The Panhandle of Idaho boasts three of Idaho’s big lakes and fish-filled rivers. These northern waters are home to coldwater native fish like Westslope cutthroat and bull trout, as well as tiger muskie, lake trout, kokanee, chinook, and bass. Eight of Idaho’s 11 big game animals can be found in North Idaho – white-tailed and mule deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, black bear, mountain lion, and wolves. The area is an outdoor enthusiasts playground.
Panhandle Region
Improvements to the Morton Slough fishing and boating access site on the Pend Oreille River are now complete
Friday, September 22, 2023 - 9:47 AM MDTThe Idaho Fish and Game fishing and boating access site at Morton Slough on the Pend Oreille River recently received significant improvements. Improvements included nearly 30 boat and trailer parking spaces, ten single vehicle parking spaces and two ADA-accessible parking spaces to go along with the already existing boat launch, restroom and dock at the site.
New 3-D youth archery range set to open at the 2023 North Idaho State Fair Aug. 18-27
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 - 1:53 PM MDTThe Idaho Department of Fish and Game in the Panhandle Region is excited to announce the grand opening of its new 3-D youth archery range at the North Idaho State Fairground!
Looking for walleye in Lake Pend Oreille? We've got you covered
Friday, July 14, 2023 - 3:02 PM MDTLake Pend Oreille walleye are providing steady action for anglers this summer! Get everything you need to know right here.
Grizzly and black bears are coming out of hibernation, and here’s some helpful tips for how to live and recreate in bear country
Monday, April 10, 2023 - 5:21 PM MDTNorth Idaho is home to both grizzly and black bears, and nearly all of Idaho has black bears. Each spring, they emerge from hibernation ready to feast and pack on fat for next winter. Here are some tips to get yourself and your property ready.
Kootenai River anglers: Get your creel packets turned in by May 1 for a chance to win some great prizes!
Monday, April 10, 2023 - 6:04 PM MDTThe peak of burbot fishing has come and gone, so make sure to turn in your completed creel packet by May 1 for a chance to win some great prizes!
Joint project underway to reduce big game-vehicle collisions in North Idaho
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 - 3:30 PM MDTThe Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Idaho Fish and Game and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative recently announced a joint project to improve traffic safety and protect wildlife by repairing existing highway fencing and extending it by about a mile near wildlife underpasses on U.S. 95 north of Bonners Ferry.
If you’re suffering from cabin fever this winter, consider fishing for burbot in the Kootenai River
Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 11:40 AM MSTBurbot fishing in the Kootenai is most productive during the winter months as burbot prepare to spawn in Feb. and March.
Helicopters, GPS collars and big game animals – another day on the job
Monday, December 19, 2022 - 12:02 PM MSTCollars will soon be deployed in Units 1 and 6 in the Panhandle Region, with a particular focus on moose calves beginning Dec. 19.
Elevations in the Panhandle range from 1750 feet on the Kootenai River at the Canadian border to 7709 feet in the Selkirks.