Irrigation Canals Open for Fish Salvage

De-watered Southwest Idaho irrigation ditches diverting water from the Boise, Payette, Snake and Weiser Rivers will open to public fish salvage beginning Thursday, October 1 and will remain open to salvage through Sunday, November 15, 2015. This fish salvage order is limited to the following canals: - Ballentyne - Black Canyon A-line - Black Canyon - Boise City - Boise Valley - Bolton - Caldwell Highline - Campbell - Canyon County - Deer Flat Low Line - Emmett - Farmers Co-op - Farmers Union - Galloway - Island Highline - Last Chance - Lower Payette - McConnel Island - Middle Line - Middleton - New York - Noble - Parma - Phyllis - Pioneer Dixie - Ridenbaugh - Riverside - Sebree - Settlers - Siebenber - Sunnyside - Thurman Mill - Waldvogel - Washoe - Weeks - And ditches within those portions of the Boise, Payette, Snake and Weiser Rivers. Because most irrigation ditches are on private land, would-be fish salvagers must secure landowner permission prior to accessing these canals for fish salvage purposes. Fish that have entered the irrigation system during spring and summer are left high and dry in the fall once water flows are suspended. Rather than waste them, Fish and Game encourages the public to salvage these fish for consumption. Persons engaging in fish salvage in area canals and ditches must hold a valid fishing license. Legal methods of fish salvage are rod and reel, snagging, spearing, archery, dip net, seines and with bare hands. The use of chemicals, explosives, firearms or electric current is prohibited. Salvaged fish may be taken without regard for bag, possession or size limits with the exception of white sturgeon. Any sturgeon captured must be released, and its location reported to Idaho Fish and Game. All other fish must be killed prior to transport from the collection site. For more information, contact Fish and Game's Nampa office at 465-8465.