Idaho contains nearly one-half million acres of lakes and reservoirs and over one hundred thousand acres of rivers and streams stretching nearly thirty thousand miles

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) a Formula Grant totaling $4,071,354 under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This funding supports IDFG's comprehensive fisheries management and conservation objectives across Idaho's extensive water resources, which encompass nearly 500,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs and over 100,000 acres of rivers and streams.

The grant provides essential funding to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage Idaho's sport fisheries resources, which support approximately 425,000 licensed anglers annually pursuing over 40 species of game fish. Funding supports core fisheries program activities including fish population assessments and monitoring, habitat restoration and management, hatchery operations, boating and fishing access site improvements, fisheries research, angler education initiatives, and technical assistance. The award also enables IDFG to enhance public awareness and engagement regarding sport fishing opportunities and fish management practices throughout the state.

These diverse water resources provide idaho angling opportunities for about 40 species of game fish which are pursued by over 425,000 licensed anglers annually. The idaho department of fish and game fisheries program is obligated to ensure the state s fisheries resources are preserved, protected, perpetuated and managed to provide angling opportunities as appropriate based on angler preferences and the biological capabilities of the habitat. IT is also committed to continually improving the publics awareness of sport fishing opportunities as well as their understanding of and involvement in fish management. This grant provides the funding necessary to achieve these objectives and obligations.