Here’s your fishing guide for Memorial Day weekend and beyond

Summer is almost here, and Memorial Day weekend for many Idahoans is the unofficial kick off to the summer camping and fishing season. If you’re doing the first and not the latter, you’re missing out on a fantastic opportunity. May is among the best months for Idaho’s ponds, lakes and reservoirs, and some rivers will also be good for fishing, although many will be running high and cold with snow-melt run off.

Fish and Game personnel from each region have highlighted some of the best bets for anglers and tried to keep an eye toward places with good camping, too. These spots offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities, and many are stocked with trout before the holiday weekend and well into summer.

This is only a fraction of the great options anglers have for the Memorial Day weekend and into summer. For a full list of Idaho’s fishing waters, check out our Idaho Fishing Planner and find places near you, or where you will be traveling this summer.

Magic Valley Region

Silver Creek: This classic spring creek is a mecca for anglers wanting to ply their skills against the creek’s wily rainbow and brown trout, and the stream reopens for fishing on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The creek has many access points, but the Nature Conservancy Preserve west of Picabo is one of the favorites and among the picturesque setting for trout anglers. The stream’s abundant and predictable insect hatches bring trout to surface, but these fish have grown up with real and artificial flies drifting over their heads and learn to separate the real from the imitators, and part of the fun is trying to fool those cagey fish.

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir: Like many other southern Idaho reservoirs, this one offers a variety of warmwater fishing and trout. Rainbow trout fishing heats up in the spring with the weather, especially for shore anglers. The fishing also gets good for boat anglers as we get further into spring. The reservoir has some of Idaho’s best walleye fishing, as well as perch, crappie and other panfish that can provide lots of action and great eating.

Oakley Reservoir: The reservoir received 26,000 rainbow trout last year, and it has a reputation for fast-growing fish. Last year’s hold overs and this year’s stocking of 12-inch rainbows should provide good fishing for shore anglers and trollers and a nice mix of sizes. The reservoir also has walleye fishing that typically gets going in later in spring.

Mormon Reservoir: Jury is still out on how well this reservoir will fish this year. It’s off to a slow start, but it has had some fantastic trout fishing in the last two years. Fish and Game has stocked it heavily in the last five years, and it has produced some trophy-sized rainbow trout. There’s no evidence of a winter kill, so hopefully this reservoir will return to form shortly and continue to produce good trout fishing and some lunkers for lucky anglers.

Little Camas Reservoir: This reservoir has been stocked with rainbow trout and is ready for anglers. Spring is typically the best time to fish this reservoir because it’s often drained by late summer. The reservoir is located in a scenic location and is a good size for small craft, such as float tubes, canoes, kayaks and small motorboats. Anglers can find ample pan-sized rainbows, but those looking for trophy-sized trout might want to try other locations.

Southeast Region

Bear Lake: This beautiful lake is a great place to catch a trophy native cutthroat trout, some of which can grow up to 15 pounds! Wild cutthroat trout caught in Bear Lake must be released, but about 170,000 hatchery cutthroat trout are stocked annually for those interested in keeping some to eat. Hatchery fish can be identified by a clipped adipose fin. Bear Lake also provides an opportunity to catch trophy-sized Lake Trout— some exceeding 20 lbs! Experienced anglers know that a jig tipped with a chunk of cisco is the way to go if you want to increase your chances of hooking up with one of these beautiful fish. Bear Lake State Park is located on the North and East Shores and provides camping opportunities. Nearby Cache National Forest also provides camping opportunities. When you are not fishing Bear Lake, you can sunbathe on the sandy beaches or paddleboard on the turquoise water. Jump on in — the water is fine.

Snake River below American Falls Dam: Though this section of the river is open to fishing year round, harvest of game species is only allowed from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through October 15. This section of river holds plenty of smallmouth bass, rainbows, cutthroats, and browns—and catching rainbows pushing 10 pounds is not unusual. Don’t have a boat? No worries. There are access points for some bank fishing, just be careful as water levels can be a bit high for wading this time of year. Bring your trailer or camping gear— nearby Massacre Rocks State Park has camping.

Lamont Reservoir: Located about three miles east of Preston, Lamont Reservoir is great fishing for bluegill, largemouth bass, perch, and rainbows. Fish from the ADA-accessible docks, from the shore, or from your boat or float tube. Spinner baits fished slowly work well for bass this time of year while small plastic jigs tipped with a piece of worm are the ticket to fast and furious bluegill action.

Winder Reservoir: This water body which is located 6 miles north of Preston holds rainbows, largemouth bass, perch, and bluegills. This is a great place for spin fishing or flyfishing, however, it must be done from shore or float tube. There are no boat ramps or docks. No motorized boats allowed. is a wonderful place to take the family fishing. During late spring, the bluegill bite is phenomenal, and young anglers have no problem catching plenty of fish. The shoreline near the road is very kid friendly and provides plenty of unobstructed casting lanes for inexperienced anglers. For bass this time of year, fish spinner baits slowly. A small plastic jig tipped with a piece of worm is the way to win over a bluegill. The opportunity to catch a trophy fish here is pretty limited. There are a few large bass lurking around but they are not in abundance.

Twin Lakes: Not much goes together better than kids and bluegill fishing. Located approximately 15 miles northwest of Preston, Twin Lakes is the perfect spot for reeling in the fun with these plentiful pan fish, whether from a boat or from the shore. Anglers can also find largemouth bass, perch, rainbows, and crappie. Bring your RV or your tent; there are 57 camping sites available. Reservations are recommended, especially for holiday weekends. Other amenities include boat ramps, docks, bathrooms, and ADA-accessible fishing spots. There is no water or electricity. Twin Lakes Canal Company charges for camping, and boats must be inspected for Quagga mussels at an inspection station located onsite: $15 for motorized watercraft over 10 feet and $5 for non-motorized watercraft under 10 feet. For more details about camping and boat inspection fees or to make a reservation for camping, visit twinlakescanalcompany.com.

Upper Snake Region

Warm River: This river is a tributary to the world class Henrys Fork and has a beautiful Forest Service campground near the confluence. Warm River is renowned for its scenic vistas and offers great access via the Yellowstone Branch Line Railroad Trail. Small flashy lures tend to work well on this stretch of river, but fly anglers can take advantage of the recent caddis fly hatch. Rubber leg stonefly nymphs also tend to perform this time of year and can be a nice addition to your fishing arsenal. Beginning on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, Warm River changes from catch-and-release to a six trout limit with no harvest of cutthroat trout.

Sand Creek: Pond No. 1 will be stocked with 3,500 rainbow trout the week before Memorial Day weekend making this a great location to take the whole family. A free first-come, first-served campground managed by the Idaho Fish and Game is located right next to the ponds and offers a new interpretive trail system to add to your experience. Wildlife viewing opportunities also abound at this location as the ponds are a crucial water source for migrating animals. Anglers should try using worms beneath a bobber for the best results. Fishing along the edges of the water lilies can be a great way to pull out the larger fish the ponds are known for.

Trail Creek Pond: A popular year-round fishing spot for kids, this pond has recently received an additional 1,100 rainbow trout from the South Fork of the Snake River. Many of these fish are over 16 inches and have been eager to bite. There are several Forest Service campgrounds close to the pond, as well as lodging and dining opportunities in the nearby town of Victor. Its location near the Teton Pass Highway also makes this pond a great place to stop on the way to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Slowly dragging a weighted worm on the bottom of the pond has proven to be a successful method for anglers at this location.

Birch Creek: Camping option are numerous on this stretch of river and offer a great place for family gatherings. Heavy stocking from Fish and Game hatcheries increases the likelihood of young anglers seeing fish on the end of their line. Anglers seeking rainbow trout will have more luck fishing downstream while those seeking brook trout will find them more abundant upstream.

Salmon Region

Kids Creek Pond: Regularly stocked with rainbow trout, this 0.6 acre pond located near downtown Salmon provides a convenient fishing hole, especially if you’re limited on time. Picnic tables, a covered picnic table area, restrooms and outdoor grills make it a perfect, easily accessible family fishing spot.

Hayden Creek Pond: This 1.7-acre pond is about 24 miles south of Salmon on Hayden Creek Road. This popular fishing pond is stocked with trout monthly through spring and summer. Because of spring water that makes great habitat, the fish that don’t get caught right away continue to grow, giving anglers an opportunity to catch some larger trout as the summer progresses. This area also has a picnic shelter, grills and restrooms.

Blue Mountain Pond: This 0.7-acre pond overlooks the golf course in Challis. Kids will enjoy fishing for stocked rainbow trout from the banks and having a picnic in one of the sheltered picnic tables arranged around the pond.

Squaw Creek Pond: This small seasonal pond is stocked with rainbow trout and is located about three miles west of Clayton, north of the Salmon River off the Squaw Creek Road. Recent deepening and improvements to the pond’s outlet structure will make this a great fishing location through early summer, when the water will likely be drawn down for irrigation.

Hyde Pond: This small irrigation pond provides ideal bank fishing for beginning anglers and those who want to practice casting techniques. Heavily stocked in May, this pond is located south of Salmon on the road to the Sunset Heights subdivision.

Williams Lake: Located southwest of Salmon, this 180-acre lake provides good fishing for feisty wild rainbows in the 12-to-16-inch range. Float tubes and boats provide anglers access throughout the lake. Good bank angling can be found on the northwest portions of the lake near the recently improved public boat ramp and day-use area. A nearby hiking trailhead, which leads anglers to the south side of the lake, can be accessed a half mile west of the boat ramp. Campers will also find an 11-site BLM-managed campground located about a mile east of the lake.

Jimmy Smith Lake: The half-mile hike or ride to Jimmy Smith Lake is rewarded with scenic views and wild rainbow trout. Located in the East Fork Salmon River drainage southeast of Clayton, this 47-acre lake is accessed by foot, horse, motorcycle or ATV ride from the trailhead on Big Lake Creek. Anglers should do well fishing for rainbows with worms, corn, eggs, mealworms, Power Bait, or fly-fishing gear. Rainbows in excess of 14-inches can be found here, and the daily bag limit is currently 25 trout. Camping is limited to two dispersed sites along the access road from the East Fork Road and at the trailhead parking area.

Mosquito Flat Reservoir: Both novice and expert anglers alike will enjoy Mosquito Flat Reservoir near Challis. This 49-acre irrigation reservoir is known for beautiful scenery, camping, plentiful rainbow trout, and luckily – not many pesky mosquitoes. The reservoir is now filling with water, and was recently stocked with 1,000 rainbows. Fish and Game has also stocked 13,000 sterile kokanee into Mosquito Flat the last few years, some of which have now grown to over 14-inches. Prized for their hard fight and excellent table fare, a fresh kokanee fillet off the grill will make a Memorial Day highlight. A Forest Service day-use picnic area, 11-unit campground and boat ramp is available. Currently, the best route to the lake is the Garden Creek-Challis Motorway, as a landslide has damaged the Challis Creek Road and two wheel-drive vehicle travel is not advised. For more on the road condition and campground, contact the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District at 208-879-4100.

10 reasons why you should consider applying for a controlled big game hunt

Controlled hunt application period for deer, elk, pronghorn and fall bear hunts runs May 1 to June 5, and it’s an excellent opportunity to try for a chance at Idaho’s best hunts. For new hunters, or people who’ve recently moved to Idaho, controlled hunts may seem complicated, but there are good reasons to apply for them.

While fall hunts may seem far away, the 2019-20 Big Game rules booklets are now available online and in print, and now is a good time to check out what’s available for general and controlled hunts. Winners will be posted online by July 10.

General hunts provide a lot of flexibility, and in most cases, there’s an unlimited number of tags for residents. (Some elk zones have a limited number of tags available, but are still sold over the counter.)

While it takes some research to determine which controlled hunt is right for you, and you’re limited to that hunt in most cases, there are still many advantages to controlled hunts, and here are some:

1. Controlled hunts have a higher success rate, typically about double the success rates for general hunts. In 2018, for example, elk hunters who participated in controlled hunts had 42 percent success versus 18 percent in general hunts. Mule deer hunters in controlled hunts had 55 percent success versus 27 percent for general hunts. The difference was less for white-tailed deer hunters with about 54 percent of controlled hunt hunters successful versus 40 percent for general season.

2. It only costs $6.25 for residents to apply for deer, elk and pronghorn controlled hunts, and $14.75 for nonresidents to apply, but you have to buy a 2019 hunting license to apply. If you don’t get drawn, you can still buy a general tag.

3. There are many antlerless controlled hunt opportunities for deer, elk and pronghorn. Doe deer and pronghorn and cow elk are typically easier to find because there tends to be more of them, so antlerless hunts are an excellent way to put meat in the freezer and introduce someone to hunting.

4. There’s less competition. Controlled hunts are limited by the number of tags, so there are fewer people hunting in a particular area.

5. For pronghorn, general hunts are extremely limited, so if you want the opportunity to hunt this unique and exciting animal, controlled hunts are the way to go.

6. Controlled hunts provide an opportunity for a mentor to help a young or inexperienced hunter and still have time to focus on a general season or other controlled hunt for themselves. There are also controlled hunts set aside for youth so only they can apply for those tags.

7. If you’ve already bought a general season tag, you can trade it for a controlled hunt tag if you draw one.

8. Some controlled hunts are “extra” tags, so you can still hunt during a general season and a controlled hunt for that same species.

9. Drawing odds can vary from 100 percent to less than 5 percent, and you can see the previous year’s drawing odds in the Idaho Hunt Planner and get a general idea whether there’s low or high odds of drawing.

10. There are some amazing animals available. While there are plenty of big bucks and bulls taken during general hunts, many hunters feel they have a better chance of harvesting one during a controlled hunt.

Note: Controlled hunts aren’t the only way to get premium hunts. You can also apply for a Super Hunt tag, which allows you to hunt in any unit open for that species — general and controlled hunts — and you can enter for a Super Hunt tag as many times as you like.

Want to try fishing? F&G’s ‘Take Me Fishing’ trailers have all you need

Idaho Fish and Game wants to help you get started fishing, and more important, help you learn the basics so you can do it on your own and enjoy the state’s amazing fishing opportunities with your family and friends.

Fish and Game’s “Take Me Fishing” trailers will roam the state in spring and summer and will likely stop at a location near you. They are loaded with loaner fishing rods, tackle, bait and staffed by experienced anglers. You can fish for free during the trailer events, all budding anglers have to do is show up at a fishing trailer event with a willingness to learn, and most important, a desire to have fun.

Take Me Fishing trailers events are held on weekends and after work. A fish stocking truck will typically pay a visit to each event site to ensure there are plenty of trout available for anglers to catch. The rules for Take Me Fishing trailer events are simple:

  • Anyone who signs up at the trailer does not need a fishing license to fish at the event.
  • Fishing equipment can be checked out for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Before and after the event, a fishing license is required for anyone 14 years and older.

Here’s a schedule of Take Me Fishing trailer events near you. 

Magic Valley Region

  • Saturday, June 1, Fairfield Kids Pond, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 8, Free Fishing Day, Hagerman & Gavers Lagoon, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, June 12, Dog Creek, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 15, Hagerman Oster #1, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, June 19, Dierkies Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 22, Castle Rock State Park, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 29, Rock Creek Park, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, July 3, Dierkies Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 6, Elkhorn Resort, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 13, Gavers Lagoon, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, July 17, Hagerman Oster #1, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 20, Penny Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 27, Dierkies Lake, 8 a.m. to noon

Southeast, Upper Snake, Salmon Regions 

  • Saturday, May 25, Edson Fichter Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pocatello
  • Tuesday, May 28, Rexburg Nature Park, 5 to 8 p.m., Rexburg
  • Saturday, June 1, Lower Gem Dam, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Idaho Falls
  • Tuesday, June 4, Edson Fichter Pond, 5 to 8 p.m.,Pocatello
  • Saturday, June 8, Free Fishing Day, Becker Pond at Ryder Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Idaho Falls
  • Tuesday, June 11, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 5 to 8 p.m., Ririe
  • Saturday, June 15, Ashton Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ashton
  • Tuesday, June 18, Bannock Reservoir Portneuf Wellness Complex, 5 to 8 p.m., Pocatello
  • Saturday, June 22, Bannock Reservior Portneuf Wellness Complex, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pocatello
  • Tuesday, June 25, Sand Creek Pond #4, 5 to 8 p.m., St. Anthony
  • Friday, June 28, Jensen Grove, 4 to 8 p.m., Blackfoot
  • Saturday, June 29, Mackay Fish Hatchery, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mackay
  • Tuesday, July 2, Montpelier Rearing Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Montpelier
  • Saturday, July 6, Crowthers Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Malad
  • Tuesday, July 9, Island Mill, 5 to 8 p.m., Island Park
  • Saturday, July 13, Trail Creek Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Victor
  • Tuesday, July 16, Montpelier Rearing Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Montpelier
  • Saturday, July 20, LaMont Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Preston
  • Tuesday, July 23, Trail Creek Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Victor
  • Saturday, July 27, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ririe
  • Tuesday, July 30, Upper Kelly Park Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Soda Springs (This event is only open to anglers aged 13 and under. All youth under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Want to try fishing? Fish and Game’s ‘Take Me Fishing’ trailers have all you need

Idaho Fish and Game wants to help you get started fishing, and more important, help you learn the basics so you can do it on your own and enjoy the state’s amazing fishing opportunities with your family and friends.

Fish and Game’s “Take Me Fishing” trailers will roam the state in spring and summer and will likely stop at a location near you. They are loaded with loaner fishing rods, tackle, bait and staffed by experienced anglers. You can fish for free during the trailer events, all budding anglers have to do is show up at a fishing trailer event with a willingness to learn, and most important, a desire to have fun.

Take Me Fishing trailers events are held on weekends and after work. A fish stocking truck will typically pay a visit to each event site to ensure there are plenty of trout available for anglers to catch. The rules for Take Me Fishing trailer events are simple:

  • Anyone who signs up at the trailer does not need a fishing license to fish at the event.
  • Fishing equipment can be checked out for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Before and after the event, a fishing license is required for anyone 14 years and older.

Here’s a schedule of Take Me Fishing trailer events near you. 

Magic Valley Region

  • Saturday, June 1, Fairfield Kids Pond, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 8, Free Fishing Day, Hagerman & Gavers Lagoon, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, June 12, Dog Creek, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 15, Hagerman Oster #1, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, June 19, Dierkies Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 22, Castle Rock State Park, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, June 29, Rock Creek Park, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, July 3, Dierkies Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 6, Elkhorn Resort, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 13, Gavers Lagoon, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, July 17, Hagerman Oster #1, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 20, Penny Lake, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, July 27, Dierkies Lake, 8 a.m. to noon

Southeast, Upper Snake, Salmon Regions 

  • Saturday, May 25, Edson Fichter Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pocatello
  • Tuesday, May 28, Rexburg Nature Park, 5 to 8 p.m., Rexburg
  • Saturday, June 1, Lower Gem Dam, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Idaho Falls
  • Tuesday, June 4, Edson Fichter Pond, 5 to 8 p.m.,Pocatello
  • Saturday, June 8, Free Fishing Day, Becker Pond at Ryder Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Idaho Falls
  • Tuesday, June 11, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 5 to 8 p.m., Ririe
  • Saturday, June 15, Ashton Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ashton
  • Tuesday, June 18, Bannock Reservoir Portneuf Wellness Complex, 5 to 8 p.m., Pocatello
  • Saturday, June 22, Bannock Reservior Portneuf Wellness Complex, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pocatello
  • Tuesday, June 25, Sand Creek Pond #4, 5 to 8 p.m., St. Anthony
  • Friday, June 28, Jensen Grove, 4 to 8 p.m., Blackfoot
  • Saturday, June 29, Mackay Fish Hatchery, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mackay
  • Tuesday, July 2, Montpelier Rearing Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Montpelier
  • Saturday, July 6, Crowthers Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Malad
  • Tuesday, July 9, Island Mill, 5 to 8 p.m., Island Park
  • Saturday, July 13, Trail Creek Pond, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Victor
  • Tuesday, July 16, Montpelier Rearing Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Montpelier
  • Saturday, July 20, LaMont Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Preston
  • Tuesday, July 23, Trail Creek Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Victor
  • Saturday, July 27, Blacktail at Ririe Reservoir, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ririe
  • Tuesday, July 30, Upper Kelly Park Pond, 5 to 8 p.m., Soda Springs (This event is only open to anglers aged 13 and under. All youth under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Nine reasons to buy your 2019 hunting and fishing licenses now

A 2019 resident Sportsman’s Package is as low as $124.25 and gives you almost all of Idaho’s hunting and fishing opportunities

You need a new hunting and fishing license before your first outing of 2019. You might procrastinate, and then run around looking for an open store to buy a hunting or fishing license because you’re leaving early for your first trip — or you can buy it right away and have peace of mind, as well as a full year of hunting and fishing.

If you buy immediately, you can also take advantage of some great hunting and opportunities right now, such as:

  1. Ice fishing: It’s cool, baby. No, really, it’s cool because you’re standing on a thick sheet of ice. But ice fishing is fun, and a great way to get out of the house and catch some fish during winter. Here’s more information about Idaho’s ice fishing.
  1. You can stay Price Locked: Under Price Lock, you can keep buying licenses and tags at 2017 prices so long as you keep buying an annual hunting, fishing or trapping license. If you’re not Price Locked, you can still get 2017 prices by buying a 3-year license.
  2. You can catch a burbot: What’s a burbot? That’s a fair question because it’s a unique fish with a fishing season that opened in the Kootenai River, its tributaries and Bonner Lake on Jan. 1. Burbot are the only freshwater member of the cod family. They are a popular fish for ice anglers, known for their tasty eating and grow up to 35 inches and occasionally larger. 
  3. Steelhead fishing continues: Idaho’s “spring” season opens Jan. 1, and steelhead fishing can be good throughout winter and well into spring. Remember the daily bag limit is one steelhead for the 2019 spring season. 
  4. You can still catch trout in rivers and streams: Winter stream fishing is often an overlooked opportunity, but trout fishing can be good, especially in “tailwater” fisheries where rivers are fed by dam releases, or in parts of the state with mild climates, such as along the Snake River.
  5. One of the best times to catch whitefish: Another winter fishery that fly anglers enjoy, and many other anglers. These fish feed in riffles and aren’t fazed by the cold water, and they’re often schooled up before the spawning season. Many anglers consider smoked whitefish an Idaho delicacy.
  6. Hunt game animals that you may have overlooked: The hunting season for cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares and red squirrels lasts through March 31, so if you want to keep hunting, you have those options, and you probably won’t have a lot of competition.
  7. Late-season upland bird hunting continues: Hunting season remains open for chukar, Hungarian partridge, California quail and forest grouse during January in most areas, and late-season hunting can be good for those birds. See the upland game bird rules booklet for season dates.
  8. It’s only midway through the waterfowl season: Most duck and Canada geese seasons are open during at least part of January, into February for white-fronted geese, and as late as March (light geese) in parts of the state. See the migratory bird hunting rules booklet seasons because closure dates vary depending on species and location.
  9. Hunt for large predators: Mountain lion and wolf hunting seasons are open during winter depending on location. See big game hunting rules for specific seasons.

If you want the full-meal deal, go for the resident Sportsman’s Package for 2019. It costs $124.25 if you’re Price Locked, or $144.60 if you’re not, and you get the nearly all the hunting and fishing opportunities Idaho has to offer. The Sportsman’s Package includes a resident adult hunting and fishing license, plus tags for deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, wolf, turkey, salmon and steelhead. Archery and muzzleloader are validated on the license. (You still need a federal migratory bird permit and waterfowl stamp for those species.) 

Deputy Director Ed Schriever named as new director of Idaho Fish and Game

Idaho Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore on Friday announced the hiring of Ed Schriever as the new Fish and Game director. Schriever will replace Moore, who in November announced his retirement on Jan. 13.

Schriever, 59, has been Fish and Game’s deputy director of operations since 2015 and was the Fisheries Bureau chief from 2008 to 2015. He has held various other positions within the agency, including Clearwater Regional Fisheries Manager, fish biologist and hatchery manager during his 35-year career with Fish and Game.

“I am very proud to have been appointed by the commission to serve as director,” Schriever said. “I am humbled to serve Idaho, lead the Department of Fish and Game and ensure the traditional values associated with people’s ability to interact with their wildlife are professionally managed and sustained. Idaho is one of the last best places in the world. Our legacy of fishing, hunting, trapping and wildlife-based recreation is inseparable with Idaho’s outdoor heritage, culture and quality of life. Your Fish and Game Department exists to provide these benefits in perpetuity.”

The Fish and Game director is the sole employee of the seven-member Fish and Game Commission. The director carries out wildlife management policies set by the commission and runs the day-to-day operations of the agency, which has about 580 full-time positions and an annual budget of $125 million.

“After careful consideration of a pool of highly qualified candidates, we selected Deputy Director Schriever based on his long history of leadership within the agency and deep knowledge of Idaho’s fish and wildlife, as well as his understanding of the issues facing wildlife management,” Fish and Game Commission Chair Derick Attebury of Idaho Falls said. “The commission is confident going forward with the new director that we can continue managing the state’s wildlife in the best interest of Idahoans.”

Schriever has a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries from Oregon State University, and he started his professional career with Idaho Fish and Game as a fish culturist shortly after graduating. He lives in Boise.

Most hunters satisfied with whitetail management, but surveys show division

A majority of Idaho’s white-tailed deer hunters surveyed show support for current white-tailed deer management, but it’s not unanimous, and there are contrasting opinions about management in the core of Idaho’s white-tailed deer country.

That’s a summary of the hunter survey done by Idaho Fish and Game in 2018, which the department will use in part to gauge hunter preferences as it updates its white-tailed deer management plan. Results were similar compared to the last white-tailed deer survey conducted in 2003.

“We’ve seen that most whitetail hunters are satisfied with the current management, but survey results also suggest opportunities to do even better,” Wildlife Bureau Chief Scott Reinecker said.

A draft of the new white-tailed deer plan is expected to be released during winter, and there will be more opportunities for public comment. After adoption, the management plan will help guide rules and seasons for whitetail hunting over the next six years.

Nearly 8,000 white-tailed deer hunters responded to surveys with identical questions available three ways. Two surveys — mail and email — were sent randomly to hunters who have bought white-tailed deer tags in the past. The third survey was on the internet and open to whoever wanted to take it. The two random surveys showed very similar results, typical responses were within a percentage point of each other.

Random surveys (mail and email) showed 52 percent of respondents had more than 10 years’ experience hunting white-tailed deer in Idaho, and when deer hunting, 79 percent said they spend most of their time hunting whitetails.

The random surveys showed 72 percent of respondents were satisfied with their chances to harvest a white-tailed deer, 71 percent said they were satisfied with their chances to harvest a buck, and 58 percent were satisfied with their chances to harvest a mature white-tailed buck.

The majority of hunters were satisfied or very satisfied with white-tailed deer hunting in Idaho. Here’s what was important to them:

  • Satisfied with number of days and hunting opportunities
  • Like to hunt in early and late November
  • Satisfied with chance to harvest a deer in Idaho
  • Satisfied with harvesting a mature buck

However, there were significant differences in responses between the random surveys and the open survey regarding attitudes about harvesting white-tailed bucks. That tells Fish and Game officials that some hunters feel strongly for and against some aspects of white-tailed deer management, and there are opportunities to meet additional desires.

What hunters harvested, where and when they like to hunt

During the 2017 season, 39 percent of respondents answered that they harvested a white-tailed deer, most of which were antlerless (44 percent) followed by medium bucks (35 percent). Small bucks (12 percent) and large bucks (9 percent) accounted for the remaining responses.

Three surveys showed slightly different results for the most common units in which respondents hunted, but in all three, Unit 10A was the most common.

  • Mail survey respondents (2,922): Units 10A, 1, 3, 2 and 4.
  • Email survey respondents (3,757): Units 10A, 1, 8A, 3, and 2.
  • Open internet respondents (1,057): Units 10A, 8A, 8, 11A and 5.

A slight majority hunted white-tailed deer in the same unit every year (52 percent) and 43 percent reported hunting two or three units each year.

Random surveys showed hunters were largely satisfied with number of days offered for white-tailed deer hunting (70 percent) and showed strong support for November hunts with 75 percent of respondents saying early November hunts are important and 77 percent saying late November hunts are important.

A large majority (76 percent) also said it is important for them to hunt white-tailed every year, and 50 percent also said it is important to hunt white-tailed deer at the same time and place as elk.

In response to access to private lands, 60 percent agreed or strongly agreed Fish and Game should spend more time and resources developing public access to private lands for white-tailed deer hunting.

Where hunters differed in surveys

Three different surveys showed there are many things the vast majority of white-tailed hunters agree on while also recognizing there are strong feelings by some hunters, which was seen in the open survey. Fish and Game strives to recognize the preferences of the majority of hunters without disregarding the feelings of others as it moves forward with updating its white-tailed management plan and setting the upcoming seasons.

The differences between random surveys and the open internet survey were most pronounced regarding overall hunting satisfaction and the opportunity to take a white-tailed buck, particularly large bucks. Deeper analysis of the surveys focused on hunters who hunted in the Panhandle and Clearwater regions, where 92 percent of all white-tailed deer are taken in Idaho.

In that analysis, random mail and email survey respondents were largely satisfied with their opportunity to harvest a white-tailed buck with 77 percent (mail) and 80 percent (email) agreeing. But satisfaction level dropped to 67 percent when internet respondents answered that question.

The differences became more pronounced whether they were satisfied with their chance to harvest a mature white-tailed buck with 64 and 63 percent of random mail and email respondents agreeing, but only 46 percent of internet respondents agreeing.

The split continued when asked about the overall quality of the hunting experience with random mail/email respondents saying they were either satisfied or very satisfied (73 percent and 77 percent respectively), but 60 percent of internet respondents were satisfied or very satisfied.

The differences also continued regarding whether some units should be managed for larger white-tailed bucks with 42 percent of internet respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing, with that statement, while 31 and 32 percent (mail/email) agreed or strongly agreed with that statement.

Not all whitetail hunters surveyed are satisfied

While the majority of hunters were satisfied or very satisfied with whitetail hunting in Idaho, a smaller percentage (16 percent) of random mail respondents said they were very dissatisfied with at least one aspect of it. The leading causes of dissatisfaction were:

  • Length of hunt (too long)
  • Lack of access to private land
  • Too many nonresident hunters
  • Hunter congestion
  • Lack of access to public lands

Hunters were also asked if there’s anything else they would like to tell Fish and Game about whitetail hunting, and the most common responses were:

  • Things are good, I like current management
  • Lack of access to private land
  • Don’t manage for trophy bucks/maintain opportunity
  • Low numbers of mature bucks