The idaho department of fish and game fish hatchery program has provided a diversity of angling opportunities to meet the states recreational fisheries demands since 1907

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded the Idaho Department of Fish and Game $708,468 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This Formula Grant provides funding to support the operation of Hagerman and Henrys Lake State Fish Hatcheries, enabling the production and stocking of fish species to sustain Idaho's recreational fisheries. The hatchery program is projected to support approximately 23% of the 4.4 million annual angler days expended on Idaho waters, with expected catch rates of 0.5 fish per hour and returns to anglers significantly exceeding the poundage stocked.

The project maintains species diversity and angling opportunities that have been foundational to Idaho's recreational fisheries since 1907. Through optimized stocking regimes and leveraging natural water productivity, the funded hatcheries are expected to enhance overall program performance and increase angler satisfaction as fishing pressure continues to rise across the state. This Formula Grant supports a core state wildlife management function that directly benefits public access to sport fishing resources and regional aquatic recreation.

This project provides funding for hagerman and henrys lake state fish hatcheries to continue to help meet those needs.over 4.4 million angler days per year are expended on waters largely supported by idahos fish stocking program. About 23% of those angler days will be supported by fish produced and stocked under this grant. Returns to the angler are expected to be significantly greater than the poundage stocked. The species diversity and fishing opportunity generated by this program are expected to maintain angler satisfaction and provide a minimum catch rate of 0.5 fish per hour. As angling pressure continues to increase, the benefits of this program are expected to also increase. Overall performance of this program is expected to yield increasing returns to the angler, as the stocking regime is fine-tuned to take advantage of the natural productivity of the water.