Idaho Relocates Fishers to Boost North Population

Collaborative effort aims to strengthen isolated Panhandle fisher group

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:45am

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy greens, browns, and blues, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex natural environment of a mature forest habitat.An abstract illustration captures the intricate web of a mature forest ecosystem, the ideal habitat for the relocated fishers to thrive.Boise Today

Idaho Fish and Game has completed the first year of a relocation project to boost fisher populations in North Idaho. Working with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Idaho Trappers Association, the agency moved 11 fishers from the Clearwater Region to the Coeur d'Alene Mountains in the Panhandle. The project is intended to strengthen the local fisher population and improve connections between groups in the Cabinet Mountains and the St. Joe-Clearwater-Nez Perce area.

Why it matters

Fishers are members of the weasel family that rely on mature forests with large trees and snags for resting and denning. The Panhandle region has suitable habitat but only a small, isolated fisher population, so this relocation effort aims to boost their numbers and connectivity in North Idaho.

The details

A total of 11 fishers — seven males and four females — were live-captured from the Clearwater Region from early November through mid-December, housed and monitored, then fitted with GPS collars before being released in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Idaho Fish and Game plans to continue the relocation effort for another one to two years, with a goal of relocating up to 30 animals.

  • The relocation project began in November 2025 and was completed in December 2025.
  • Idaho Fish and Game plans to continue the relocation effort for another one to two years.

The players

Idaho Fish and Game

The state wildlife agency leading the fisher relocation project.

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

A Native American tribe collaborating with Idaho Fish and Game on the relocation effort.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

A federal agency also involved in the collaborative fisher relocation project.

Idaho Trappers Association

A group of professional trappers assisting with the live-capture of fishers for relocation.

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What’s next

Idaho Fish and Game plans to continue the relocation effort for another one to two years, with a goal of relocating up to 30 fishers total.

The takeaway

This collaborative fisher relocation project aims to boost the isolated population in North Idaho's Panhandle region, strengthening the local ecosystem and improving connectivity between fisher groups in the surrounding areas.