• Walleye, an invasive species in Idaho, are preying on juvenile salmon, threatening their populations.
• Idaho's Department of Fish and Game encourages anglers to catch and remove walleye, with no bag limits.
• Salmon are economically, culturally, and recreationally vital to Idaho, generating a billion dollars annually.

The introduction of walleye into Idaho's waterways, particularly the Snake River, has created a conflict with native salmon populations. Walleye, an invasive species, preys on juvenile salmon, adding to the challenges already faced by these fish due to rising water temperatures, declining habitat, and dams. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is actively working to manage the walleye population to protect the economically and culturally significant salmon.

• What: Walleye, an invasive species, are preying on juvenile salmon in Idaho's Snake River, leading to concerns about the decline of salmon populations.
• Who: Key individuals include Jennifer Hoff (KARE 11), John McLain (Idaho Department of Fish and Game Conservation Officer), Marika Dobos (Idaho state biologist), and John Snaza (former guide turned salesman at North 40 Outfitters). Key organizations include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
• When: The issue has been ongoing, with a significant increase in walleye presence observed since 2016. The annual Minnesota fishing opener on Saturday, May 7, 2025 is mentioned as a contrast.
• Where: The primary location is Lewiston, Idaho, and the Snake River, including Hells Canyon and the Lower Granite Dam.

The introduction of walleye into Idaho's ecosystem has created a complex problem with no easy solution. While walleye are a prized game fish in Minnesota, they pose a significant threat to the already vulnerable salmon populations in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's efforts to control the walleye population through angler harvest and potential spear fishing regulations reflect the urgency of the situation. The conflict highlights the importance of preventing the introduction of invasive species and the challenges of managing them once they become established.

"I think they're big, toothy predators. There are these areas where they’re keying in on the food that’s available to them and I think that if that continues to happen, we’ll see more problems and more predation."

"Up until 2016, we haven't caught any walleye at the trap and from 2016, we've seen nothing but this exponential increase in walleye,"

"I don’t think they’d do too much damage below Lower Granite (Dam) and that’s why I think it’d be great for them to stay. If a person wants to walleye fish, you go down there and if you want to salmon fish, you come up here, and I think that’d be perfect if we could regulate that somehow."

The spread of walleye in Idaho's waterways presents a significant challenge to the state's native salmon populations and the economic and cultural value they represent. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's efforts to control the invasive species through angler harvest and other measures are ongoing. The long-term success of these efforts remains uncertain, and the situation underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.