Increase the minimum length limit for Chinook salmon in Coeur d’Alene Lake from 20 to 24 inches while maintaining the current daily bag limit of 2.
Rationale
Despite decades of effort to increase numbers and catch rates of Chinook salmon through stocking, the population is almost entirely naturally produced, remains at relatively low abundance, and provides trophy opportunity. Avid anglers have consistently asked for more restrictive harvest regulations to increase the number of trophy-sized fish.
Previous work has indicated that more restrictive regulations would have limited effect on the trophy component of the population. However, the proposed regulation aligns with the current fisheries management objective for this water and species (i.e. provide trophy angling opportunity).
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.
Proposal
Increase the minimum length limit for Chinook salmon in Coeur d’Alene Lake from 20 to 24 inches while maintaining the current daily bag limit of 2.
Rationale
Despite decades of effort to increase numbers and catch rates of Chinook salmon through stocking, the population is almost entirely naturally produced, remains at relatively low abundance, and provides trophy opportunity. Avid anglers have consistently asked for more restrictive harvest regulations to increase the number of trophy-sized fish.
Previous work has indicated that more restrictive regulations would have limited effect on the trophy component of the population. However, the proposed regulation aligns with the current fisheries management objective for this water and species (i.e. provide trophy angling opportunity).
Review the proposal below and submit by June 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. MDT.
After reviewing feedback and considering agency goals, season recommendations will be presented to the Commission for their consideration at the July 2024 meeting.