The idaho department of fish and game (department) has state statutory authority to manage anadromous fisheries within the state of idaho

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) received a Formula Grant award of $330,337 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The award supports IDFG's statutory authority to manage anadromous fisheries within Idaho, including salmon and steelhead populations. Key deliverables encompass management direction and coordination of anadromous fishing activities, implementation of Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery actions for salmon and steelhead, research and hatchery operations designed to enhance species survival, and oversight of ESA permit implementation for both in-state and out-of-state treaty and nontreaty fisheries.

The project ensures Idaho's ability to maintain sport-fishing opportunities on hatchery fish while adhering to ESA guidelines protecting wild populations. IDFG coordinates input on out-of-basin activities affecting Idaho salmon and steelhead and manages procedural and jurisdictional constraints affecting these fisheries. The Sport Fish Restoration program funds are generated through excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel, with awards apportioned annually through established legislative formulas to state fish and wildlife agencies for conservation, management, and enhancement of sport fish populations and public fishing access.

This authority includes management, research, and hatchery activities designed to enhance salmon and steelhead survival in and out of state, to provide sport-fishing opportunities, and to conserve anadromous resources to achieve state and federal objectives. The project provides management direction and coordination for anadromous fishing and implementation of endangered species act (ESA) recovery actions for salmon and steelhead. The project provides input on out of basin activities that effect idaho salmon and steelhead and coordinates and manages procedural and jurisdictional constraints to salmon and steelhead fisheries, such as supervising ESA permit implementation and coordination for in-state and out-of-state treaty and nontreaty fisheries. These collective efforts ensure idahos ability to provide fishing opportunities on hatchery fish while staying with ESA guidelines relevant to wild populations.