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

Hunters are reminded to stop at check stations

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 10:58 AM MDT

Hunting seasons are here, and soon hunters will see Fish and Game check stations throughout the state. Remember that all hunters must stop at Fish and Game check stations, regardless of whether they’ve harvested game.

Hunting Deer Hunting Elk hunting Big Game Hunting Big Game Seasons and Rules Southwest Region Upper Snake Region Panhandle Region Southeast Region Salmon Region Clearwater Region Magic Valley Region Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) Elk (Cervus canadensis)
North Idaho check stations show similar results, but fewer hunters on opening weekend

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 - 12:54 PM MDT

When Fish and Game biologists predicted hunting would be similar to last year, they probably didn't realize how accurate that might be based on opening weekend results from the St. Maries check station. A total of 360 hunters came through the check station, who had taken 23 deer and elk. Last year's total for opening weekend was 369 hunters taking 24 deer and elk.

Panhandle Region
Anglers Help IDFG Assess Rainbow Trout Growth in Lake Pend Oreille

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 5:57 PM MDT

The rainbow trout population in Lake Pend Oreille supports a world-class trophy fishery. One of the goals of IDFG’s work to recover the Lake Pend Oreille fishery has been to improve the abundance of kokanee, which, in turn, provide food for trophy rainbow trout. One way we evaluate the success of the fishery’s recovery is to determine if rainbow trout growth has improved.

Panhandle Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Temporary Bridge Closure in Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 3:20 PM MDT

The Sissons Bridge located on the main river road in the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District will be temporarily closed starting October 8, 2018. Please keep this in mind as you head out for hunting season.

Panhandle Region
Relocated Grizzly Bear Update

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 11:38 AM MDT

Editor's Note: This article is a follow-up on the grizzly bear captured near Garwood in August.

Panhandle Region Grizzly Bear or Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Lake Pend Oreille Walleye Telemetry Update

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 11:17 AM MDT

Walleye were illegally introduced into Noxon Reservoir (Montana) in the early 1990’s. Noxon Reservoir is upstream of Lake Pend Oreille on the Clark Fork River. Walleye spawn below Thompson Falls Dam (the upstream end of Noxon Reservoir) and their fry naturally drift downstream after hatching, which is likely how they got into Lake Pend Oreille.

Panhandle Region Walleye (Sander vitreus)
Updated Oct. 4: Please buy your deer tags early; nonresident general deer tags sold out, whitetail tags available

Monday, October 1, 2018 - 2:20 PM MDT

Please don’t wait until the last minute to buy your hunting license and deer tags. Fish and Game is anticipating high volumes of sales immediately before the opening day of deer season on Oct. 10. Avoid the long lines and potential wait by buying your tags early.

Licenses, tags, and permits Big Game Hunting Licenses, Tags and Permits – Nonresident Nonresident Tag Quotas Panhandle Region Clearwater Region Southwest Region Magic Valley Region Southeast Region Upper Snake Region Salmon Region

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

Location

Panhandle Regional Office

2885 W. Kathleen Ave.

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

Videos

Forest Grouse Primer

RiverWork: The Kootenai River

Family Tradition Kokanee

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