Biologists to Present Results from Recent Priest Lake Fishery Studies

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has been conducting a comprehensive effort to learn more about the Priest Lake fishery. Work began about two years ago with the help of the University of Idaho and the Kalispel Tribe. Interested anglers will soon have an opportunity to learn more about the project in an upcoming public meeting where researchers from IDFG and the University of Idaho will be presenting their findings. The meeting is scheduled for May 27th from 7-9 pm at the Priest River Senior Center. A primary goal of the effort was to gain a better understanding of the status of the lake trout population. Researchers have been looking at lake trout abundance, growth rates, food habits and population age and size structure. Understanding lake trout helps to understand how they may affect other fish in the system, and what types of management options are available. Additionally, IDFG recently completed a creel survey, which provides an estimate of the total amount of fishing effort, catch rates, and harvest of various species on the lake. Over the next two years IDFG will develop a management plan for the Priest Lake fishery using the newly gathered information. To help with the process, IDFG has engaged a diverse group of stakeholders that serve as an advisory committee through development of the plan. Similar to IDFG's annual "State of the Lake" meeting for Pend Oreille, the purpose of the upcoming meeting is information sharing rather than a forum for collecting public opinion about future management. There will be multiple opportunities for the public to comment on future management prior to 2019 when the new plan will take effect. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208-769-1414, or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD).