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Idaho Department of Fish and Game to hold Scoping Meetings for 2008-2009 Fishing Seasons and Rules

Posted on: April 24, 2007

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will hold meetings across the Upper Snake Region in the next two weeks to discuss potential fishing rule changes. It’s all part of the process for setting the 2008-2009 fishing seasons and rules. In the next few months, IDFG will scope the public for ideas, develop proposals, and offer recommended rule changes to the Commission for their final approval.

According to Regional Fisheries Manager Jim Fredericks, “The scoping phase of the process is when we want to hear ideas on potential rule changes from anglers, as well as share our information and ideas about where changes may be appropriate.” He notes that IDFG is continually looking for ways to simplify rules and to increase fishing opportunities, where populations can support it. “We’re very aware that the rules brochure can be difficult to understand, and for that reason we try to minimize the number of special rules and exceptions”.

Fredericks suggests that as anglers consider rule changes, they focus on specific goals for a fishery, and then work with the Fish and Game biologists to determine what rules, if any, can achieve the goal. As an example, Fredericks points out that anglers often promote catch-and-release rules assuming they will improve the average size of fish. “It’s important to keep in mind that the goal should be to increase the size of fish, not eliminate harvest. Our job is to use science to determine if the goals are realistic and, if so, identify options that would help achieve them”.

At this point, IDFG doesn’t have a lot of big changes planned to be scoped with the public. Fredericks does see a need to deal with potential problems associated with the ice fishery that can now occur in November on Henrys Lake. “Although we don’t see this as a major biological issue, trespassing and parking will likely become a problem if the ice-fishery lasts more than a few days, and highly productive fisheries can certainly bring out the greed in people”. IDFG wants to discuss options for maintaining ice-fishing opportunity without compromising the quality of the fishery or creating access problems.

The IDFG has already heard from the public on a few issues. “We’ve heard some interest in further restricting the winter catch-and-release season on the Big Lost River,” Fredericks said, “and anglers have suggested extending the season for Henrys Lake tributaries and managing a small number of mountain lakes for more quality-size fish.”

At the statewide level, the Department is looking for comments regarding removing the harvest restrictions on bullfrogs, allowing larger crayfish and minnow traps, and restricting the importation of live aquatic organisms such as leeches, salamanders, and crayfish.

The public is encouraged to attend a meeting and make comments about potential proposals or other fishing related topics. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jim Fredericks at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD). Comments can also be sent via E-mail to jfredericks@idfg.idaho.gov. Deadline for comments is 5:00 P.M. on May 31, 2007.

ALL MEETINGS START AT 7:00 P.M.


Tue, May 1 RexburgMadison County Senior Citizen’s Center
Wed, May 2Idaho FallsIDFG Regional Office
Thu, May 3 Mackay Mackay High School


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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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