Panhandle Region | Idaho Fish and Game

The Panhandle of Idaho boasts three of Idaho’s big lakes and fish-filled rivers. These northern waters are home to coldwater natives, such as Westslope cutthroat, rainbow, and bull trout, as well as tiger muskie, lake trout, kokanee, chinook, and bass. Nine of Idaho’s eleven big game animals can be found in North Idaho – white-tailed deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bear, mountain lion, and wolves. The area is an outdoor enthusiasts playground.

News

Conserving Snake River sturgeon: Ready to spawn (part 3 of 7)

Photo: A wild adult sturgeon is loaded into the transport sling in preparation for spawning.

Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region White Sturgeon Panhandle Region Fishing White Sturgeon (Snake and Salmon Rivers) (Acipenser transmontanus)
Fall favorite: Floating and fishing the Kootenai River

North Idaho’s Kootenai River is a gem of a stream that’s gotten a boost in recent years and is producing its best trout fishing in years.

Fishing Panhandle Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Conserving Snake River Sturgeon: Wild brood stock (Part 2 of 7)

Photo: An adult White Sturgeon comes up from the depths of the Snake River during a population survey. If you missed the Introduction (Part 1), you can read it here!

Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region White Sturgeon Upper Snake Region Fishing Panhandle Region White Sturgeon (Snake and Salmon Rivers) (Acipenser transmontanus)
Conserving Snake River sturgeon: Introduction (part 1 of 7)

Photo: Historical photo of Snake River White Sturgeon harvested, circa 1900.

Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Clearwater Region Southeast Region White Sturgeon Upper Snake Region Fishing Salmon Region Panhandle Region White Sturgeon (Snake and Salmon Rivers) (Acipenser transmontanus)
Youth Waterfowl Hunt September 24

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has a mentored waterfowl hunting opportunity for youth aged 10-15. The hunt is planned for September 24th, the opening day of the annual youth-only waterfowl season.

Panhandle Region
Clearing Trails at Snow Peak WMA

Fall is a great time to explore the newly cleared trails at Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area. Downed logs and thick brush can make horseback riding and hiking a challenge. Thanks to the Panhandle Backcountry Horsemen and IDFG wildlife technicians, ten miles of trails on Snow Peak WMA were cleared this summer using chainsaws, loppers, and brush saws.

Panhandle Region Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus), Elk (Cervus canadensis)
Bat Counts

At dusk on summer nights bats drop from roosts and begin hunting insects. This week Fish and Game staff were on hand at McArthur Wildlife Management Area to count bats as they emerged.

Panhandle Region Idaho State Wildlife Action Plan

Elevations in the Panhandle range from 1750 feet on the Kootenai River at the Canadian border to 7709 feet in the Selkirks.

Office

Panhandle Regional Office

2885 W. Kathleen Ave.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

Videos

Forest Grouse Primer

RiverWork: The Kootenai River

Family Tradition Kokanee