Idaho Fish and Game Upper Snake

15/08/2026

Rocky Mountain Power to the rescue!

We want to extend a big THANKS to Rocky Mountain Power for going the extra mile to save this young Osprey that had fallen from its nest after a windstorm in St Anthony.

This rescue would not have been possible without the use of their far reaching equipment to put it safely back where it belongs.

We appreciate the assist!

17/07/2026

Lifetime license holder Cricket Heumann reeled in a money-tagged rainbow trout all on her own, earning a $100 check from Idaho Fish and Game as part of the South Fork Snake River Rainbow Trout Harvest Incentive Program!

With a grin brighter than a rainbow trout, Cricket proudly held her check like she just won the lottery (and honestly… she kind of did!).

Cricket says that she plans to spend her monies from the "Fishing Game" on a rainbow trout stuffie and a milkshake at the Victor Emporium.

Way to go, Cricket! Keep adventuring and keep casting those lines. The river has big things in store for you!

To learn more about the South Fork Snake River Rainbow Trout Harvest Incentive program, click the following link: https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/incentive/snake-south-fork

08/07/2026

Brett just reeled in 2 tagged rainbows from the South Fork Snake River earning him $700 in reward money 💰. Fishing is always fun, but perhaps a little more so when it makes a few boat payments.

Did you know Idaho Fish and Game places reward tags worth $50–$1,000 on select rainbow trout in the South Fork Snake River? These tags help encourage harvest of rainbows to reduce competition with our native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and keep them thriving.

So next time you’re out on the river, keep those rainbows and hybrids for dinner and turn in the heads to be scanned for a reward tag. Your next cast could support conservation and land you a cash reward.

To learn more about the South Fork Rainbow Trout Harvest Incentive Program, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/incentive/snake-south-fork

29/06/2026

🎣 Headed out for the 4th of July? Don’t forget your fishing gear!

More than 18,000 catchable rainbow trout will be stocked across the Upper Snake region throughout July. Many of these spots are easy to access and perfect for families or new anglers.

Before you go, remember to consult the 2025–27 Fishing Rules Booklet and check the local regulations.

Follow the stocking truck by clicking on the picture below, and enjoy the sun, the scenery, and good fishing all month long!

If your Independence Day plans include time on the water, don’t forget to pack your fishing gear. Throughout the month, stocking crews will release 18,300 catchable‑size rainbow trout at a variety of popular fishing spots across the Upper Snake region.

24/06/2026

Congratulations to Dylan Smith of Idaho Falls on his new state catch-and-release record lake trout.

Smith was fishing on Payette Lake in McCall on May 2 when the 43.25-inch lake trout took the line for a sprint.

He was able to land the laker (well, boat it), get it stretched out on the tape measure, and was shocked when the tailfin crossed the 43rd inch line. The previous state catch-and-release record for lake trout just barely hit 42 inches.

But that’s not the end of the story.

Dylan Smith isn't a stranger when it comes to the Idaho record fish books, and believe it or not, this was not his first rodeo with a 40-inch lake trout. During a separate outing in 2018, Dylan landed and recorded another impressive lake trout that eventually earned him a spot atop the record books. Shortly after, angler Aaron Goettsche beat out Dylan’s record with a 42-inch lunker laker himself. Both fish were caught and released back into Payette Lake.

🔗Read more about fishing for lake trout and how to participate in our state record fish program here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/idaho-falls-angler-lands-4325-inch-lake-troutand-returns-idaho-record-books

17/06/2026

Controlled hunt draw results for deer, elk, pronghorn, fall black bear, fall turkey, and swan controlled hunt drawings are now available at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com.

Our licensing system will be experiencing very high volume as hunters log in to check their results. To help move customers through the system as quickly as possible, a virtual line will be turned on for the first few hours that results are available.

Emails are being sent in batches, so just because your hunting buddy received an email before you, it doesn’t mean yours isn’t coming.

We will NOT be sending any postcards, so hunters are encouraged to review their email to verify their results or log into their online account at GoOutdoorsIdaho.com.

Read more: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/now-available-controlled-hunt-drawing-results-deer-elk-pronghorn-fall-bear-turkey-and-1

11/06/2026

Summer is the perfect time to sign up for a Hunter Education class.

The Upper Snake Region is offering multiple instructor-led Hunter Education courses throughout the summer, packed with hands-on training.

Don’t miss your chance to get certified and ready for the fall hunting seasons.
✅ Learn from experienced instructors
✅ Interactive, practical sessions

If you prefer learning face-to-face and want to feel confident in the field, this is the perfect opportunity. Spots fill fast—enroll now!

Register here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/education

09/06/2026

Lucky anglers John and Lorraine Giannini just reeled in a rainbow trout worth $500!

Did you know Idaho Fish and Game places reward tags worth $50–$1,000 on select rainbow trout in the South Fork Snake River? These tags help encourage harvest of rainbows to reduce competition with our native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and keep them thriving.

So next time you’re out on the river, keep those rainbows and hybrids for dinner and turn in the heads to be scanned for a reward tag. Your next cast could support conservation and land you a cash reward.

To learn more about the South Fork Rainbow Trout Harvest Incentive Program, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/incentive/snake-south-fork