A year in review- Lower Granite Adult Sampling and Lochsa River Monitoring

Sampling of adults at Lower Granite during 2020 was challenging, but with the hard work and collaboration of many stakeholders the trap was operational from March 2nd through March 24th, and July 2nd through November

Wildlife Express: Let’s go ice fishing!

Ready to hit the ice? This month’s Wildlife Express covers everything you need to know about ice fishing, including tips on equipment, technique, ice safety, and more.

Do your part to protect wintering wildlife by leaving animals undisturbed

Winter is a challenging season for Idaho’s wildlife, especially for big game animals that migrate to lower elevations and spend winter closer to people than during other seasons. People can help animals by leaving them undisturbed so they have a better chance to survive winter. 

Bull elk tangles in backyard swing near Ketchum

Wood River Valley residents notified Fish and Game on Monday, January 11, 2021 that a bull elk had his antlers caught in a backyard swing while still attached to the tree at a home in Gimlet, south of Ketchum, Idaho.

Reflecting back on 2020: A year in review- Fish hatchery highlights

Despite a year dominated by Covid-19, hatchery staff and fish marking crews worked fairly undisrupted in 2020. Hatchery staff stayed busy releasing Chinook salmon and steelhead smolts at locations along the Clearwater river and tributaries.

Catch a tagged fish at Hyde Pond and win a prize

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Kid’s Ice Fishing Derby at Hyde Pond has been cancelled. But that doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t try their luck – they may win a prize.

Modern Sporting Rifle Fundamentals Class at BCR

Learn the basics of the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) such as the AR-15, how it works, how to disassemble/reassemble, proper cleaning and clearing common malfunctions.

If desired, bring your own MSR to learn the ins and outs of your specific firearm for hunting or recreational shooting.

Reflecting back on 2020: A year in review- Clearwater hatchery highlights

In March and April of 2020, Clearwater hatchery staff hauled over 3.5 million Chinook smolts to Red River, Powell, Selway, North Fork Clearwater and Clear Creek release sites.

Reflecting back on 2020: A year in review- Access YES & Pheasant release program

Clearwater region Access YES program, provided a total of 11,529 acres of public-private hunting access in 2020. The new access acreage added for 2020 was close to 1,200 acres in the Genesee and Cottonwood Creek areas.

Help protect wild birds from Salmonellosis by cleaning and removing bird feeders temporarily

Numerous states across the Pacific Northwest have reported birds dying from Salmonellosis. Finches, specifically pine siskins seem to be most vulnerable to Salmonellosis because of their social behavior to congregate in large flocks around feeders. Temporarily removing bird feeders for a couple of weeks and thoroughly cleaning feeders can help stop the spread.

Deer, elk and pronghorn hunters: Submit your mandatory harvest report by Jan. 31

Big game hunters have until January 31 to submit mandatory harvest reports and fulfill a crucial role in the management of Idaho’s big game herds.

Two bull elk killed illegally and left to waste in Gooding County

In late November, while a cow elk hunt was underway in the Smoky-Bennett Zone, two bull elk were illegally killed in separate incidents in Game Management Unit 45, north of Bliss, ID. Both elk were left to waste.

Jump shooting: a low-cost gateway to waterfowl hunting

Jump shooting ducks is an exciting way for anyone to hunt ducks and geese. It does not require expensive equipment, a dog (although handy), or having to wake up early in the morning. 

All you need is:

UPDATE on the cow elk found shot and left to waste off the Reubens-Gifford Rd.

A third cow elk were discovered shot and left to waste in a field near mile marker 7 on the Reubens-Gifford Rd (Magpie Grade).

Survival of young crappie appears to be the key to good fishing at Brownlee Reservoir

A long-term study from Brownlee Reservoir, conducted by Idaho Fish and Game and Idaho Power biologists, has shed some light on what makes crappie fishing good or bad at this popular reservoir. Survival of young fish appears to drive the population more than angler harvest, or other factors that can be controlled by fisheries managers.