Henrys Lake Update
Warmer than normal overnight temperatures is melting the ice quickly. The ice is darkening and that means we should start preparing for ice off and our annual gillnetting program to evaluate the fish population. Although we’re still at least a few weeks away, the last two years the ice was gone in late April. Unless cold weather returns we may see the same timing this year. This spring survey is our most comprehensive look at what the status of the fishery currently is.
The spawn take continues to go well. To date we’ve trapped 4,018 Cutthroat. The average total run number over the past 15 years is 4,232. With about 4 weeks left, we’re well ahead of the average number of fish returning to the ladder. We’ll ship our first eggs to the IDFG Mackay facility this week. Although it’s early, egg quality so far is good. A big thanks to the BYU/Idaho chapter of the American Fisheries Society who helped with the spawn take on Saturday.