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

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game received a Sport Fish Restoration (CFDA 15.605) Formula Grant award of $417,391.00 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Region 1, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The award funds continued operations of the Cabinet Gorge State Fish Hatchery to support Idaho's recreational fisheries program. The hatchery produces and stocks fish species across the state's waters to meet angling demand, with particular emphasis on approximately 40 percent of Idaho's surface water composed of reservoirs that lack adequate natural spawning habitat for native sport fish. The program directly supports approximately 425,000 anglers who spent an estimated 4.4 million angler-days annually on waters dependent on the state's fish stocking program.

The hatchery operations funded through this award support species diversity and fishing opportunity objectives outlined in Idaho's Fisheries Management Plan 2019-2024, with expected returns to anglers significantly exceeding the weight of fish stocked. By utilizing the natural productivity of Idaho's reservoir and stream systems through hatchery-supported stocking, the program maintains recreational fishing access and angler satisfaction while addressing habitat limitations resulting from reservoir development and natural stream alterations. This Formula Grant represents the state's ongoing commitment to sustaining sport fish populations and recreational fishing opportunities since initiating hatchery operations in 1907.

This project provides funding for the cabinet gorge state fish hatchery to continue to help meet those needs. Approximately forty (40) percent of idahos surface water is formed by reservoirs that lack adequate spawning habitat for native sport fish. In addition, many of the natural lakes and streams have reduced fish spawning areas due to habitat alterations. In order to utilize the natural productivity of these waters, and to provide recreational fishing opportunities for nearly 425,000 anglers, the stocking of hatchery-produced fish is necessary. According to a survey taken in 2006, anglers spend an estimated 4.4 million days per year on waters largely supported by idahos fish stocking program. Returns to the angler of hatchery fish are expected to be significantly greater than the poundage stocked. The species diversity and fishing opportunity generated by this program is expected to maintain angler satisfaction and provide minimum catch rates as described in the idaho fisheries management plan 2019-2024.