Press Releases

Magic Valley Region rainbow trout stocking schedule for January 2021

Hatchery personnel from Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be stocking approximately 1,900 10-12” catchable-sized rainbow trout in January.

Idaho moose research shows potential causes of recent declines

Idaho Fish and Game and University of Idaho researchers began a multi-year moose research project in early 2020. Adult survival so far has been better than expected, but populations are still declining in the long term. They hope more research will provide clues on how to help Idaho’s largest big game animal rebound, or at least, discover what’s causing their decline in Idaho and beyond. 

Upland bird hunting opportunities stretch through the end of January

Chukar, gray partridge and quail hunting can be great in the early winter, and here are some things to consider for winter hunts.

Buy your 2021 hunting and fishing licenses now, and there are some great hunting and fishing opportunities

Many good hunting and fishing opportunities remain during winter so you can get the most out of your licenses. 

Dec. 30 is the deadline to comment on moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat season proposals

In addition to the virtual open houses that have wrapped up for the moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat season setting process,  Fish and Game staff from each region are holding evening call-in sessions to answer questions about the proposals through Dec. 29.

F&G Commission meeting via conference call Dec. 22

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet by conference call Tuesday, Dec. 22 to consider a rulemaking petition from the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association regarding the statewide limit for outfitter set-aside deer and elk tags.

Idaho’s wildlife collision salvage rule: what can you salvage?

If you find a road-killed wild animal, is it legal to salvage it?  Which parts of the animal?  Is a permit required to possess the antlers of a dead deer you find when out hiking? Read this article to learn about the rule and to get the answers to these questions and more.

Becker Pond produces state record tiger trout

Congratulations to Gatlynn Mayes for hooking into this huge, 4.8-pound tiger trout from Becker Pond in Idaho Falls and setting the new certified weight record for the species. Mayes brought in the 24-inch long tiger on Dec. 16 to be weighed and measured after a day of ice fishing with his father. 

Potential fungal infection may have caused duck deaths near Salmon

While laboratory test results are pending on the dead ducks found south of Salmon, preliminary necropsies sent to the National Wildlife Health Center indicate a potential acute Aspergillosis infection, a respiratory illness caused by a fungus commonly found in soil, dead vegetation, compost piles

Meridian angler lands new record Lahontan cutthroat trout

Jordan Rodriguez of Meridian decided to grab his ice auger and hit the road in search of some winter trout fishing. While fishing Grasmere Reservoir on December 12, he landed a 20-inch, 2.27-pound Lahontan cutthroat trout, which was big enough to set a new certified weight record. 

Lake Cascade ice fishing conditions update: Dec. 17, 2020

On Thursday, Dec. 17, we visited major ice fishing access areas and measured ice depth up to 300 yards from shore. We did not measure ice depth beyond 300 yards. We recorded 8 inches of ice on the southern half of Lake Cascade, five inches near Sugarloaf boat ramp, and 9 inches of ice on the northern half.

Every year is different: Steelhead grad study update

As we near the end of the year, it is a good time for another update on the University of Idaho and Idaho Fish and Game steelhead study. Lately, we have been comparing tag reports from the two years of the study to look for differences in where, when, and how many steelhead are being caught around the Snake River Basin.

Here's what we are seeing so far.

Idaho Fisheries Blogs: Biggest Bites of 2020

This year has been unusual, to say the very least. Our personal and professional schedules were changed in pretty big ways, but we hope you still managed to get outdoors to some of your favorite spots in Idaho.

More mountain lion season closures take effect in southeast Idaho

Several mountain lion take seasons have closed in the Southeast Region this month.   Find out which specific units have been affected and what other opportunities exist for lion hunters in southeast Idaho.

Hunter comments wanted for moose, sheep, and mountain goat season proposals

Hunters now have the opportunity to view and comment on the proposed 2021-22 hunting seasons for moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep in the Salmon Region,  and hear more from regional Fish and Game staff about the proposals.

Extend your season -- five reasons to hunt small game this winter

Although most big game seasons are wrapped up for the year, there are open hunting seasons for small game throughout the winter months. North-central Idaho has some great woodland-agriculture interfaces that provide excellent habitat for small game animals such as; squirrel, rabbit, hare and grouse. Read the article and watch the videos to learn five reasons why small game hunting might be right for you!

Habitat restoration the old fashioned way

Habitat restoration is a big part of enhancing Wild Salmon and Steelhead in Idaho. This work often occurs in areas where the landscape and streams have been negatively affected by human activities.

Take season for male mountain lions closed in two southeast Idaho game management units

The take season for male mountain lions has closed in Game Management Units 66A and 76 in southeast Idaho, but there are still some other opportunities for lion hunters in those units.