Blackfoot River and tributaries, cutthroat trout seasons
Proposal
Alter and simplify restrictions for cutthroat trout in the Blackfoot River drainage.
Rationale
The proposal seeks to reduce cutthroat trout harvest in the lower Blackfoot River and simplify the trout regulation throughout the drainage by implementing a basin-wide daily bag limit of 6 trout, no harvest of cutthroat trout. This proposal would implement strategies identified in the current Fish Management Plan and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Management plans to reduce harvest below Blackfoot Reservoir and improve the population in that reach.
This proposal would also increase angler opportunity in the upper river by expanding the fishing season by 5 months by moving the closure date from December 1 to May 1. The proposed season change still protects cutthroat trout during the spawning season, which is the intent of the seasonal closure. The proposal would also better align gear restrictions with other regional waters. Therefore, barbless hook restrictions would be removed throughout the drainage. Extensive research and case studies from other Idaho waters indicate that barbless hook restrictions are unnecessary.
Options
Which of the following options do you prefer for the Blackfoot River and its tributaries?
Option A: Simplify regulations and increase fishing opportunity in the Blackfoot River and tributaries:
Section: From the mouth to Blackfoot Reservoir: trout limit 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout Section: Upstream of Blackfoot Reservoir (including tributaries):
May 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
No bait allowed
Option B: Keep existing regulations, allowing harvest of Cutthroat Trout below Blackfoot Reservoir, with shorter seasons and barbless hooks required above the reservoir:
Section: From the mouth to Blackfoot Reservoir: trout limit 6 Section: Upstream of Blackfoot Reservoir (including tributaries):
December 1 through June 30 – closed to fishing
No bait allowed, barbless hooks required
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
Alter and simplify restrictions for cutthroat trout in the Blackfoot River drainage.
Rationale
The proposal seeks to reduce cutthroat trout harvest in the lower Blackfoot River and simplify the trout regulation throughout the drainage by implementing a basin-wide daily bag limit of 6 trout, no harvest of cutthroat trout. This proposal would implement strategies identified in the current Fish Management Plan and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Management plans to reduce harvest below Blackfoot Reservoir and improve the population in that reach.
This proposal would also increase angler opportunity in the upper river by expanding the fishing season by 5 months by moving the closure date from December 1 to May 1. The proposed season change still protects cutthroat trout during the spawning season, which is the intent of the seasonal closure. The proposal would also better align gear restrictions with other regional waters. Therefore, barbless hook restrictions would be removed throughout the drainage. Extensive research and case studies from other Idaho waters indicate that barbless hook restrictions are unnecessary.
Options
Which of the following options do you prefer for the Blackfoot River and its tributaries?
Option A: Simplify regulations and increase fishing opportunity in the Blackfoot River and tributaries:
Section: From the mouth to Blackfoot Reservoir: trout limit 6, no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
Section: Upstream of Blackfoot Reservoir (including tributaries):
Option B: Keep existing regulations, allowing harvest of Cutthroat Trout below Blackfoot Reservoir, with shorter seasons and barbless hooks required above the reservoir:
Section: From the mouth to Blackfoot Reservoir: trout limit 6
Section: Upstream of Blackfoot Reservoir (including tributaries):
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.