Fisheries Program

Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland Fisheries Program

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest surrounds some of the wests premier trout fisheries including the Henry’s Fork, Teton, and South Fork Snake rivers. East Idaho is a renown fishing destination with exceptional trout fishing in larger rivers and smaller headwater streams. Many anglers are drawn to the area to catch native trout including the Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Upper Snake Basin and the Bear River Bonneville cutthroat in the Bear River Basin.  The Caribou-Targhee Fisheries Program works with a diversity of local partners to improve fisheries and aquatic habitats across East Idaho while maintaining a native fish emphasis. In short, we help make your fishing and outdoor experiences better.

What We Do

Our Fisheries Program is run by dedicated biologists who focus on preserving and enhancing aquatic habitats for native fish and desired nonnative fish. Our program is complemented by the Hydrology Program that focuses on watershed protection and restoration. Here’s what we’re up to:

• Habitat Restoration: The Fisheries and Hydrology staff have extensive restoration experience and a proven partnership track record. We work with partners to identify and implement large scale conservation projects to benefit native fish.  One focal area has been Tincup Creek tributary of the Salt River. Over the last seven years we’ve partnered with Trout Unlimited to implement stream restoration and floodplain reconnection projects and have improved over seven miles of Tincup Creek for native fish.  Most of our project funding come from partnering agencies and nonprofit grant sources to help improve fisheries on your public lands.
• Habitat Connectivity: We work with partners on improvements to road crossings and diversions to address fish passage issues and stream connectivity. Annually we raise funding for improvements to travel routes or various waterworks infrastructure. In Paris Creek, tributary to the Bear River we are currently working with PacifiCorp and other stakeholders to remove a hydroelectric power plant and diversion to restore stream flow to four miles of flow regulated stream. In addition, two bridges will be improved to promote capacity and fish passage.
• Monitoring: We work with partners to collect a diversity of physical and biological data to help assess aquatic biota and their habitats. During the field season we can be out sampling fish with e-fishing equipment or using other methods like collecting eDNA from streams to map species distribution or abundance. Other days were surveying for amphibians, surveying habitat features for projects or retrieving long-term water temperature loggers. Our program hosts a diversity of monitoring and were always looking for volunteer help!
• Partnering Up: We don’t work alone. Partnerships make the incredible work happen! We have a host of amazing partners like Idaho Fish and Game, Trout Unlimited, Henry’s Fork Foundation, and Friends of Teton River with whom we collaborate on fisheries monitoring, planning, and restoration. As mentioned above we bring partners and funding together to benefit your public lands and the fisheries resource.
• Outreach: The Fisheries Program supports community and school events by providing educational outreach on fisheries and the importance of healthy stream habitats. Look for us at an event near you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R42UlelVF_I

Stars of the Streams

The forest’s waters are home to some incredible fish. Here are a few you might find:

• Cutthroat Trout: The native Yellowstone and Bear River Bonneville cutthroat are a prized catch, and thrive in cold, clear water. Many waters in east Idaho support intact populations of native cutthroat trout and spawning runs of large migratory trout can be found in some small streams. Come catch a native trout in their native waters!
• Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout: In many waters these non-native fish have been introduced and can provide great angling opportunities and fine table fare.
• Northern leatherside chub and Green suckers: Both rare native non-game species that we’re looking to learn more about including their distribution and status. 

With miles of streams and legendary rivers, the forest is known as one of the top cutthroat trout fishing areas in the world. Whether you’re casting a line or just watching the water, these fish are a big part of what makes this place special.

Why It Matters

Freshwater ecosystems are the most limited scale habitat on our landscapes yet also the most productive and sensitive. These areas support a host of benefits for wildlife, fish, watersheds and the neighboring communities. They are essentially the lifeblood of our forests.  It’s important to protect and restore streams and riparian areas to produce desired habitat values that support healthy populations of fish and wildlife. The Fisheries Program is working to restore, maintain, and protect these areas for future generations.  

Want to Explore More

Like us, you likely love fishing and being outdoors! We’re here to help. Reach out and let us know your favorite fishing areas or contact us for recommendations for your next outing. We invite you to explore the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and our amazing rivers and streams!ome!