Ask Fish and Game
Stocking fish
Q. When does the Idaho Department of Fish and Game start stocking fish, and how can I find out where they are being stocked?
A. IDFG stocks some waters all year round. Other waters are stocked at various times during the year. For a current stocking report contact the regional IDFG office, or go online to: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/stocking/. For information about stocking schedules, go online to regional fishing reports at: Panhandle Region, http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=227.
Lochsa salmon
Q. I hear the Lochsa is closed to salmon fishing. Is that just for now, or if the counts stay good, will you open it later in the end of May? Or was it decided to not open the Lochsa for salmon this year at all?
A. Based on the fish counts to date, it is extremely unlikely that the Lochsa River would be opened to chinook salmon fishing this year. The current forecast of returning chinook indicates that only limited fishing opportunity can be provided in the Clearwater River drainage.
Family fishing waters
Q. Where's a good place to take the grandkids fishing?
A. Family Fishing Waters are great places to take the family fishing. They are easy to get to and have plenty of fish to catch. Each of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's seven regions across the state can answer your questions and get you and your family started on the road to fishing. Or find local Family Fishing Waters in the current fishing rules brochure or online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=252.
Depredation hunts
Q. When is the deadline to sign up for depredation hunts this year?
A. The sign-up period to participate in depredation hunts this year runs through June 30. Any Idaho resident with a valid hunting license may participate. Hunters may apply for deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear - but only once for each species. They may apply for a different species in different regions. For more information and an application form, review pages 97 and 98 in the big game rule book. Fill out the form and mail it to the regional office in the areas hunters are willing to hunt. All applications received before June 30 will be placed in random order. All applications received after June 30 will be placed at the end of the list in the order received. The list will be valid from July 1 to the following June 30. If a controlled antlerless or doe-fawn hunt is open or about to open in the depredation area, holders of permits in that area will be given the first option to participate in the depredation hunt. After antlerless or doe-fawn controlled hunts have ended, participants will be selected in order from the depredation hunt list. Generally, applications received after June 30 have little chance of being selected.