Docket No. 13-0111-2401: Rules Governing Fish, Fishing Methods and Gear

Rulemaking Status

This rule is pending review and approval by the 2025 Idaho Legislature.

Description

Negotiated rulemaking was initiated due to a proposal to consider expanding opportunities for spearfishing.

A proposal to consider expanding take to certain gamefish species (specifically, walleye, pike, and lake trout) was sent to the Department in May 2024. Additionally, at the May 2024 Commission meeting, several anglers requested modification to the gear restrictions pertaining to take of certain gamefish species using underwater spearfishing in waters where the Department is trying to actively reduce their abundance to achieve management objectives.

The rulemaking process considered all comments brought to the Department during the initial comment period. Those comments were integrated into the staff recommendation to the Commission. At the July 2024 Commission meeting, the rule changes were adopted as proposed. A notice of rulemaking – proposed rule will be published in the October 2, 2024, Idaho Administrative Bulletin.