No Change Option
Actions
Lake Trout - MAINTAIN a high density high catch rate Lake Trout fishery for 15" to 25" fish
Kokanee - MAINTAIN a low density low catch rate kokanee fishery for larger (14"-16") fish
Cutthroat Trout - MAINTAIN a low to moderate density low to moderate catch rate cutthroat fishery
Bull Trout - Largely absent in Priest Lake and would be expected to remain absent
Expected Outcome
All Species - Fishery would be consistent with what is experienced now
Timeline
No Time Frame - Objectives already met
Expectation of Success
High
Economic Impact
Maintain a similar economic value of the fishery
Limiting Factors
Biological - Lake Trout would continue to be limited by slow growth rates, impacting the ability to provide trophy size fish; Kokanee abundance would continue to be limited by abundant Lake Trout
Social - Mostly appeals to Lake Trout anglers, less overall angler effort potential; less fishery diversity than historically; limited support from anglers who desire the traditional fishery at Priest Lake (i.e. Kokanee, native species)
Financial – Low cost; continued funding for native species conservation work in Upper Priest Lake is uncertain
Restore Traditional Fishery Option
Actions
Lake Trout -REDUCE (remove as many Lake Trout as possible; Lake Trout removal by netting, unlimited harvest, angler incentives
Kokanee - ENHANCE (Likely would include stocking)
Cutthroat Trout - ENHANCE (Tributary improvements as possible)
Bull Trout - ENHANCE (Tributary improvements where feasible; potentially conservation stocking
Expected Outcome
Lake Trout - Low density, low catch rates
Kokanee - high density, high catch rate kokanee fishery for 9" to 11" fish
Westslope Cutthroat Trout - improved catch rates and harvest opportunity
Bull Trout - Rebuild population; provide trophy opportunity for anglers (low to moderate density, low to moderate catch rates); meet ESA Recovery criteria
Timeline
5 - 10 Years to transition to Kokanee fishery, increased native species abundance may take longer
Expectation of Success
Moderate
Economic Impact
Increased fishery value
Limiting Factors
Biological - Full replacement of the fishery to historical levels may not be possible because the system is altered (i.e. Mysis shrimp, Smallmouth Bass)
Social - Would require public acceptance of Lake Trout removal and more active management of the fishery by IDFG; Requires acceptance of short term reduction in fishing quality during transition
Financial - High, but declining cost
Mixed Species Fishery Option
Actions
Lake Trout - PARTIALLY REDUCE (limited reduction by netting, unlimited harvest, angler incentives
Kokanee - ENHANCE (Likely would include stocking)
Cutthroat Trout - ENHANCE (Tributary improvements where feasible)
Bull Trout - ENHANCE (Tributary improvements where feasible)
Expected Outcome
Lake Trout - moderate density, moderate catch rates
Kokanee - moderate density, moderate catch rate kokanee fishery for 11"-14" fish
Westslope Cutthroat Trout - improved fishery with moderate densities and moderate catch rates; potential for limited harvest
Bull Trout - increased density; some trophy opportunity
All Species - balance in abundance is expected to be unstable and difficult to predict
Timeline
Difficult to predict; ongoing management activity
Expectation of Success
Low - high uncertainty and high instability expected under this alternative
Economic Impact
Increased fishery value - fluctuating with fishery quality
Limiting Factors
Biological - Uncertainty of biological response to partial Lake Trout removal is high
Social - Would require public acceptance of Lake Trout removal and more active management of the fishery by IDFG; Ongoing management needed; Would require tolerance of a less stable fishery
Financial - High and ongoing