With people hitting the water to escape the last few weeks of summer, Idaho Fish and Game wants you to use and enjoy its 400 access sites throughout the state.
These sites are popular — especially during peak times — because Idahoans love fishing and boating. People should follow these simple guidelines to keep things flowing smoothly.
When using access sites, particularly boat ramps and launches, prepare your craft before you approach the ramp so it’s ready to immediately launch. That way you can quickly get underway and clear the launch site so others can use it.
Same goes for retrieving. Most ramps have areas designated for you to park and prepare for launch, or tie down your boat and get it ready to travel. Use these so you don’t block the ramp when others are trying to use it.
You can expect congestion at many boating access sites during peak seasons and times, especially weekends and holidays. Remember everyone is there to enjoy themselves, and no one wants their day ruined by a shouting match, or worse. Yes, congestion can be frustrating, and people may do dumb things, but take a breath and roll with it.
If you’re not launching or retrieving boats, give boaters enough space so you’re not interfering with them. Remember, there are many places to fish, swim, picnic and enjoy other water sports, but only a few places to launch boats.
Some fishing and boating access sites allow camping, but most do not. If an area allows camping, comply with posted stay limits, with the maximum being 10 days during any 30-day period on department-owned or managed land.
Most boating access sites do not offer trash removal services, so plan to haul your trash home. Do not put trash in outhouses.
Fish and Game and other public access providers have unfortunately seen increases in littering, vandalism and general misuse in recent years, which drains limited staff resources and funding. So, the department needs your help.
Please take pride in your public access sites, and if you see any illegal activities, report it. Don’t confront the violators, but be a good witness by getting a physical description of the person (or people) by noting their vehicles and license plate numbers (take photos or video if you can safely do so) and report it to the local Sheriff’s Office.
Most of these access sites charge no fees because they’re mostly user-funded through fishing and hunting license fees, taxes paid on fishing and hunting equipment, gas taxes paid by boaters, and other funding sources.
Fish and Game uses its limited resources wisely, and in the best interest of hunters, anglers, and boaters to operate, maintain, and improve fishing and boating access. But if rampant misuse and abuse of these sites continues, the department may have to propose charging fees for access site use.